Fabrizio Ellis to Lead Freud & Ecstasy’s First U.S. Office

German production company Freud & Ecstasy is opening its first U.S. office, with Fabrizio Ellis tapped to lead it. The New York-based office will open next month.

Ellis joins from Rashaad Ernesto Green’s Mi Alma Films, where he was creative executive.
Freud & Ecstasy was launched last year by producer and writer
Frederik Ehrhardt supported by regional film fund Nordmedia. It is headquartered in Lower Saxony, Germany.

“Fabrizio has an incredible instinct for story and a keen eye for hidden gems,” said Ehrhardt. “As a bilingual creative with roots in both the U.S. and Italy, he brings exactly the kind of international perspective and artistic sensibility that will help drive Freud & Ecstasy forward.”

Freud & Ecstasy have signed a three-picture deal with Goya Awards-shortlisted Pablo Pagán among other emerging talent including San Sebastián New Directors Award nominee Shih Han Tsao and Canadian Film Centre graduate King Louie Palomo.

Pagán’s first project with the prod-co, short film “Voyager,” directed by, has been picked up by Berlin-based sales agent and distributor Magnetfilm will handle global streaming.

“From the outset, our goal has been to build a company that operates fluidly across borders, creatively and structurally,” Ehrhardt said. “With our base in Northern Germany and our U.S. presence, we’re able to connect filmmakers, financing, and audiences in a way that reflects how independent cinema is evolving globally.”

“Our ambition is to support filmmakers whose work travels, not just geographically, but culturally,” Ehrhardt added. “We’re building a slate designed for both major festivals and long-term global circulation.”