For Matt Baer, it all started 11 years ago with a script that caught his attention - "Merv," a romantic comedy about a couple who share custody of their adorable canine companion. The project's concept was initially met with skepticism, but Baer saw something special in the spec script penned by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart. He brought the project to MGM, attached director Jessica Swale, and waited patiently for Amazon to acquire the studio, finally giving the greenlight to production.
The journey wasn't easy, with multiple twists and turns along the way. There was an independent financier who expressed interest in financing the movie at a low budget, but Baer held out for a more substantial production with stars attached - ultimately landing Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox on board. Production began in Wilmington, N.C., and the film is now set to debut on Prime Video on December 10.
Baer's experience as an independent producer has been shaped by the changing landscape of Hollywood. With Amazon acquiring MGM, the project entered a state of limbo before ultimately being given the go-ahead. The success of "Merv" serves as a poignant case study in independent producing today, with Baer highlighting the importance of having faith in his instincts about good scripts.
When asked what attracted him to "Merv," Baer explained that it was an 11-year journey from script to release, and he felt the concept resonated with current societal trends. The relevance of the movie is indeed a miracle, given the shift in attitudes towards shared dog ownership.
As for casting Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, Baer credited casting director Laray Mayfield for championing Charlie's talent, while Zooey was suggested by her agents. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making their roles a perfect fit for the story.
The secret to "Merv" getting a greenlight may lie in its timing - being released at a time when family-friendly holiday movies were experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Baer also expressed gratitude for Amazon's ability to inform audiences about the film, which helped ensure its success.
On the topic of theatrical releases versus streaming, Baer acknowledged that the industry has shifted significantly. He believes that every producer is now grappling with the challenges of securing talent and financing, with the added complexity of navigating a changing landscape. The rise of quality streaming television has made it more attractive for stars to participate in projects, but producers must adapt to find success.
Baer's reaction to Netflix and Paramount bidding on Warner Bros. was personal - he has a deep connection to the studio having worked there early in his career. He expressed concern about the implications of this change and hopes that a hint of what made Warner Bros. great will remain in its future form.
As for navigating the new landscape, Baer emphasized the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and being open to new opportunities. With four projects underway and three more in development, he remains focused on his craft - pushing forward with his instincts about what makes a good script, even if it takes longer than ever before to bring a project to fruition.
The journey wasn't easy, with multiple twists and turns along the way. There was an independent financier who expressed interest in financing the movie at a low budget, but Baer held out for a more substantial production with stars attached - ultimately landing Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox on board. Production began in Wilmington, N.C., and the film is now set to debut on Prime Video on December 10.
Baer's experience as an independent producer has been shaped by the changing landscape of Hollywood. With Amazon acquiring MGM, the project entered a state of limbo before ultimately being given the go-ahead. The success of "Merv" serves as a poignant case study in independent producing today, with Baer highlighting the importance of having faith in his instincts about good scripts.
When asked what attracted him to "Merv," Baer explained that it was an 11-year journey from script to release, and he felt the concept resonated with current societal trends. The relevance of the movie is indeed a miracle, given the shift in attitudes towards shared dog ownership.
As for casting Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, Baer credited casting director Laray Mayfield for championing Charlie's talent, while Zooey was suggested by her agents. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making their roles a perfect fit for the story.
The secret to "Merv" getting a greenlight may lie in its timing - being released at a time when family-friendly holiday movies were experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Baer also expressed gratitude for Amazon's ability to inform audiences about the film, which helped ensure its success.
On the topic of theatrical releases versus streaming, Baer acknowledged that the industry has shifted significantly. He believes that every producer is now grappling with the challenges of securing talent and financing, with the added complexity of navigating a changing landscape. The rise of quality streaming television has made it more attractive for stars to participate in projects, but producers must adapt to find success.
Baer's reaction to Netflix and Paramount bidding on Warner Bros. was personal - he has a deep connection to the studio having worked there early in his career. He expressed concern about the implications of this change and hopes that a hint of what made Warner Bros. great will remain in its future form.
As for navigating the new landscape, Baer emphasized the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and being open to new opportunities. With four projects underway and three more in development, he remains focused on his craft - pushing forward with his instincts about what makes a good script, even if it takes longer than ever before to bring a project to fruition.
I mean, come on! An 11-year journey from script to release? That's insane! Matt Baer must've been a glutton for punishment or something lol 
. But seriously though, the fact that he held out for bigger stars and didn't compromise on his vision is truly admirable.
And can we talk about the cast for a sec? Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox are absolutely perfect together. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a rom-com with two of our favorite actors in it?
Like, whoa. As someone who used to work at WB, I feel you, Matt. You gotta hope that the magic of those studios will live on in whatever comes next.
You know when you're so passionate about something that you hold onto it for years? Like, I remember this one friend of mine who had a business idea and was convinced it would change the world 
. And look where it got him now! The point is, sometimes you gotta trust your gut and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough 
.
I just saw the trailer for "Merv" and it's so cute! 
The movie is about a couple who share their adorable dog, and it looks like it's going to be a real tear-jerker 
. I love how Amazon acquired MGM and gave the project a greenlight - it's not always easy to get a film made, but Baer held out for his vision 
.
. And can we talk about the casting? Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox are a perfect match 
. I'm glad Amazon helped promote the film, too - their marketing team must have done something right 
.
It makes me wonder what other surprises 2025 will bring for producers like Baer 
. But hey, as long as they keep pushing out great scripts like "Merv", I'm all for it! 
, speaking to the growing trend of shared dog ownership and the importance of pet companionship in our lives. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a movie about a couple sharing custody of their adorable canine companion? The cast choices were also spot on - Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox have undeniable chemistry! 
However, what's truly fascinating is how the release timing played a significant role in its success. It's almost as if Amazon's strategic move to capitalize on the resurgence of family-friendly holiday movies was the catalyst for "Merv"'s greenlight.
. It's always a risk investing in a project that doesn't have a big star attached, but if it means you get something special, it's worth it 
The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I'm excited to see what they bring to "Merv". Has anyone else seen the trailer? It looks adorable 
.
. Baer makes a good point about producers having to adapt to new circumstances and being open to new opportunities. If you're gonna make it in this industry, you gotta be willing to evolve 
.
. and i feel like the fact that zooey deschanel and charlie cox are on board makes sense too - they're both super talented, just like how you need good group members to make a great project 
.
! It's also super impressive that he was able to assemble such amazing talent for the film, Zooey and Charlie really bring the chemistry 
. But honestly, I'm still not sure if I'm excited for the future of Hollywood – with studios like Netflix and Paramount bidding on Warner Bros., who knows what's going to happen? 
.
just watched the trailer for "Merv" 
and I'm totally here for it! The chemistry between Zooey & Charlie is 
and the story about shared dog ownership is so relatable 
even when things got tough, and now his faith in his instincts has paid off 
, and I'm excited to see how "Merv" will perform on Prime Video 
. And I feel you, Baer - it's crazy to think that family-friendly holiday movies are making a comeback. It just goes to show that even in an industry as fast-paced as Hollywood, timing is everything 
. One thing that's for sure is that we're living in a time where streaming and theatrical releases aren't mutually exclusive anymore... it's all about finding the right fit for your project 
. And honestly, I'm kinda stoked that he's still pushing forward with his projects, even if it takes longer than ever before 
, I'm not sure how much of this is driven by the stars and how much is just about making deals 
. Like Baer said, every producer is grappling with securing talent and financing these days, but also adapting to streaming becoming a huge player in film. It's interesting that he thinks quality streaming TV has changed the game for stars, but at what cost? Are they still passionate about the projects or just taking on gigs for the fame and $$? 
