Red Hour Productions

Red Hour Productions, also known as Red Hour Films, is an American film, television, and digital media production company founded in 1998 by actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller and producer Stuart Cornfeld.^[1][2] The company, named after the chaotic "red hour" period in a Star Trek episode, has produced a diverse slate of comedic and dramatic projects, including films such as Zoolander (2001), Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004), Tropic Thunder (2008), and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), often featuring Stiller as a star or director.^[3] In television, Red Hour has executive produced acclaimed series like Severance (2022–present) for Apple TV+, a psychological thriller directed and produced by Stiller, and Escape at Dannemora (2018) for Showtime.^[4][5] Over the years, the company has secured major production deals with studios including DreamWorks, ABC Studios, and Legendary Entertainment, expanding into digital content and maintaining a focus on bold, character-driven storytelling.^[6][7] Following Cornfeld's death in 2020, Stiller continues to lead Red Hour, with recent developments including the HBO series The Band (in development as of 2025).^[8]

Overview

Founding and name origin

Red Hour Productions was established in 1998 by actor and comedian Ben Stiller and producer Stuart Cornfeld as an independent film production company specializing in comedy projects.^[9][2] The company was formed to provide Stiller with greater creative control over his film work, building on his earlier experiences in sketch comedy, including his Emmy-winning series The Ben Stiller Show (1992–1993).^[2] The name "Red Hour Productions" originates from the "red hour" in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Return of the Archons" (1967), a fictional planetary time period during which the controlled inhabitants enter a state of chaotic revelry and violence under the influence of an ancient computer.^[10] Stiller, a noted Star Trek fan, drew from this concept to name the company, reflecting his affinity for satirical and sci-fi-inspired humor.^[11] From its inception, Red Hour Productions aimed to develop and produce feature films featuring Stiller as star, director, or both, with an emphasis on original comedic content. The company set up its initial offices in Los Angeles, California, to facilitate proximity to major studios and talent.^[12] The greenlighting process for early projects involved Stiller and Cornfeld identifying promising scripts, often through personal networks, and securing first-look deals with studios like Fox 2000 to fund development and production.^[13] This approach allowed for targeted oversight while leveraging studio resources for distribution.^[14]

Key personnel

Red Hour Productions was founded in 1998 by actor and director Ben Stiller, who serves as its primary executive producer and creative lead, often taking on dual roles as performer and filmmaker in the company's projects.^[15] Stiller's involvement has shaped the banner's focus on comedy and character-driven narratives, drawing from his established career in film and television.^[6] Co-founder Stuart Cornfeld functioned as a longtime producer, collaborating closely with Stiller on early successes such as Zoolander (2001), Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004), and Tropic Thunder (2008), where his production expertise helped navigate the development and financing of these comedic hits.^[16] Cornfeld remained a key partner until his death from cancer on June 26, 2020, at the age of 67.^[17] Following Cornfeld's passing, Stiller has continued as the sole principal of Red Hour Productions, maintaining its operations as an independent entity while overseeing strategic direction.^[18] Key executives have included producer Nicky Weinstock, who joined in 2015 as creative head and contributed to projects like Alex Strangelove (2018) and Escape at Dannemora (2018).^[1] The company has formed partnerships to support its productions, such as a 2015 collaboration with Bold Films for film, television, and digital content development, and more recent alliances with Rivulet Films on projects including the upcoming sports comedy The Dink (2025).^[1][19] Red Hour operates independently but secures distribution and financing deals with major studios and platforms, including past pacts with DreamWorks Studios (renewed in 2007), Paramount Digital Entertainment (2010), Legendary Television (2013), Netflix for films like Plus One (2019), and Apple TV+ for series such as Severance (2022–present).^[20][21][6]

History

Early film productions (1998–2009)

Red Hour Productions, founded in 1998 by Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld, initially concentrated on developing and producing feature-length comedy films that emphasized satirical humor and ensemble casts.^[22] The company's vision was to create irreverent comedies drawing from Stiller's comedic background, focusing on exaggerated characters and cultural critiques.^[23] The inaugural production was Zoolander (2001), directed by and starring Stiller, which adapted a VH1 Fashion Awards sketch he co-created with Drake Sather into a full feature satirizing the fashion industry.^[22] Co-produced with Paramount Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, the film featured an ensemble including Owen Wilson and Christine Taylor, and was originally slated for an earlier release but delayed due to the September 11, 2001, attacks, ultimately premiering on September 28.^[23] With a budget of approximately $28 million, it opened to $15 million domestically—about half its cost—and grossed $60.7 million worldwide, initially viewed as a flop amid post-9/11 sensitivities that made audiences unreceptive to its lighthearted tone. Over time, Zoolander gained cult status for its iconic moments, such as the "Blue Steel" pose, influencing fashion parodies and pop culture references.^[23] Building momentum, Red Hour partnered with studios like DreamWorks and Paramount for subsequent releases, maintaining a focus on buddy-comedy dynamics and physical humor. In 2004, the company produced Starsky & Hutch, a loose adaptation of the 1970s TV series directed by Todd Phillips, starring Stiller as Starsky alongside Owen Wilson as Hutch, with supporting roles by Snoop Dogg and Carmen Electra.^[22] Distributed by Warner Bros. and Dimension Films with a $60 million budget, it earned $170.2 million worldwide, capitalizing on nostalgic action-comedy appeal.^[24] That same year, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and featuring Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor, and Stiller as the villainous White Goodman, highlighted absurd sports satire through a gym-saving tournament plot.^[22] Released by 20th Century Fox on a $20 million budget, it grossed $168.4 million globally, becoming a sleeper hit known for its quotable lines and ensemble energy. By the mid-2000s, Red Hour's output solidified its reputation for high-concept satires. Blades of Glory (2007), co-produced with DreamWorks and MTV Films, starred Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as rival figure skaters forced into a pairs competition, directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck.^[22] With a $61 million budget and Paramount distribution, the film opened to $33 million and totaled $145.7 million worldwide, praised for its over-the-top athletic parody and Ferrell's manic performance. The decade culminated in Tropic Thunder (2008), a meta-satire on Hollywood war films written, directed by, and starring Stiller, with Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, and Jay Baruchel in an ensemble critiquing actor egos and industry excess.^[22] Co-produced with DreamWorks on a $92 million budget and released by Paramount and MGM, it debuted at number one with $25.8 million and grossed $195.7 million worldwide, earning acclaim for its sharp script and Downey's Oscar-nominated role.^[25] These early efforts established Red Hour's signature style of ensemble-driven, culturally pointed comedies, often navigating development challenges through strategic studio alliances.^[26]

Expansion into television and digital (2010–2019)

In 2010, Red Hour Productions expanded into digital content through a two-year first-look deal with Paramount Digital Entertainment, enabling the development of original properties for various online formats.^[27] This partnership marked the company's initial foray beyond traditional film, focusing on web-based comedy to capitalize on emerging digital platforms.^[27] A key project from this digital push was Burning Love, a web series parodying reality dating shows like The Bachelor, which premiered in 2012 on Yahoo! Screen.^[28] Produced in collaboration with Paramount's Insurge Pictures, the series featured guest stars such as Ken Jeong and Adam Scott, and earned an Emmy nomination for outstanding short-form comedy or drama series.^[29] It transitioned from online to television broadcasts on E! in 2013, demonstrating Red Hour's ability to bridge digital and linear media.^[30] Red Hour's television expansion began in earnest with The Birthday Boys, a sketch comedy series that debuted on IFC in 2013.^[31] Executive produced by Ben Stiller and Bob Odenkirk, the show starred the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe and ran for two seasons through 2014, emphasizing absurd, character-driven humor.^[32] This entry into scripted TV was supported by a 2013 multi-year deal with Legendary Television and Digital, which facilitated the production of exclusive content across platforms.^[6] In 2015, Red Hour further diversified with Big Time in Hollywood, FL, a serialized comedy on Comedy Central that followed two aspiring filmmakers navigating absurd adventures.^[33] The 10-episode series, created by Alex Anfanger and Dan Schimpf, highlighted the company's growing emphasis on narrative-driven television.^[34] That same year, Red Hour entered a strategic partnership with Bold Films, the producers behind Whiplash, to co-develop a slate of films, TV series, and digital projects, providing operational support and financing.^[29] This alliance allowed Red Hour to maintain independence while scaling multi-platform output.^[35] Amid this television and digital growth, Red Hour continued feature film production, including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty in 2013, directed by and starring Ben Stiller as a daydreaming photo editor embarking on a global quest.^[36] The film, distributed by 20th Century Fox, blended adventure and comedy, grossing over $187 million worldwide.^[37] In 2014, the company produced While We're Young, a Noah Baumbach-directed comedy exploring generational clashes, with Stiller as a stalled documentarian influenced by younger artists.^[38] These projects underscored Red Hour's integration of film with its expanding TV and digital portfolio. By the late 2010s, Red Hour deepened ties with streaming services, notably through a 2017 Netflix acquisition of Alex Strangelove, a coming-of-age romantic comedy about a high school student's sexual identity exploration.^[39] Directed by Craig Johnson and executive produced by Stiller, the film premiered on Netflix in 2018, receiving praise for its insightful portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes.^[40] This venture exemplified Red Hour's adaptation to on-demand platforms, solidifying its multi-format presence by the decade's end.^[41]

Recent developments (2020–present)

Following the death of longtime producer Stuart Cornfeld on June 26, 2020, from cancer at age 67, Ben Stiller assumed full leadership of Red Hour Productions, honoring his partner's legacy through continued film and television development. Stiller paid public tribute to Cornfeld, describing him as "funny, smart, talented and cool as a person gets" and crediting his profound influence on the company's creative output. Under Stiller's guidance, Red Hour navigated the evolving media landscape, emphasizing high-profile streaming projects that built on the company's earlier digital foundations. In the streaming era, Red Hour achieved notable success with prestige limited series and dramas. The 2018 Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, directed and executive produced by Stiller, earned 12 Primetime Emmy nominations in 2019, including for Outstanding Limited Series, underscoring Red Hour's pivot to acclaimed television storytelling. The CW/Netflix series In the Dark (2019–2022), executive produced by Red Hour, ran for four seasons and garnered praise for its innovative portrayal of a blind protagonist solving crimes, boosting the company's profile in genre television. More recently, Apple TV+'s Severance (2022–present), with Stiller directing multiple episodes and serving as executive producer, became a critical darling, earning 14 Emmy nominations for its first season. Season 2 premiered on January 17, 2025, and the series was renewed for a third season in March 2025.^[42] On the film front, Red Hour maintained its theatrical presence with producer credits on Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), a historical drama that received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. The company also backed the holiday comedy Nutcrackers (2024), directed by David Gordon Green and starring Stiller, which premiered on Hulu on November 29, 2024, and explored themes of family and loss through a chaotic uncle-nephew dynamic. Looking ahead, Red Hour has several projects in development as of 2025, reflecting its focus on innovative comedies and dramedies. Apple Original Films acquired The Dink, a pickleball-themed sports comedy directed by Josh Greenbaum, starring Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis pro alongside Ed Harris, with Stiller executive producing through Red Hour. Additionally, HBO greenlit The Band, a music industry dramedy series starring Ben Stiller as a scandal-plagued mogul, co-created by Search Party alumni Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, centering on rebuilding his career.^[8] This period marks Red Hour's strategic shift toward prestige television and limited series on major streaming platforms, prioritizing character-driven narratives over broad comedies. The company has deepened partnerships, including with Rivulet Entertainment on Nutcrackers and The Dink, and Media Res on The Band, fostering collaborative production models suited to the fragmented media market.

Filmography

Feature films

Red Hour Productions' feature films are presented below in chronological order of release, highlighting key production details including directors, Ben Stiller's involvement, distributors, and notable financial or contextual notes where applicable. Zoolander (2001), directed by Ben Stiller who also starred as the lead character Derek Zoolander, was distributed by Paramount Pictures and featured a production budget of $28 million, ultimately grossing $60.8 million worldwide. Duplex (2003), directed by Danny DeVito with Stiller starring as Alex Rose, was distributed by Miramax Films. Starsky & Hutch (2004), directed by Todd Phillips with Stiller starring as David Starsky, was distributed by Warner Bros. and had a $60 million budget, earning $170.2 million at the global box office. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004), directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber in which Stiller appeared as White Goodman, was distributed by 20th Century Fox with a $30 million budget and grossed $167.8 million worldwide. Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006), directed by Liam Lynch with Stiller as a producer, was distributed by New Line Cinema. Blades of Glory (2007), directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck with Stiller serving as a producer, was distributed by Paramount Pictures on a $61 million budget, achieving $145.6 million in worldwide earnings. The Ruins (2008), directed by Carter Smith with Stiller as executive producer, was distributed by DreamWorks Pictures. Tropic Thunder (2008), directed by and starring Stiller as Tugg Speedman, was distributed by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount with a $90 million budget, grossing $191.1 million globally. The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story (2009), a documentary directed by Gregory V. Sherman and Jeff Sherman with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and premiered at film festivals before a limited theatrical run. Submarine (2010), directed by Richard Ayoade with Stiller as executive producer, was distributed in the United States by The Weinstein Company and marked an international co-production with a focus on coming-of-age themes.^[43] The Big Year (2011), directed by David Frankel with Stiller as producer, was distributed by 20th Century Fox on a $41 million budget but underperformed with $7.7 million in worldwide box office. 30 Minutes or Less (2011), directed by Ruben Fleischer with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Columbia Pictures with a $28 million budget, grossing $41.1 million worldwide. Vamps (2012), directed by Amy Heckerling with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Anchor Bay Films. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), directed by and starring Stiller as Walter Mitty, was distributed by 20th Century Fox with a $91 million budget and earned $187.9 million globally. Why Him? (2016), directed by John Hamburg with Stiller as producer, was distributed by 20th Century Fox on a $38 million budget, achieving $117.4 million in worldwide box office. Zoolander 2 (2016), directed by and starring Stiller as Derek Zoolander, was distributed by Paramount Pictures. The Polka King (2018), directed by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Netflix following its Sundance premiere and portrayed the true story of polka musician Jan Lewan.^[44] Alex Strangelove (2018), directed by Craig Johnson with Stiller as producer, was released directly on Netflix as an original LGBTQ+ coming-of-age comedy.^[39] The Package (2018), directed by Jake Szymanski with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Netflix as a teen comedy centered on a disastrous camping trip.^[45] Plus One (2019), directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer with Stiller as executive producer, was distributed by RLJE Films. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), directed by Aaron Sorkin with Stiller as producer, was released on Netflix as a historical drama that received multiple Academy Award nominations.^[46] Friendsgiving (2020), directed by Nicol Paone with Stiller as producer, was distributed by Saban Films amid the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a limited release with gross earnings of $33,000.^[47] Nutcrackers (2024), directed by David Gordon Green with Stiller starring and producing, was distributed by Amazon MGM Studios as a holiday comedy-drama.^[48] The Dink (upcoming 2025), directed by Josh Greenbaum with Stiller producing and appearing in a supporting role, has been acquired for distribution by Apple Original Films as a pickleball-themed sports comedy.^[49]

Television series

Red Hour Productions entered the television landscape in the late 1990s and has since produced a range of series spanning comedy sketches, stand-up showcases, scripted dramas, and thrillers, often executive produced by Ben Stiller. The company's television output includes pilots, limited series, and multi-season runs, primarily for cable and streaming platforms. Below is a chronological overview of its television series, highlighting premiere details, production credits, and notable achievements. These series reflect Red Hour's expansion into television during the 2010s, leveraging Stiller's involvement to blend humor, drama, and innovative storytelling across formats.^{[51][8][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60]}

Digital and other media

Red Hour Productions entered the digital media space in the late 2000s, initially through documentary projects and later expanding via strategic partnerships for web-based content. In 2009, the company co-produced the documentary The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story, directed by Gregory V. Sherman and Jeffrey C. Sherman, which chronicles the lives and collaborative songwriting career of Disney composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Released theatrically but also distributed digitally, the 101-minute film features archival footage, interviews with family members, and insights from collaborators like Julie Andrews, highlighting the brothers' contributions to classics such as Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book. Produced in association with Walt Disney Pictures and Crescendo Productions, it earned praise for its intimate portrayal of familial and professional dynamics in the music industry.^[61] In 2010, Red Hour Digital, a subsidiary of Red Hour Productions, signed a two-year exclusive first-look deal with Paramount Digital Entertainment to develop original digital properties across formats like web series and shorts. This partnership facilitated innovative, low-budget content tailored for online platforms, including early concepts for extensions of existing franchises. The deal underscored Red Hour's pivot toward digital-first storytelling, emphasizing parody and comedy suited to short-form viewing.^[21] Building on this, Red Hour launched Next Time on Lonny in 2011, a satirical web series created by Alex Anfanger and Dan Schimpf, poking fun at reality TV tropes through the misadventures of aspiring actor Lonny. The series, produced in collaboration with Maker Studios for YouTube, consisted of six episodes in its first season (each around 5-10 minutes) and a second season of additional shorts released in 2014. Featuring Anfanger as the hapless protagonist, it innovated by blending mockumentary style with rapid-fire editing to mimic the absurdity of unscripted shows, earning a cult following for its sharp humor. Executive produced by Ben Stiller, the project exemplified Red Hour's focus on accessible, genre-subverting digital comedy.^[62] From 2012 to 2013, Red Hour Digital released Burning Love, a scripted parody of reality dating shows like The Bachelor, starring Ken Marino as firefighter Mark Orlando navigating romantic competitions. Airing exclusively on Yahoo! Screen, the series spanned three seasons with 42 episodes total (each approximately 10-15 minutes), though the initial run through 2013 comprised 28 episodes across Seasons 1 and 2. Co-produced with Abominable Pictures and executive produced by Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld, and Mike Rosenstein, it featured guest stars including Kristen Bell and Adam Scott, innovating through exaggerated tropes and ensemble comedy to critique the genre's manufactured drama. The show received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment in 2013.^[28][63] In 2010, Red Hour produced the web series Stiller & Meara, a collection of short comedic sketches (around 3-5 minutes each) starring Ben Stiller's parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, revisiting their classic husband-and-wife comedy routine. Distributed on Yahoo! Screen, the series captured their improvisational banter on topics like marriage and show business, serving as a heartfelt digital tribute to their 1960s-1970s partnership. Directed by Stiller, it highlighted Red Hour's interest in legacy comedy adapted for online audiences.^[64] Red Hour's digital efforts continued with Zoolander: Super Model in 2016, an animated TV movie special extending the Zoolander franchise into superhero parody territory. The 77-minute film, directed by Aaron Augenblick and written by John Aboud and Michael Colton, followed models Derek Zoolander (voiced by Ben Stiller) and Hansel McDonald (Owen Wilson) battling fashion villains. Produced under the Paramount deal and released on CBS All Access (later Netflix in some regions), it innovated by merging animation with the original's satirical take on male modeling, featuring voices like Christine Taylor and Will Ferrell. Executive produced by Stiller and Drake Sather, the special targeted streaming viewers with its blend of nostalgia and absurdity.^[65] More recently, in 2025, Red Hour co-produced the companion podcast The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott for the Apple TV+ series Severance, which the company executive produces. Hosted by Stiller and star Adam Scott, the episode-by-episode audio series (launched January 2025 via Audacy Podcasts) provides behind-the-scenes insights, interviews with cast and crew, and thematic discussions on the show's psychological thriller elements. Running alongside Season 2, it extends the narrative digitally, enhancing fan engagement through 10-20 minute episodes that explore production innovations like the show's memory-separation concept. Produced with Great Scott Productions, it represents Red Hour's ongoing integration of podcasts into multimedia storytelling.^[66] In 2025, Red Hour produced the documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, exploring the legacy of comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.