Unique: After bringing Searchlight Pictures its strongest limited debut since the 2019 Oscar winner jojo rabbit with the acclaimed musical comedy theater campTopic Studios has announced the expansion of its creative ranks with the appointment of Jasmine Daghaghian to the newly created role of Vice President of Film.
Dagheghian comes to Topic from 500 Blows, the production company of Frankie Shaw and Zach Strauss FKA Our Lady Productions, and in his new position will help build the studio’s slate of film favors, taking projects from development to completion. She will be based in the company’s NYC headquarters and report to Ryan Heller, Executive Vice President, Film and Documentary.
Daghighian has been hired by Topic following the appointment of Jennifer Westin to the position of Senior Vice President, Physical Production. Previously an executive overseeing production management for the Original Independent Film division at Netflix, Westin now oversees production for Topic Studio’s growing slate of feature films, television, podcasts, documentary features and premium nonfiction series. Topic’s scripted film team includes Remi Love, who was recently promoted to Manager, Films and also reports to Heller.
Daghighian’s introduction to Topic Studios also comes at a big moment for the independent studio First Look Media, which as previously mentioned has scored one of the biggest limited debuts of the year. theater campA Sundance breakout directed by Nick Lieberman and Molly Gordon, it grossed $301,220 in its first three days playing only a few screens. Next up for release by Topic is another acclaimed Sundance title – the romantic drama shortcomings, which marks the directorial debut of actor Randall Park. Starring Justin H. Min, Sherri Kola and Allie Maki, the film will release on August 4 through Sony Pictures Classics. Topic recently received six Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series for its HBO surfing documentary. 100 foot waveWhich last year set up its first statue for cinematography.
Heller, VP Hire, Topic Studios, said, “Jasmin’s taste and passion for great films is matched only by her talent, effectiveness and reputation. We couldn’t be more pleased that she has joined us and know that she is going to be an indispensable part of the team.”
Deghighian said, “I am thrilled to join Topic Studios, a company that intentionally prioritizes artists and has a proven track record of championing the most compelling projects with the best in independent film. I am very grateful to Ryan and the entire company for welcoming me to this ambitious and exciting team.
During his time as head of production and development at 500 Blows, Deghighian focused on developing adaptations of Sylvia Plath’s series. bell jar and Judy Blume Wife Also working on upcoming titles, for Showtime and HBO respectively Is it legal? (Amazon) and i heard it was hard (Netflix). He previously served as director of development at Imperative Entertainment, where he worked on projects including Ruben Ostlund’s Palme d’Or winners. Crossroad And triangle of sorrowMindy Kaling and Nisha Ganatra late nightand Martin Scorsese assassins of the flower moon, which will hit the theaters this autumn after the Cannes bow. Other notable projects she has been involved in include A24 starring Timothée Chalamet hot summer nightsLuke Gilford’s indie drama national anthemwhich premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW 2023, Clay Twelve out of omaha And Gift: Johnny Cash’s Journey,
Topic Studios’ other upcoming projects are pop music melodrama mother MaryStarring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, directed by David Lowery for A24.