Luxury Powerhouse The Independents Acquires Stake in French Production Group Phantasm Behind James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ and The Weeknd Music Video

The Independents acquired a majority stake in Phantasm Group on March 18, 2024, expanding its influence in the film and music video production sector. The Independents, known for organizing events like the Meta Gala through its subsidiary Prodject, now holds control over the French production collective. Phantasm Group, founded in 2014 by Gary Farkas, Clément Lepoutre, and Olivier Muller, comprises three distinct labels: Vixens, a film banner that supported James Gray's "Paper Tiger"; Phantasm, which focuses on producing documentaries and feature films; and Phantasm Music, responsible for creating music videos for artists like The Weeknd. This acquisition integrates Phantasm's diverse creative capabilities into The Independents' broader luxury and entertainment portfolio. Phantasm Music's recent work includes a music video for The Weeknd, highlighting its engagement with prominent figures in the music industry. The deal signifies a strategic move by The Independents to bolster its content creation arm with established production expertise and a roster of high-profile projects.