Trigger Street Productions
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Films, television series, theatrical productions |
| Parent | Relativity Media (since 2016) |
Trigger Street Productions is a U.S.-based entertainment production company established in 1997 by actor and businessman Kevin Spacey, alongside his collaborator Dana Brunetti. The company’s body of work includes notable films such as Captain Phillips, The Social Network, and 21, as well as Emmy-winning projects like Recount. Its production credits also extend to the acclaimed series House of Cards and theatrical works including The Iceman Cometh.
During its initial phase, Trigger Street secured a two-year film distribution agreement with Fine Line Features. In 2001, it formed a first-look financing partnership with Intermedia, resulting in productions such as K-PAX. The company’s name is inspired by a street in Spacey’s hometown, reflecting its foundational roots and creative aspirations.
In 2011, Trigger Street entered into a first-look deal with Sony Pictures, broadening its footprint within the motion picture sector. By 2015, the company expanded into television by launching a dedicated division through an arrangement with Fox 21 Television Studios, marking a strategic move into digital content and TV production.
In January 2016, following Relativity Media’s exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Relativity acquired Trigger Street Productions. Initially, Spacey was announced as chairman of Relativity Studios, with Brunetti appointed president, signaling a major organizational overhaul intended to strengthen the studio’s market standing. Spacey characterized this development as “an incredible opportunity” and a “next evolution” in his professional journey, while Brunetti highlighted his innovative approach to disrupting traditional studio operations.
However, later reports disclosed that Spacey declined the chairman position, and Brunetti exited Relativity by the end of 2016. Despite these changes, both remained involved as executive producers on projects like House of Cards and Manhunt: Unabomber, sustaining their roles in prominent productions amid corporate transitions.
Trigger Street Labs
Conceived by Dana Brunetti and launched in 2002, Trigger Street Labs functioned as an online platform dedicated to unrepresented writers and filmmakers.[1] The site attracted thousands who shared their work, critiqued others’ projects, and took part in contests and short film festivals. Previously sponsored by Stella Artois, the platform hosted the Stella Artois Short Film Project in October 2009, awarding Jason Klein US$50,000 for his short film A Perfect Time.[2]
Trigg.la
Trigg.la emerged as an offshoot of Trigger Street Labs, offering podcasts, a filmmaking-focused blog, and content centered on industries based in Los Angeles.[3]
Triggla podcasts
Although no longer active, Trigg.la’s podcast series explored topics such as arts, music, culture, society, and technology. Among them was Kayden's Review, hosted by adult film actress Kayden Kross, which featured critiques of mainstream movies.[4]
The First 15, co-hosted by Carter Swan (vice president at Trigger Street Productions) alongside screenwriter Philip Eisner, presented weekly interviews with emerging screenwriters. Each episode included expert analysis of the first fifteen pages from scripts submitted through Trigger Street Labs.[5]
Jameson First Shot
In 2011, a collaboration with Jameson Irish Whiskey gave rise to Jameson First Shot, a contest designed to provide emerging directors with their first chance to create a short film featuring a prominent actor. The initial edition included Kevin Spacey and finalists representing the United States, South Africa, and Russia. Over the years, the competition extended its reach to additional countries while continuing to select three winning screenplays annually. These films debut at exclusive red carpet events and are also available on Jameson's official YouTube channel. The contest remains an annual event, introducing fresh winners and lead performers each cycle.
2012 – Kevin Spacey
- Benjamin Leavitt, The Ventriloquist, USA
- Aleksey Nuzhny, Envelope, Russia
- Alan Shelley, Spirit of a Denture, South Africa
2013 – Willem Dafoe
- Hanneke Schutte, Saving Norman, South Africa
- Anton Lanshakov, The Smile Man, Russia
- Shirlyn Wong, Love's Routine, USA
2014 – Uma Thurman
- Henco J, The Mundane Goddess, South Africa
- Ivan Petukhov, The Gift, Russia
- Jessica Valentine, Jump, USA
2015 – Adrien Brody
- Mark Middlewick, The Mascot, South Africa
- Travis Calvert, The Library Book, USA
- Stephan Tempier, Boredom, Canada
2016 – Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Cameron Thrower, Beauty Mark, USA
- Kat Wood, Home, UK
- Jason Perini, The New Empress, Australia
2017 – Dominic West
Films
- Gran Turismo (2023)
- Fifty Shades Freed (2018)
- Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
- Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
- Captain Phillips (2013)
- Jameson First Shot shorts: The Ventriloquist, Envelope, Spirit of a Denture
- Safe (2012)
- Inseparable (2011)
- Casino Jack (2010)
- The Social Network (2010)
- Father of Invention (2010)
- Shrink (2009)
- Fanboys (2008)
- Columbus Day (2008)
- 21 (2008)
- Mini's First Time (2006)
- The Sasquatch Gang (2006)
- Edison (2005)
- Beyond the Sea (2004)
- TriggerStreet.com (2004)
- The United States of Leland (2003)
- Interstate 84
- Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000)
- The Big Kahuna (1999)
Direct-to-video and TV
- Manhunt: Unabomber (2017, Discovery Channel)
- House of Cards (2013, Netflix)
- Bernard and Doris (2008, HBO)
- Recount (2008, HBO)
- Going Hollywood (2005)
- America Rebuilds: A Year at Ground Zero (2002)
- Uncle Frank (2002, HBO)