Molly Conners: Building a modern production company from script to screen — and beyond

In an industry that seems constantly in flux, Emmy-nominated producer Molly Conners has quietly built something increasingly rare: a nimble yet fully integrated media company that spans the creative lifecycle — from development through marketing and distribution.

Conners founded Phiphen more than a decade ago, long before many independent producers envisioned a future where agility and full-spectrum control would be essential to survival. Today, the company she leads is a vertically integrated production company with a media fund and even a gaming division — all designed to streamline content creation and expand audience reach in a fractured marketplace.

“Media remains full of opportunity — but only for those willing to evolve with it,” Conners says. “We’ve adapted a lot over the years, and we’re continuing to make our model stronger with every project.”

A Career Built on Smart Storytelling

Conners’ name is attached to some of the last two decades’ most acclaimed indie and studio productions. From Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning Birdman to Courtney Hunt’s critically lauded Frozen River, she has a track record that blends high-profile prestige with savvy budget management.

Her filmography reads like a who’s who of respected filmmakers and actors: James Gray’s The Immigrant, William Friedkin’s Killer Joe, Eli Roth’s The Green Inferno, and Julia Stiles’ directorial debut, Wish You Were Here, among others.

International Projects and Australian Connection

Conners’ work has also extended beyond U.S. borders. She Executive Produced Strangerland, a drama filmed in Australia and starring Nicole Kidman, further expanding her international footprint, and proving her ability to navigate diverse production landscapes. Molly is looking forward to more Australian projects in the future.

Beyond feature films, Conners has also delivered work across formats, including Netflix’s Emmy-nominated short-form comedy series It’s Bruno, and major studio-backed projects like Like Father starring Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer.

Building an End-to-End Ecosystem

What sets Phiphen apart is its commitment to controlling the entire creative and operational pipeline. Unlike traditional indie outfits that may rely heavily on external vendors or third-party distributors, Phiphen operates as a true 360-degree production company — developing projects, managing prep and production, and overseeing sales and marketing strategies.

“We’re not just producing movies — we’re building the architecture to support them,” says Conners. “Owning the workflow from start to finish allows us to move faster, protect the vision, and think globally from day one.”

This integrated approach also extends into gaming through Phiphen Games, which publishes Ruffy & The Riverside. Meanwhile, the company’s media fund enables co-financing partnerships, giving Phiphen additional flexibility and control in selecting and shepherding projects.

Navigating Industry Challenges with Discipline

The film and media business have faced dramatic upheaval in recent years, from platform consolidations to shifting consumer habits. But rather than retreat, Conners views these challenges as opportunities to refine her company’s operations.

“We’ve learned how to balance creative ambition with operational discipline,” she says. “That combination allows us to be more intentional — and more accountable — as we build and deliver each project.”

Conners’ disciplined model has helped Phiphen weather industry uncertainties while producing award-worthy content and launching new ventures.

Beyond Production: Leadership and Vision

Conners is active beyond her company’s walls as well. She serves as Chair of the Maine State Film Commission, advocating for state incentives and infrastructure that attract productions and build regional economies. She is a member of Producers United, Producers Guild of America, and BAFTA.

Looking ahead, Phiphen’s slate includes the sci-fi comedy Terrestrial starring Jermaine Fowler and Pauline Chalamet, and the thriller Turbulence with Olga Kurylenko .

“We’re not chasing trends — we’re building toward something durable,” Conners says. “That takes time, tough lessons, and long-term thinking — and that’s where we’re focused now.”

Digital Storytelling and the Harpoon Edge

In 2024, Conners expanded her reach by co-founding Harpoon, a digital media company specializing in social storytelling and viral campaigns. Harpoon complements Phiphen’s full-cycle production capabilities with savvy audience engagement strategies.

“Harpoon is about meeting audiences where they are — and moving them,” Conners explains. “It complements everything we do at Phiphen, because no matter the format — film, TV, games, or digital — it all comes down to how you connect with people.”