Reese Witherspoon launches new banner

WitherspoonPapandrea Reese Witherspoon and "Warm Bodies" producer Bruna Papandrea have teamed to launch a new production banner, Pacific Standard. Duo will fold a number of projects into the partnership from their pre-existing shingles Type A Films and Make Movies. Pacific Standard has several properties prepped to go out to the market, including an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's upcoming "Wild," which tells the story of an 1100-mile solo hike that breaks down a young woman reeling from catastrophe and brings her back to life. Witherspoon and Papandrea look forward to utilizing the relationships they've forged with filmmakers, actors and writers to make smart, character-driven, commercial films both large and small. "I've always been impressed by Bruna's taste and her skills as a producer," said Witherspoon. "I'm very excited to be working with her. It's a pleasure to collaborate with someone so smart, fun and formidable." "In Reese I have found a like-minded and incredibly passionate partner who genuinely shares the same goals," added Papandrea. "I've had a wonderful time producing movies independently but I couldn't be more excited about the company and brand we will create together." Witherspoon earned her first producing credit for "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," and went on to produce "Four Christmases" and "Penelope" through her Type A shingle. Thesp acquired Peggy Lee's life rights and partnered with Marc Platt on a biographical film that Nora Ephron will write for Fox 2000. She also set up the original comedies "Who Invited Her?" in partnership with Gary Foster at DreamWorks, "My Husband's Wife" with Ryan Seacrest's company at Universal and the Courtney Hunt-directed indie "Rule #1" with Brad Epstein at Emmett/Furla Films. Papandrea recently produced Jonathan Levine's zombie pic "Warm Bodies" for financier Summit Entertainment. Pic, which stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, is skedded for release Feb. 1, 2013. Papandrea's development slate includes Jennifer Smith's upcoming novel "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" and Emily Giffin's best-selling book "Love the One You're With." Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com