Cognito Entertainment, newly launched science themed production company

Neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. David Eagleman, seasoned producer Matt Tauber (Project Blue Book, Preacher), and former History executive Adam Fratto (Cleverman, Haven) have partnered to launch COGNITO ENTERTAINMENT, a production company with a focus on innovative and compelling stories from the world of science spanning scripted and unscripted TV, features, documentaries and podcasts. 

Backed by private equity, the Los Angeles and Palo Alto-based venture builds on the partners’ world-class credibility with access to top talent and IP in the science genre, as well as a proven track record of creating content in the most durable, globally successful formats. 

Eagleman, who teaches neuroscience at Stanford University, said 'We are living in an unparalleled moment of scientific advancement. From brains to space to genetics, there are endless mind-blowing stories to share. In a world that sometimes seems upside-down, science can be a source of great inspiration, wonder, and belief'.

Under the new banner, Cognito Entertainment have optioned Grace Chan’s award-winning Australian novel “Every Version of You” and will adapt as an international feature film.  Set in the near future, this mind-bending sci-fi story centers on a star-crossed romance between lovers separated by the boundary between our world and the metaverse. The novel has just been shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year award and longlisted for the prestigious Stella Prize. The deal was done via Bold Type Agency on behalf of Jacinta di Mase Management and Grace Chan.

In addition, Cognito Entertainment is shopping “Galileo," a six-part limited international co-produced series about the “father of science,” Renaissance scientist Galileo Galilei.  Galileo’s observations of the cosmos challenged core beliefs of the church, resulting in the Pope - who was Galileo’s best friend and greatest advocate - putting him on trial for heresy.  BAFTA winning producer Karen Tenkhoff (Motorcyle Diaries) has written the series, and Jon Levin (Marshall, The Breadwinner) will executive produce.  

Created by Eagleman, "The Invisible Enemy" is a docu-series which explores how our civilization was not shaped by politicians or wars but by a long history of germs, viruses and microbes. Acclaimed Emmy-nominated producer Jonathan Grupper will showrun, and Emmy-winning journalist, author and physician Seema Yasmin will host.

LC