Joseph Cohen, a big name in Hollywood known for producing hits like “Brokeback Mountain” and “La La Land,” is starting a new company in Hong Kong named MediaRealm Advisors Asia. This company aims to help investors from Asia get involved in major Hollywood movie projects. Adam Guy Orlebar Garrett, who has experience managing media funds in Hong Kong and Tokyo, is teaming up with him for this venture. Orlebar will contribute a portfolio of film projects focusing on collaborations between Hollywood and Asia to the new company.
Cohen founded AEI in Los Angeles in 1996 to offer advice to those looking to invest in the media sector, whether they are big institutions or private individuals. The company specializes in guiding investments across different levels, from secure loans to riskier equity stakes. AEI is planning to split its production and financing activities into two separate businesses later this year.
Cohen is confident in the profitability of investing in films, given the careful selection and strict investment criteria developed by AEI over the years. He sees great potential in projects from Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and especially China and India, where there is a strong interest in international collaborations and remaking Hollywood hits.
Joseph Cohen Launches MRAA, Asian Entertainment Investment Advisory Firm (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/hXFy6RxgI6
— Variety (@Variety) March 14, 2024
By establishing MediaRealm Advisors Asia with Orlebar, they aim to leverage AEI’s expertise for Orlebar’s extensive slate of films designed for both Hollywood and Asian markets. Among the projects Orlebar is introducing to AEI are “Sentinels,” a sci-fi adventure based on Patrick J. Jones’ novel; “Shi,” a martial arts movie adapted from Billy Tucci’s comics; and “Tomoe Gozen,” a trilogy about a historic war in 12th century Japan, inspired by Jeremy Han’s novel. Source
