Former MGM Studios executive Tania Sarra has unveiled her new production venture, Sauce Studios, at the Toronto Film Festival, marking the official debut of the Toronto-based company.
The fledgling company’s early output demonstrates its range and festival appeal. Sauce Studios executive produced “We Forgot to Break Up,” which won a direction award at the 2024 DGC awards following its BFI Flare premiere. The company also backed “Boxcutter,” which earned an international premiere slot at SXSW, and produced “Hangashore,” featuring James Frecheville and Hera Hilmar, set to bow at the Atlantic International Film Festival.
Sarra has assembled a seasoned team to drive the company’s expansion. Joe Salwen comes aboard as VP of development and production, bringing a track record that spans continents and platforms. His portfolio includes high-profile projects like Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning “The Brutalist” and Amazon’s popular “My Fault: London.” During his tenure at production company 42, Salwen shepherded BIFA winner “The Silent Twins” and navigated both indie and studio financing structures.
The team is rounded out by Asia Stocchi, who takes on distribution and development coordination duties as the company scales up operations.
Operating from Toronto with additional presence in Los Angeles, Sauce Studios has built a model around fostering talent relationships and accessing international funding streams. The approach allows the company to support projects from emerging voices while maintaining connections to established industry players.
“Our goal at Sauce Studios is simple,” said Sarra. “We want to create stories that are smart and surprising, with characters and worlds that audiences will love and remember. We’re here to develop and produce projects that are as creatively daring as they are commercially viable.”
“This is an exciting moment for us as we continue to build on strong momentum and expand our film and TV slate,” added Sarra. “Given the demand for high-quality independent films and the desire for creatives to find a safe place to foster their original ideas, we are in a fantastic position for growth.”
The new venture grows out of Sarra’s successful consulting practice, Hot Sauce, which has become a behind-the-scenes force in the industry. The boutique firm has collaborated with major organizations including SXSW, TIFF, Ontario Creates, and international partners like the Polish Producers Alliance and Germany’s Erich Pommer Institute, offering specialized programs in development, distribution, and business strategy.
variety.com
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