The project, which draws its narrative foundation from a compelling true-crime story, marks the latest collaboration between the prolific production powerhouse Berlanti/Schechter Films and writer Mike Makowsky. Known for his ability to weave sharp, character-driven narratives into complex historical or social backdrops—as seen in his Emmy-winning work on Bad Education—Makowsky serves as both the screenwriter and a producer on this venture alongside Yan Fisher of Invisible String Films.
The Narrative Core and Premise
At the heart of Hang the Decorators lies the story of Alexander Blarek and Frank Pellecchia, two interior designers whose lives are upended when they cross paths with the criminal underworld. The plot follows the pair as they navigate the high-stakes environment of designing extravagant, luxury mega-homes for a notorious, dangerous drug kingpin and his enigmatic wife.
What begins as a professional opportunity—a chance to apply their craft to the most exclusive real estate on the market—quickly devolves into a perilous game of survival. As the designers gain intimacy with their clients, they find themselves entangled in the dangerous dynamics of a criminal empire. The narrative tension centers on the crumbling of their glamorous facade, forcing the protagonists to grapple with the moral ambiguity of their position. The core conflict of the film examines the limits of loyalty, as Blarek and Pellecchia are forced to decide exactly how much they are willing to risk when their refusal to betray one another potentially threatens their very lives.
Behind the Production Team
The development of this feature is being spearheaded by the industry-leading team at Berlanti/Schechter Films. Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, who have established themselves as a formidable force in both television and film, continue to expand their footprint with Amazon MGM Studios. Michael McGrath, the Executive Vice President at Berlanti/Schechter, is credited with identifying the project and bringing it to the production house.
For Mike Makowsky, this project follows a string of high-profile successes. His recent work, the limited series Death by Lightning, garnered significant critical acclaim, including four Emmy nominations. The series, which explored historical intrigue with a modern sensibility, showcased Makowsky’s talent for balancing historical accuracy with compelling, dramatic storytelling. Prior to this, his breakout hit Bad Education—a sharp, satirical, and deeply grounded film about a school district embezzlement scandal—solidified his reputation as a screenwriter capable of handling "based on a true story" material with nuance and wit. That film, which starred Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, became a major success for HBO following a competitive acquisition out of the Toronto International Film Festival.
Industry Context and Strategic Moves
Amazon MGM Studios’ decision to option the rights to Hang the Decorators reflects the studio’s broader strategy of investing in high-concept, dark comedies that blend prestige storytelling with potential mass-market appeal. By securing the rights while the project is in active development, Amazon is positioning itself to curate a slate of films that resonate with audiences looking for sophisticated, character-focused dramas.
The involvement of Berlanti/Schechter Films is particularly noteworthy given their current output. The production company is currently in the late stages of post-production for Red, White & Royal Wedding, a high-anticipated romantic comedy. The studio’s ability to pivot between lighthearted rom-coms and the darker, more cynical tone of Hang the Decorators demonstrates the versatility of their development slate.
The Evolution of the "True Crime Comedy" Genre
The genre of dark comedy centered on real-life criminal exploits has seen a resurgence in recent years. By focusing on the "peripheral" figures of a crime—in this case, the interior designers rather than the cartel bosses themselves—Hang the Decorators promises to offer a unique lens through which to view the drug trade. This "outsider looking in" perspective has historically provided filmmakers with a way to inject satire into otherwise bleak subject matter.
Much like the dynamic seen in films such as The Wolf of Wall Street or The Big Short, the comedy in these types of projects often derives from the absurdity of the wealth and the moral bankruptcy of the protagonists’ clients. The designers, Blarek and Pellecchia, serve as the audience surrogates; their descent into the underworld provides the narrative drive, while the opulence of the mega-homes serves as a visual metaphor for the fragile nature of their freedom.
Chronology and Development Timeline
While the project is currently in the development phase, the acquisition of the rights represents a significant milestone. The following timeline outlines the progression of this project within the broader context of the industry:
- 2019: Mike Makowsky gains significant industry attention following the premiere of Bad Education at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
- 2020-2023: Makowsky develops and writes Death by Lightning for Netflix, earning four Emmy nominations and solidifying his status as a top-tier writer-producer.
- 2024: Amazon MGM Studios options the rights for Hang the Decorators, bringing the project into their development pipeline.
- Present: Berlanti/Schechter Films, working alongside Invisible String Films, moves the project into active development, with Michael McGrath overseeing the creative process.
Economic and Creative Implications
The production of Hang the Decorators highlights a trend in Hollywood where studios are increasingly looking to leverage the creative "heat" generated by successful limited series creators. By backing Makowsky, Amazon MGM is betting on his established ability to deliver projects that satisfy both critical juries and streaming audiences.
From a production standpoint, the film’s success will likely depend on the casting of the two central roles. Because the story hinges on the chemistry and loyalty between Blarek and Pellecchia, the casting process will be vital to capturing the film’s specific tone. The interplay between the designers and the drug kingpin—a character whose presence looms large over the narrative—will also be a primary focus for the creative team as they move from script to pre-production.
Broader Impact on the Studio Landscape
The partnership between Amazon MGM Studios and Berlanti/Schechter Films is part of a larger trend of high-volume, high-quality production deals that define the current era of streaming. As studios compete for prestige, the ability to secure projects that have a "true story" hook provides a distinct marketing advantage. Audiences have consistently demonstrated a preference for projects that are rooted in reality, even when those projects are filtered through the lens of dark humor.
Furthermore, the involvement of Invisible String Films signals an intent to maintain a degree of creative independence and focus on the narrative integrity of the original source material. By ensuring that the original creators are involved in the production process, the studio minimizes the risk of the core message being lost during the transition from page to screen.
Conclusion
As Hang the Decorators continues its development, it remains a project to watch. With a proven writing talent in Mike Makowsky, a production team with a track record of consistent output in Berlanti/Schechter, and the backing of a major studio in Amazon MGM, the film is well-positioned to become a notable entry in the dark comedy genre.
The story’s focus on the intersection of interior design, high-stakes criminality, and unwavering loyalty offers a fresh perspective on the true-crime genre. As the industry awaits further updates on casting and production schedules, the project stands as a testament to the ongoing demand for narratives that explore the thin line between professional ambition and personal ruin. The coming months will likely reveal more about the creative direction of the film, but the foundation currently in place suggests a sophisticated and potentially boundary-pushing addition to the contemporary film landscape.
