Hunter Schafer and Noomi Rapace will star in “Palette,” a psychological horror film directed by Zach Strauss (“SMILF”) in his feature debut.
Strauss penned the script for “Palette,” which was featured on the 2023 Black List. He is also a writer on Spike Lee’s upcoming feature “Da Understudy.”
“Palette” follows Dolly (Schafer), “a woman suffering from extreme synesthesia, a rare condition where she is able to hear colors,” according to the film’s synopsis. She is soon “recruited into a secretive, cult-like industry of color design, uncovering the dark reality of what it takes to make the world’s greatest hues.”
Rapace is set to play Latrice, the company’s enigmatic executive. Frankie Shaw (“SMILF,” “Mr. Robot”) is also in the cast as Sidney, Dolly’s cutthroat rival.
Schafer is starring in another horror film, Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” which is set to have its world premiere at Berlin Film Festival this month.
Anton is selling the world rights to “Palette” at the European Film Market in Berlin, where it will present a sizzle reel of the film. CAA Media Finance and Verve Ventures co-rep U.S. rights with Anton.
Sebastien Raybaud and John Zois will produce for Anton, alongside Frankie Shaw and Strauss for Uncle Pete Productions as well as Ryan Christians. Schafer is set to executive produce with Brandt Wrightsman for Anton and Ross Dinerstein for Campfire Studios. The film’s creative team includes “Euphoria” production designer Michael Grasley.
“I feel beyond lucky to be making this dark and twisted movie with a truly exceptional cast and with such incredible partners in Anton,” Strauss said in a statement. “I know we’re going to create something really special.”
Added Zois, “Zach has crafted such a compelling and completely distinctive script. We are putting together a team that will bring the stunning visuals of the story to the screen. Hunter and Noomi are truly perfect for our two leads and I cannot wait to see them bring these rich and unique characters to life. We could not be more excited about this film.“
Schafer is repped by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, Viewpoint and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Rapace is repped by CAA, Stella Hernström, Narrative and Tapestry London.