Inspiring Conversations with Thomas Zambeck of Umbrelic Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Zambeck.

Hi Thomas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Detroit, I moved out to Los Angeles in 2008. I began my career in post-production, handling technical delivery for film and TV. This led me to work closely with banks, lenders, and equity investors – all of whom needed final asset approval to secure repayment. I noticed a gap in the industry, specifically that banks wouldn’t lend on productions under $10m, and many who did charge exorbitant rates and fees. I thought back to my financial contacts in the Midwest and how even savvy investors often shied away from entertainment, believing the barrier of entry was too strong and involvement in the film industry was limited to unprotected equity. I partnered with Brian Katz, a longtime friend, to launch Umbrelic Entertainment, which provides access to the entertainment business for non-coastal money, and helps people further diversify their portfolios through safe and ethical means. We have since produced (and provided financing for) over a dozen films in the last 16 months, with a full slate of new productions and film fund launch on deck for 2023.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s seldom smooth. So many things can go wrong when making a movie – and the financial structures behind film production are often complex. We’ve become accustomed to adversity. That said, our role at Umbrelic is to help mitigate risk and navigate these challenges, and we think speed bumps along the way only help make us stronger. Shifting trends in the film market can sometimes derail a project before it fully materializes, but we operate from a place of caution, which helps reduce the impact of changing tides.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Umbrelic Entertainment was formed with one simple objective: to responsibly invest in film and television ventures as the entertainment landscape is redefined in the digital age. We specialize primarily in production and finance, with a focus on development, packaging, pre-sale monetization, private bonding, and gap assistance.

​Though not a sales company by trade, we are a company that sells to distribution channels and financial partners in order to give each project mitigated risk and a base threshold of market exposure.

​In addition, we offer post-production packages and service global delivery of content through our post-production arm, OUTPOST X. By doing so, we are able to guarantee contractual fulfillment on all projects and provide an additional level of security to both filmmakers and financiers.

With a presence in Los Angeles and Detroit, Umbrelic’s main mission is to bring the same secure investment opportunities that major banks have utilized for decades and place the formula for success in the hands of independent, non-coastal investors, broadening their portfolio. In turn, we will use this to fill an underserved niche in Hollywood: mid-tier and micro-budget projects. By adopting and perfecting this well-established financial model, we are able to offer our financial partners something that other companies cannot: SECURITY and TRANSPARENCY.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My business partner and I have been friends for 25 years, dating back to high school.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.umbrelic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umbrelic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086455806995