Richard Zelniker and Chris Monte have joined forces to launch the production company and unveiled plans for a seven-film slate led by the high school film.

Writer-director-producer Zelniker and editor-producer Monte met while collaborating on the coming-of-age film Mischief Night (pictured) and kick off with BFF.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Monte. “I bring my history in picture editing, colour correcting and sound editing, as well as the facilities of Magic Hair Studios, while Richard, a prolific writer, comes armed with a diverse slate of packaged projects for him to direct.”

“We quickly realised that the common vision we shared could result in much more than one film, but rather an integrated new company where we can bring stories to the screen that not only entertain but move, touch and challenge audiences to ask the tough questions,” said Zelniker.

Illuminate Pictures’s roster includes psychological thriller Bright Midnight. Zelniker co-wrote and will direct both projects and produces with Monte. Mischief Night will screen for the industry in early April.