Spielberg’s Amblin lands “We Are Your Pets”—Fay’s pet‑family comedy

Universal Pictures has preemptively bought the family‑comedy pitch *We Are Your Pets* from Iranian‑American writer‑director Cameron Ali Fay. Fay will pen the script, while Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment is set to produce.

Plot details are still confidential, but sources say Fay delivered the idea to Amblin, which in turn placed it at Universal. Senior EVP of Production Development Erik Baiers will oversee the project for the studio.

Fay’s résumé spans multiple roles: he made his feature‑directorial debut with *Maybe It’s You* (2023, Universal/Peacock), wrote an original action comedy for Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios, and co‑created the action Western *Thorny Rose* with Paul Feig attached to direct and produce.

He also adapted the novel *There’s a Word for That* for Hilary Swank’s production and starring credit, and penned *Brother Nature* for Paramount.

Fay co‑founded the WGA Middle Eastern Writers Committee and is the only person selected for both Sony’s writers’ and directors’ programs. He is currently lined up to direct two Black List scripts—*This Is Going to Hurt* and *Until You*—for Di Novi Pictures.

His representation includes Paradigm, Kaplan/Perrone, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.

## Background & Context

Amblin Entertainment’s upcoming slate highlights a mix of franchises and fresh voices. Recent announcements include *Gremlins 3*, Alex Kister’s *The Mandela Catalogue*, and Zach Cregger’s *The Flood*. This diversity underscores Amblin’s commitment to both nostalgic properties and original storytelling.

Fay’s body of work reflects a blend of comedy, action, and genre‑mixing projects. His experience with Universal/Peacock on *Maybe It’s You* demonstrates his ability to work within the studio’s family‑friendly ecosystem. The partnership with Byron Allen and Paramount further signals his versatility across studios.

The collaboration with Amblin adds a seasoned production house to the equation. Spielberg’s involvement often brings heightened attention, distribution muscle, and access to a wide array of talent pools. In turn, Fay’s unique cultural perspective as an Iranian‑American writer‑director positions the project for fresh narrative angles.

## What Happens Next

With Universal greenlighting the pitch, development will likely commence with script drafts from Fay under Amblin’s guidance. Erik Baiers has indicated that the project is in early developmental stages, though specific milestones remain undisclosed.

Casting decisions and production timelines are expected to follow once the screenplay reaches a final draft. Given Amblin’s track record, the film may secure a mid‑budget family release window in the coming years.

No public statements have outlined a definitive release date or marketing strategy. As the project advances, further details will emerge from Universal and Amblin representatives.

The collaboration marks a notable addition to both Universal’s comedy slate and Amblin’s production lineup, setting the stage for a potentially high‑profile family film in the near future.