Berlanti & Schechter bring a drug kingpin's love tale to Amazon comedy

Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter have been hired to produce Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming dark comedy feature *Hang the Decorators,* written by Mike Makowsky. The studio has optioned the film’s rights, and the project is now in development.

This move follows Berlanti’s track record of producing diverse genre work.

The story is based on a true narrative and centers on Alexander Blarek and Frank Pellecchia, two gay interior designers who create extravagant mega‑homes for a notorious drug kingpin and his enigmatic wife.

As their glamorous world begins to unravel, the pair must decide how much they’re willing to risk, with loyalty potentially costing them everything.

Berlanti/Schechter Films will collaborate with Makowsky and Yan Fisher for Invisible String Films on the project. Michael McGrath, Berlanti/Schechter’s executive vice president, introduced the idea to the company. The partnership highlights a blend of creative forces from both production houses.

## Background & Context

Mike Makowsky is known for his work on Netflix’s limited series *Death by Lightning,* which earned four Emmy nominations for its writing and production team. He also wrote and produced *Bad Education,* a film starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019.

The project was later acquired by HBO, adding to Makowsky’s portfolio of critically acclaimed work.

HBO later acquired *Bad Education* in a global deal worth $20 million, and Makowsky received a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie, reinforcing his reputation as a skilled storyteller. The screenwriter is represented by CAA and Jackoway, underscoring his prominence in the industry.

Meanwhile, Berlanti/Schechter Films is wrapping up the romantic comedy *Red, White & Royal Wedding* in post‑production, demonstrating the company's capacity to juggle multiple projects across genres while maintaining quality.

## Production Outlook

With Amazon MGM Studios holding the film rights and Invisible String Films co‑producing, *Hang the Decorators* is poised to move from development into pre‑production as the production teams align schedules. No official release date has been announced.

The partnership reflects Amazon MGM’s interest in expanding its original dark comedy slate.

The collaboration brings together Berlanti’s experience in high‑profile projects and Makowsky’s proven storytelling record, creating a foundation for a potentially compelling dark comedy that explores themes of loyalty, risk, and unexpected power.

The production schedule remains to be confirmed as the teams coordinate pre‑production logistics, with key crew members yet to be announced.

As the project progresses, industry observers will watch how the melding of Berlanti’s production prowess and Makowsky’s narrative sensibility translates onto the screen. The film could offer fresh insight into a world where design meets danger.