Archewell Productions, the company founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has lost one of its most senior figures. Chanel Pysnik, Head of Non-Fiction, Film and TV, is leaving her role after almost six years, a departure that leaves Meghan Markle's production ambitions facing fresh uncertainty.
Pysnik joined the company in 2021, less than a year after Archewell first launched. During her tenure she executive produced the Netflix documentary Harry and Meghan, Meghan's cooking show With Love, Meghan, and the firm's first feature documentary Cookie Queens. She also worked on Heart of Invictus and Polo.
Joint statement from the Sussexes
Harry and Meghan confirmed Pysnik's departure in a joint statement. They said: "Chanel was one of our very first hires at Archewell Productions and spearheaded the strategic framework for our unscripted endeavours."
"She brought not only her expertise into the process but also led with her heart in telling beautiful stories. Many successful productions later, her impact and legacy at Archewell is to be celebrated. We are both championing her as she embarks on this next chapter."
No replacement announced
Archewell has not announced an official replacement for Pysnik, meaning the company will now need to hire a new head. The departure comes at a difficult time for the duchess, who is also dealing with allegations against her father, Thomas Markle Sr, and her recent move back to the UK.
Sources claimed to Page Six in October that Archewell "cut staff over the last 12 to 18 months", with the source claiming the production company was down to "just a handful of employees" at its Los Angeles offices, Raleigh Studios. Express.co.uk contacted representatives for the Sussexes for comment on this story.
The loss of Pysnik follows reports that Meghan's role on The Gentlemen fell through, adding to the challenges facing her film and TV career. The duchess has expressed support for returning to acting, with suggestions she could take on a smaller, UK-based role, and potentially move into producing and directing.
