Eric Roth, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Cate Blanchett’s Dirty Films to Exec Produce Paparazzi Tragicomedy ‘The Present Times’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Screenwriter Eric Roth, producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Andrew Upton (of Cate Blanchett's Dirty Films) and Anne Peters have signed on as executive producers of "The Present Times," a fable-like paparazzi tragicomedy directed by Noah Stratton-Twine. The project brings together notable creative names, including Roth, whose credits include "Forrest Gump" and "Dune: Part One," lending profile to Stratton-Twine's third feature as a director.
The film stars Daniel Weyman ("The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power") and comedian Nick Helm as embittered paparazzi Roy and Ian, who confront the fallout of their intrusive profession after becoming entangled in an immoral scheme and an otherworldly presence. The wider cast includes Paul Kaye, Raffey Cassidy, Emma McDonald and Jay Simpson, alongside an ensemble featuring Luke Rollason, who previously led Stratton-Twine's debut "Two Big Feet." Produced by Dashiell Upton, Lev Petrov, Jake Kuhn and Timofey Stolov through Right Off Films and Gittes-Cross Pictures, principal photography wrapped in London in May.
- Eric Roth and Cate Blanchett's Dirty Films join "The Present Times" as executive producers
- Daniel Weyman and Nick Helm star as paparazzi in fable-like tragicomedy
- Noah Stratton-Twine directs; filming wrapped in London in May 2026
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Paparazzi are photographers who pursue public figures to capture pictures, often without their consent, for sale to newspapers or online outlets. Their work sits at the centre of debates about privacy, press freedom and the pressures of celebrity culture.
The Present Times follows Roy and Ian, two photographers whose work leads them into an immoral scheme and an encounter with an otherworldly presence. The story uses their experience to explore the consequences of intrusive reporting, while blending comedy with darker elements.
The film is directed by Noah Stratton-Twine and features Daniel Weyman and comedian Nick Helm in the lead roles. Its executive producers include screenwriter Eric Roth, producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Andrew Upton of Cate Blanchett’s production company, Dirty Films.
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