Collage launches to connect AI studios with Hollywood, as Dante DeSario and Michael Lambert build a bold new management firm for AI production.
Collage Launch: Bold New Force in Hollywood AI Production marks a major step in connecting emerging AI studios with Hollywood. Former United Talent Agency film agent Dante DeSario and media investor Michael Lambert founded the new management company. Their venture aims to help AI-native production businesses build industry relationships, secure opportunities and navigate entertainment’s changing landscape.
Collage Launches to Bridge AI Studios and Hollywood
Collage enters the entertainment industry as Hollywood explores new ways to use artificial intelligence in film and television production. The Beverly Hills-based company aims to connect AI-focused production studios with traditional entertainment companies, streaming platforms, filmmakers and brands.
Rather than simply promoting new technology, Collage plans to help creative businesses build sustainable operations. Its services will support business development, production planning, technology partnerships and investment opportunities.
The company also seeks to help Hollywood identify reliable AI production partners. This approach could make it easier for studios to evaluate emerging companies and understand their creative capabilities.
Dante DeSario and Michael Lambert Lead New Venture
Dante DeSario brings experience from UTA’s independent film group, where he worked with filmmakers and helped package projects. His work also involved arranging financing and building relationships across the film industry.
Michael Lambert joins the venture as a media investor with experience in entertainment business development. Together, the founders aim to create stronger connections between established Hollywood players and AI-native production companies.
Why DeSario Created Collage
DeSario began considering the opportunity after encountering an early demonstration of OpenAI’s Sora video generator in 2024. He later worked with filmmakers exploring generative AI and developing production businesses around the technology.
Those experiences helped reveal a gap between creative innovation and the business infrastructure needed to support it. Collage seeks to fill that gap by helping companies develop partnerships, manage operations and reach potential clients.
The company’s strategy reflects a growing need for practical guidance as generative AI enters mainstream entertainment. Production teams must balance creative goals with budgets, legal requirements and industry expectations.
Collage Secures Seed Funding and Industry Backing
Collage has completed a seed funding round backed by entertainment companies and experienced industry figures. Investors include Black Bear and Fundamental Films, alongside other financial backers and advisers.
Additional supporters include AGC Studios, GOAL Ventures, Blue Deer Media and Dennis Miller. The group also features established producers and executives, including Roy Lee, Marty Bowen, Todd Lieberman, Todd Garner and Ric Roman Waugh.
The founders have not publicly disclosed the funding amount. However, the backing signals interest in businesses that connect emerging AI production methods with established entertainment networks.
AI Production Companies Join the Launch Roster
Collage launched with a roster of companies working across AI filmmaking, animation and hybrid production. The group includes Asteria, Defect, Lipstick, Matriarch, Native Foreign, Obsidian, Secret Level and Lux Meridian.
These companies represent different approaches to integrating artificial intelligence into creative production. Their work may include AI-assisted filmmaking, real-time 3D animation, digital storytelling and hybrid production techniques.
Collage intends to help such businesses identify suitable projects and commercial partners. Its support could also help clients explain their capabilities to studios that remain cautious about adopting new production methods.
How Collage Plans to Transform AI Filmmaking
The new company plans to identify production suppliers and match their services with projects that suit their strengths. It also expects to help clients assess pricing, project scale, quality standards and delivery requirements.
Legal considerations will remain important as AI-generated content raises questions about copyright, ownership and creative rights. Collage aims to help companies navigate these concerns while building professional relationships with established entertainment businesses.
Connecting Technology With Creative Talent
AI production tools can support tasks such as visual development, animation and other filmmaking processes. However, successful projects still require creative direction, production expertise and a clear understanding of audience expectations.
Collage wants to help Hollywood distinguish capable creative teams from businesses that rely on technology alone. That focus could encourage more informed partnerships between traditional studios and AI-first production companies.
The company also plans to invest selectively in promising businesses through its investment activities. This strategy could give it a role beyond management by helping support companies with growth potential.
Hollywood’s AI Production Future Faces New Opportunities
Entertainment companies continue to assess how generative AI might change production costs, workflows and creative possibilities. Some industry professionals see opportunities for faster experimentation, while others remain concerned about jobs, copyright and artistic control.
Collage enters this debate by focusing on business infrastructure and practical collaboration. Its model aims to help AI production companies work with established industry partners instead of operating separately from Hollywood.
The venture’s success will depend on whether studios, filmmakers and brands embrace these partnerships. Clear legal standards, reliable production quality and transparent working practices could influence that adoption.
What Collage’s Launch Means for the Entertainment Industry
Collage’s launch highlights a shift toward more structured business relationships around AI-native filmmaking. The company aims to help emerging studios develop commercially viable operations while giving Hollywood a clearer path to evaluate their services.
DeSario and Lambert are positioning Collage as a connection point between creative innovation, investment and established entertainment networks. As AI production continues to evolve, that role could become increasingly valuable.
The broader challenge remains balancing technological experimentation with human creativity and responsible production practices. Collage now has an opportunity to help shape how AI-focused companies participate in Hollywood’s next chapter.
Also read: KFC’s Big Switch: Coca-Cola Replaces Pepsi in 2027
