James Shani Launches Creative Studio, Rich Spirit; Banner Producing Ali Abbasi Film ‘The Apprentice’

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Iranian-American multidisciplinary producer James Shani launches creative studio, RICH SPIRIT, which will partner with BIPOC artists and filmmakers to produce a wide range of original projects from narrative films to documentaries, music videos, donate its services to nonprofits, execute commissioned work for brands, and fund early-stage founders in the technology and media space.

Shani previously held a position at Issa Rae’s ColorCreative, where he represented writers and directors. By launching RICH SPIRIT, Shani is driven by independent art that converges with a conscientious global outlook, collaborating with filmmakers from different parts of the world.

His mission is to support and resource artists that aim to transcend borders and resonate universally.  “Artists of all disciplines are society’s most important treasures to be supported and fostered,” shared Shani. “My main passion has always been independent cinema and I see us neglecting indie filmmakers more than ever before; these artists are struggling not only to produce their work but to also find an audience with how ‘tentpole or nothing’ distribution has become.

And unlike most developed countries that support artists through government funding, grants, meaningful tax incentives, U.S.