AB2 Media Group and Abramorama have acquired North American distribution rights to Make Work, an intimate documentary exploring the creative process behind contemporary ballet.
Commissioned by the New York Choreographic Institute, the film is directed by two-time Emmy-nominated filmmakers Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger (Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan) and is scheduled to open in North American theaters beginning March 5, 2027.
The documentary had its world premiere at the 2026 San Francisco Dance Film Festival and is also set to screen at the upcoming DOCNYC festival.
Set inside the studios and stages of the New York Choreographic Institute and New York City Ballet, Make Work provides rare behind-the-scenes access to the development of new ballet works. The film follows four choreographers, Harrison Ball, Sarah Foster-Sproull, Caili Quan, and Houston Thomas, as they collaborate with dancers and transform early ideas into fully realized performances.
With only two weeks to create original works during the Institute’s residencies, the choreographers face artistic challenges, experimentation, setbacks, and breakthroughs while balancing ballet’s traditions with new creative possibilities.
Interwoven throughout the film are insights from renowned choreographers Kyle Abraham, Lar Lubovitch, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, Pam Tanowitz, and Christopher Wheeldon, all reflecting on their creative approaches and the lasting influence of George Balanchine on the evolution of ballet.
Produced by Linda Saffire, Adam Schlesinger, and Adrian Danchig-Waring, the film highlights the mission of the New York Choreographic Institute, which was founded in 2000 to nurture choreographic talent and support the future of ballet.
Featured Participants
- Harrison Ball
- Sarah Foster-Sproull
- Caili Quan
- Houston Thomas
- Kyle Abraham
- Lar Lubovitch
- Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
- Justin Peck
- Alexei Ratmansky
- Pam Tanowitz
- Christopher Wheeldon
Crew
Directors
- Linda Saffire
- Adam Schlesinger
Producers
- Linda Saffire
- Adam Schlesinger
- Adrian Danchig-Waring
Commissioned By
- New York Choreographic Institute
Distributors
- AB2 Media Group
- Abramorama
Film Details
- Title: Make Work
- Genre: Documentary
- North American Theatrical Release: March 5, 2027
- World Premiere: 2026 San Francisco Dance Film Festival
- Festival Screening: DOCNYC
Synopsis
Make Work offers an intimate look inside the creative laboratories of the New York Choreographic Institute, where choreographers and dancers collaborate to develop new ballet works. Through experimentation, risk-taking, and artistic discovery, the film reveals the challenges and rewards of creating something entirely new.
