Liza Marshall, a distinguished figure in British film and television, has forged a path of remarkable achievement through her production company, Hera Pictures. Known for its independent spirit and strong literary focus, Hera Pictures has gained significant acclaim, particularly with the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, “Hamnet.” Marshall’s keen instinct for compelling narratives and her commitment to fostering unique cinematic and television projects have positioned Hera Pictures as a prominent and influential force in the industry.
In October 2019, Liza Marshall made a pivotal decision that would reshape her career: she acquired the rights to Maggie O’Farrell’s unpublished novel, “Hamnet.” This move, initially a solitary bid, blossomed into a major success. The book, published in 2020, became a global literary phenomenon, selling over 2 million copies and earning numerous awards. Its adaptation to the screen, directed by Chloe Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, has been equally triumphant. The film, distributed by Focus, garnered significant attention during awards season, breaking records for female-directed features at the BAFTA awards and securing eight Oscar nominations. Marshall's initial foresight, despite the challenges of adapting a historical novel about the grief of William Shakespeare and Agnes Hathaway, proved to be a masterstroke.
Hera Pictures, founded by Marshall in 2017, embodies her vision of creating “authored and distinctive” works. Before establishing Hera, Marshall had an impressive career, including co-founding Archery Pictures, leading Scott Free London for Ridley Scott, and serving as head of drama at Channel 4. These experiences honed her ability to identify groundbreaking projects. The company, named after the Greek goddess, reflects Marshall's desire for independence and artistic integrity, allowing her to pursue projects that resonate deeply with her.
Beyond “Hamnet,” Hera Pictures has cultivated a diverse and acclaimed portfolio. One notable success is “Mary & George,” a historical drama about Mary Villiers, which, despite initial skepticism, became a highly-rated series. Marshall’s commitment to bringing this unconventional story to life underscores her willingness to take creative risks. Another significant project is “The End We Start From,” a survival film based on Megan Hunter’s novel, highlighting themes of motherhood in extreme circumstances. These projects, often taking years to develop, demonstrate Marshall’s unwavering dedication to her artistic instincts and her ability to nurture complex narratives from page to screen.
Marshall’s literary acumen is evident in Hera’s consistent output, which includes adaptations like “What it Feels Like for a Girl,” a BBC drama based on Paris Lees’ autobiography. Her collaborative approach is also a key factor in Hera’s success. For “Hamnet,” she partnered with Neal Street Production’s Pippa Harris and Sam Mendes, ultimately securing support from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin. This collaboration led to Chloe Zhao, a director Marshall admired for her unique vision, being chosen to helm the project, ensuring a fresh perspective on the Shakespearean narrative.
Looking ahead, Hera Pictures continues its expansion with new and exciting ventures. One upcoming project is “The Return of Stanley Atwell,” a mystery thriller based on a short story by Steven Soderbergh, which will reunite Marshall with director Brian Welsh and actor Nicholas Galitzine. Furthermore, capitalizing on the success of “Hamnet,” Marshall has extended her partnership with Maggie O’Farrell, acquiring the rights to O’Farrell’s next novel, “Land.” This eagerly anticipated book, partially inspired by O’Farrell’s family history, is already generating considerable buzz and is set to be another testament to Marshall’s discerning taste and Hera Pictures’ literary-forward ethos.
The success of Hera Pictures is particularly noteworthy in a challenging landscape for independent producers. Marshall’s strategy of balancing film projects, which she considers a passion, with television productions helps sustain the company’s financial viability. She remains committed to maintaining Hera Pictures’ “fiercely independent” status, believing that this autonomy provides greater flexibility and stronger bargaining power when bringing projects to market. This approach, while carrying inherent risks, has clearly paid dividends, establishing Hera Pictures as a dynamic and influential force in the global entertainment industry.