UTA Welcomes 'Union County' Director Adam Meeks to Roster

by : Ricky Gervais

Adam Meeks, the visionary director of the acclaimed film “Union County,” has officially joined the ranks of the United Talent Agency (UTA). His compelling debut feature, which delves into the profound impact of opioid addiction, captivated audiences and critics alike at the Sundance Film Festival in January, earning both widespread praise and a prolonged standing ovation. This significant move marks a new chapter for Meeks, whose unique narrative approach in “Union County” is poised to make a substantial impact on the cinematic landscape.

UTA Signs Adam Meeks, Director of Critically Acclaimed 'Union County'

In a significant announcement made on May 1, 2026, UTA confirmed its representation of filmmaker Adam Meeks, whose powerful new film, “Union County,” has been making waves in the independent cinema circuit. The movie, featuring stellar performances from Will Poulter and Noah Centineo, explores the harrowing realities of opioid addiction through the lens of two brothers. Meeks masterfully intertwines their fictional journey with the authentic experiences of participants in an Ohio-based court-sponsored drug rehabilitation program, creating a deeply moving and resonant narrative.

The film’s journey began with its triumphant premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this past January, where it was met with enthusiastic reviews and a standing ovation, underscoring its emotional depth and artistic merit. Following its successful debut, Oscilloscope Laboratories acquired the distribution rights for the drama earlier in April, with a theatrical release date strategically set for August 14th. This distribution deal promises to bring Meeks’s impactful storytelling to a broader audience.

“Union County” is an expansion of Meeks's 2020 short film of the same name, which first premiered internationally at the Berlin International Film Festival, followed by screenings at the Champs-Élysées Film Festival and the Palm Springs International ShortFest. During a Q&A session at Sundance, Will Poulter, who not only stars but also produced the feature, highlighted the unique authenticity of Meeks’s script. Poulter explained that the narrative wasn't merely a story seeking a setting, but rather a profound reflection of the real-world recovery efforts taking place. Meeks himself drew inspiration from his extended family in Ohio, particularly after his uncle introduced him to a drug court judge, leading to an invitation to observe a meeting. His decision to blend fictional elements with documentary insights was a conscious choice to achieve narrative intimacy and character depth, while respectfully navigating the sensitive nature of recovery without imposing on those undergoing such a challenging process.

A Brooklyn-based filmmaker, Meeks is an alumnus of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a Film Independent Screenwriting Lab Fellow. In addition to his new representation by UTA, he continues to be represented by Untitled Entertainment and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.

Adam Meeks's distinctive approach to storytelling, blending raw reality with nuanced fiction, offers a powerful new voice in cinema. His commitment to authentic representation and his ability to elicit compelling performances resonate deeply, presenting narratives that are both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. His work serves as a reminder of the profound impact film can have in shedding light on critical social issues and fostering empathy.

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