Actor Seann William Scott and screenwriter Steve Conrad have formed Elephant Pictures, which aims to bring together directors, writers and actors for shorts, features, documentaries and episodic Web content.
Scott starred in Conrad’s 2008 comedy “The Promotion,” and the two bonded over a shared bizarre sense of humor and the idea of having more say over projects with which they are creatively involved.
“We want to be able to do things that are a little subversive and something that a studio would be less willing to do,” Scott said. “We want to do full-length features — something we can control and with the people we love. Right now, it’s an economic climate where it’s better to control your own projects.”
They also plan to develop a website that would deliver fresh content, but the pair are seeking to expand beyond the proven comedy model and include ways to introduce new writers and directors. They also want to focus on documentaries.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become attracted to things that have substance,” Scott said.
Much of their slate is in early development and doesn’t necessarily lean toward the commercial. One project Scott is writing is called “Iceholes,” a semi-autobiographical comedy set in the world of ice fishing.
“I grew up in Minnesota,” he said, “and I think it’s one of the funniest environments to put people in.”
Scott and Conrad are not abandoning Hollywood and intend to work on projects independent of Elephant. The Chicago-based company will begin its Web serials during the summer.
Scott is repped by ICM, Conrad by CAA.
