Will Ferrell launches production company focused on funny ladies

In a male-dominated genre, Gloria Sanchez Productions will find and cultivate female voices

Published February 12, 2014 9:14PM (EST)

Will Ferrell       (AP/Charles Sykes)
Will Ferrell (AP/Charles Sykes)

Stand-up comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld might dismiss the gender gap in comedy as "p.c. nonsense," but "SNL" alum Will Ferrell doesn't seem to. Ferrell, along with Adam McKay and Chris Henchy, has launched a female-focused production company under their 7-year-old company, Gary Sanchez Productions, which has produced comedies like "Anchorman 2" and "Bridesmaids," reports Deadline.

Longtime Gary Sanchez executive Jessica Ebaum will head the new division. "When Jessica came to us with this idea, we thought it was fantastic," Ferrell and McKay said in a statement. "She has worked with some of the great female voices in comedy and has proven herself as a gifted producer who has a keen eye for material."

The company's namesake, Gary Sanchez, as comedy nerds may know, is a fictional "Paraguayan entrepreneur and financier" created by Ferrell. Gloria is his "favorite step-granddaughter," so of course Gary "loved the idea," Ferrell joked.

Thanks to Ferrell and the BBC, which is ridding itself of male-only comedy panels, it's been a good week for women in comedy.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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