Monkeypaw Productions Partners With TIFF & Universal Filmmakers Project To Launch NO DRAMA Initiative For Short Film Stories And Directors

Monkeypaw Productions is partnering with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Universal Filmmakers Project for the NO DRAMA initiative. This initiative is designed to cultivate new talent by selecting up to six writer-directors to create short films. The unique aspect of this program is the potential for these short films to be developed into full-length projects under the guidance of Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures.

NO DRAMA is a global initiative that will have digital and physical touchpoints with the Monkeypaw, Universal and TIFF Industry teams. Selected filmmakers will each receive a $50,000 grant to produce their short, exposure to the major studio production process, access to creative and production executives to develop their professional networks, and the opportunity to screen their NO DRAMA projects during TIFF in 2025.  

“A good monster story comes from a perspective that’s very personal and very vulnerable. It’s a story that is so deeply personal that you think no one else can relate to it,” said Jordan Peele. “That’s exactly the purpose of NO DRAMA – to challenge filmmakers to turn their deepest fears into fun, thrilling stories that need to be told.”

 “Jordan and his team at Monkeypaw are visionary filmmakers who are committed to using their platform to identify and uplift emerging talent across the industry.  We are proud to join TIFF in supporting Monkeypaw’s NO DRAMA initiative and can’t wait to see the results from its first group of exciting filmmakers,” said Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer. 

“We’re proud to launch this groundbreaking initiative, NO DRAMA, with our longstanding partner Universal,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “Having one of the best storytellers like Jordan Peele and his talented team at Monkeypaw on board, is another step in transforming cinema. By supporting emerging filmmakers in the early phases of their careers, TIFF is dedicated to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. We’re looking forward to unveiling these short films during our 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025.”

With Monkeypaw serving as a vehicle for his distinct artistic vision and greater creative control, Peele transitioned into writing and directing with his breakout 2017 film Get Out, which launched his reputation as an important new voice in cinema. As Monkeypaw continues producing more of Peele’s signature works blending satire, horror, and commentary.