The Evolution of James Norton’s Creative Pursuits
After dedicating countless hours to prestigious film and television productions—including the BAFTA-winning series Happy Valley and the ITV detective drama Grantchester—actor James Norton sought to expand his creative horizons beyond acting alone.
Seeking Greater Creative Freedom
During a recent masterclass at the Series Mania TV festival, Norton expressed his desire for a deeper involvement in the creative process. “I started as an actor to realize that there’s a disconnect between the way actors are treated and their actual contribution,” he stated. “While actors do contribute significantly, their autonomy is limited; they’re directed on where to stand, what to wear, and the overall tone of the piece. I yearned to have more creative input.”
Founding Rabbit Track
In 2019, Norton partnered with seasoned producer Katie Kaletsky, previously of Black Bear, to establish Rabbit Track, a London-based production company aimed at developing independent film and television projects from the ground up. In a significant advancement for the company, Banijay UK, a leading entity in the global indie market, acquired a stake in Rabbit Track in 2023, significantly enhancing its production capacity.
A Diverse Portfolio
Since its inception, Rabbit Track has gained recognition for a diverse slate of projects, including the Netflix thriller Rouge Agent and the ambitious eight-episode period drama King & Conqueror—a collaboration between the BBC and CBS shot in Iceland, leveraging regional tax incentives. Norton has featured in all of Rabbit Track’s productions, though he is quick to clarify, “This is not a vanity project. It was never intended as a platform solely for me. I was genuinely excited about producing.”
Strategic Investments in Talent
Patrick Holland, Executive Chairman of Banijay UK, underscored the strategic nature of their investment, stating it was an endorsement of Norton and Kaletsky’s potential to attract compelling writers and gain traction in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Optimism Amid Challenges
Despite acknowledging the current market’s challenges—marked by declining commission fees and rising production costs—Kaletsky remains optimistic. She highlighted innovative production models, exemplified by King & Conqueror, as avenues for future success in an evolving television landscape.
Upcoming Projects
Norton and Kaletsky are also preparing to delve into another ambitious project: an adaptation of Suzanne Heywood’s acclaimed memoir Wavewalker. This emotional narrative follows a father, played by Norton, who embarks on a perilous ten-year sailing expedition to retrace Captain Cook’s historical voyage, accompanied by his family across more than fifty thousand miles.
Kaletsky elaborated on the poignant story, stating, “It’s about a young girl who, against all odds, fights for her right to an education and existence. It explores the complex relationship between a devoted father and the challenges he imposes on his daughter and her brothers.” Currently, the team is in discussions with various broadcasters to bring this captivating story to life.
As Norton continues to blend acting with producing, his journey reflects a growing trend among actors who seek greater creative agency in the projects they undertake.