The upcoming thriller “Trust” starring Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) is helmed by production company Koulest Productions, alongside Twisted Pictures (Creators of the Saw franchise). As the company’s debut feature film, founder Miles Koules was involved every step of the way – from sourcing the script to shaping the final product.
Koules talks about blending his athletic career with his new creative venture and discusses the making of “Trust”.
How Did “Trust” Come About?
Miles Koules: During COVID, I was still a professional hockey player. And I always knew I wanted to transition into being a filmmaker of some sort, and I always thought I’d be a producer. So during COVID, I started just reading a bunch of scripts, whether it be an agent friend of mine sending me scripts from the Blacklist. My dad basically passing on submissions to him to me to read for him, and so on and so forth. And then I went on and played another hockey season after that. I played with the New Jersey Devils organization that year, and then I came back, started my production company.
I actually first I optioned a book and a comic book and I did a few other things and I was like, “Wait, what about that one script I read? It was eally cool,” and I circled back on it.
On His Involvement In the Film
Koules was involved from the very beginning, including sourcing the script, guiding the development, and shaping the final product.
MK: I was as involved as you can possibly be, from the inception till today. I’ve been doing marketing stuff since 6 a.m. So, I’ve been involved every step of the way. I’ll treat this one like my baby.
Working Alongside His Father’s Production Company Twisted Pictures
Oren Koules, alongside Mark Burg and Gregg Hoffman, founded Twisted Pictures, the production company behind the SAW franchise. Koules talks about working with Twisted Pictures on “Trust”.
MK: It was great. I mean, I’m going to make my next probably eight to ten movies with the same team here. It was awesome. I mean, look, obviously Oren’s my dad, but he’s also a very respected filmmaker. Dan Heffner, the president of Twisted Pictures, is a legendary figure in his own right, and Keturna Keston, who’s his VP – those three have been working with my dad on the “Saw” movies for the last 15 years. So to learn from them, while also creating and making my first movie.
It felt awesome to have such a great team around me to help guide me and work just work together and collaborate to make this great project, and we’re excited to make the next one and the one after that.
On Transitioning From Professional Hockey Player To Film Producer
MK: I always knew I wanted to work in the industry after being an athlete. I retired from professional hockey at 27. Whether it be 37 or 27, I knew I wanted to do something in film. Um, because it happened earlier, it almost kind of motivated me to be more successful than if I had this illustrious hockey career. I’d probably be like, “Ah, whatever,” you know? So, that kind of motivated me to do it.
What Is Next for Koulest Productions?
While Koules remained tight-lipped about his company’s next project, he teased that he’ll remain in the horror genre for now and that the next film will be “very scary.”
MK: Well, first and foremost, we’re kind of signed up to make these right now. We have this overall deal at Paramount.
Koules also talks about his love for the genre.
MK: So, I’ve always found genre fascinating. I love it. I I love the, you know, there are certain types of movies that are great but they can be interpreted one way or the other, whereas genre it’s like you have a goal set out to make people feel something and if they feel what you set out to do, whether it’s being scared or nervous, you’re kind of accomplishing your mission. Eventually I’d love to keep making these movies and maybe bend the genre a bit into more of a sci-fi fantasy/adventure kind of space is something I’ve always had a passion for, but for now I’m going to keep I’m going to keep my boots planted in making these, you know. Next movie is going to be, I think, a lot more horror, and then maybe after that, find something in between and just keep going forward. It’s hard when you read something that’s so great that you just have to make it. I guess that’s when you know.
Watch the full interview here:
About Miles Koules:
Miles Koules is a former professional hockey player from Los Angeles with a nine-year pro career, including representing Team USA internationally. Following his retirement from hockey, he founded Koulest Productions and joined with his father, Oren Koules’ company, Twisted Pictures, to develop and produce projects for Republic Pictures. He has since optioned multiple titles and is currently in different stages of development on several projects. His debut feature film “Trust” is being released on August 22, 2025.
About Trust:
The film follows a Hollywood actress (played by Sophie Turner) who, after a scandal, seeks refuge in a remote cabin, only to be betrayed by someone she once trusted and find herself fighting for survival. It’s a suspenseful, character-driven story that promises to captivate audiences.
