David Jonsson, the fast-rising star who has quickly become one of the most in-demand actors in the industry, has set up his own production company.
The Brit — who turned heads in 2023 indie darling “Rye Lane,” made his Hollywood break last year in “Alien: Romulus” and in February won the BAFTA Rising Star award — has partnered with BIFA-nominated producer Sophia Gibber to launch film and TV banner greyarea.
The duo most recently collaborated on Cal McMau’s upcoming debut feature “Wasteman,” which Jonsson stars in and exec produces alongside Gibber, who also serves as lead producer on the project.
“We found greyarea. because the stories we love don’t live in black and white. They live in the contradictions, complexities, and all the emotional truths in between — that’s where the most compelling storytelling happens,” said Jonsson.
“Over the last few years — and especially working together on ‘Wasteman’ — we found a real alignment not just in our taste and ambition, but in our ethos,” added Gibber. “How we bring narratives to life is as important as the narratives themselves. At greyarea., we’re committed to championing storytellers who can subvert, surprise, and illuminate the familiar in unexpected ways — whether that’s emerging voices or filmmakers we’ve long admired.”
The company launches with strategic backing from Tricky Knot, an entertainment financing and development outfit known for supporting the next generation of actor-led production banners. Through the partnership, greyarea. will have access to a dedicated development fund and film financing to support its growing slate.
“David and Sophia trust their instincts, take risks, and aren’t afraid to challenge convention,” said Alex Tynion, CEO of Tricky Knot. “We’re proud to back two talents who are fiercely ambitious and committed to building an independent studio with a distinct point of view.”
Sheridans’ Nick Mahara and Dewi Hall Evans, along with Granderson Des Rochers’ Anita Surenden and Andre Des Rochers, brokered the deal for greyarea.
While the company’s initial slate is being kept under wraps, Jonsson already has multiple projects in development as a creator and writer. He also previously executive produced Phoebe Arnstein’s acclaimed short “If You’re Happy,” starring Erin Doherty and produced by Gibber, with the feature adaptation currently in development with Film4.
Aside from launching his own production entity, Jonsson remains exceptionally busy in front of the camera. Alongside “Wasteman,” upcoming films include Stephen King’s “The Long Walk” with Cooper Hoffman for Lionsgate and Colman Domingo’s directorial debut “Scandalous” opposite Sydney Sweeney in which he’ll play Sammy Davis Jnr. He also has a starring role in Frank Ocean’s untitled feature.
Gibber is a BIFA-nominated producer who co-created the hit podcast series “The Doodler” with San Francisco Chronicle, Ugly Duckling Films and Sony Music US and produced Matt Chambers’ debut feature “The Bike Thief,” along with the feature documentary “McKellen: Playing the Part” about Sir Ian McKellen. She has produced a number of shorts that have screened at festivals worldwide including Sundance and London.
greyarea. is represented by United Agents and CAA, while Granderson des Rochers and Sheridans act as their attorneys
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