Actresses and producing partners Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus are celebrating the highly anticipated premiere of “Imperfect Women” on Apple TV, a project that took six years to come to fruition and serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality storytelling. This milestone marks a significant achievement for their production company, Love & Squalor, highlighting their distinctive approach to creative collaboration and their sustained presence in the competitive entertainment industry. Their journey from an initial email exchange to a successful partnership underscores their commitment to trusting instincts and fostering meaningful connections within Hollywood.

Creative Synergy: Moss and McManus's Journey from Concept to Screen

In the autumn of 2019, Elisabeth Moss, a prominent actress known for her compelling performances, reached out to Lindsey McManus with the novel “Imperfect Women” by Araminta Hall, envisioning a future collaboration. At that time, neither a formal deal nor a contract was in place for their partnership, Love & Squalor. McManus, who had a strong background running Diablo Cody’s production company Vita Vera and as a scripted television and talent agent at WME, quickly recognized the potential of the story. Within two months, the duo began pitching the project to various studios and networks, an endeavor undertaken during the nascent stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This challenging period, marked by industry-wide disruptions, unexpectedly provided Moss and McManus with ample time to cultivate their shared production vision, which they humorously describe as being built on “vibes” and a deep trust in their creative instincts.

Their collaborative philosophy extends beyond their core partnership to include interactions with like-minded individuals in the entertainment industry. They actively sought out talent, from rising stars like Paul Mescal to established figures such as Julia Garner, and forged mentorships and partnerships with major Hollywood entities including Denise DiNovi, Warren Littlefield, Lucky Chap, and A24. This strategic networking has allowed Love & Squalor to build a robust portfolio of projects. Since its inception, Moss and McManus have overseen the production or executive production of six titles, with three directly under their collaborative umbrella: the television series “Shining Girls” and “The Veil,” and their debut feature film, “Shell,” directed by Max Minghella, Moss’s former co-star from “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Remarkably, both women also embarked on new personal journeys during this period, becoming first-time mothers.

Their producing credits are far from vanity titles; Moss has been deeply involved in production aspects since the early days of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a fact attested to by Executive Producer Warren Littlefield. Littlefield highlights Moss’s relentless drive to learn and grow, noting her significant contributions to the show’s first season that transcended her role as an actor. He actively advocated for her full executive producer credit, recognizing her integral role in the series’ success. This profound working relationship has since extended to other projects, including the highly anticipated sequel series, “The Testaments,” set to premiere on April 8, and the upcoming Hulu project “Conviction.” McManus’s ability to align seamlessly with Moss’s creative vision while bringing her own expertise has been a cornerstone of their partnership, defining what Littlefield considers a true collaborative effort. The lengthy development cycle of “Imperfect Women,” finally launching after Moss’s commitment to “The Handmaid’s Tale” wrapped in February 2025, underscores Love & Squalor’s commitment to patience and quality over rushed releases. As they continue to expand their team with key hires like Maura Towey and Carlota Pino, Moss and McManus remain dedicated to their core mission: to “make stuff” and maintain ownership of their creative endeavors, a testament to their grateful and proactive approach in an ever-evolving industry.

The journey of Elisabeth Moss and Lindsey McManus, culminating in the release of 'Imperfect Women' and the continued growth of Love & Squalor, offers a compelling narrative of perseverance, collaborative spirit, and strategic vision in the demanding world of entertainment. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring creators, emphasizing that authentic partnerships, coupled with a deep-seated belief in one's creative instincts, can lead to remarkable success, even amidst unforeseen challenges. It underscores the value of patience and a meticulous approach to storytelling, proving that quality, rather than speed, ultimately triumphs.