ABOUT US

Andre Relis, has been at the forefront of feature film distribution and production for over 20 years. Most recently, Mr. Relis produced such upcoming releases as WANDER, starring Tommy Lee Jones & Aaron Eckhart, ARKANSAS starring Vince Vaughn, Liam Hemsworth & John Malkovich & GRAND ISLE starring Nicolas Cage & Kelsey Grammer. In 2010, he founded VMI Worldwide, the Hollywood based finance, production and sales company which he runs today. Prior to VMI, Andre began his career as a producer of a Fox Sports Television Series in the late 90’s before transitioning into film distribution at Amazing Films / Highland Crest Pictures as the Director of International Sales. In 2000, Andre moved into Domestic Distribution at renowned Troma Entertainment where he managed the West Coast Division and was promoted to Director of Worldwide Sales. In 2002, Andre transitioned once again to a small boutique sales company Vision Films in the role of Vice President of sales. Due to his role in the dynamic growth at Vision, including the launch of Vision Music, a dedicated music division, Mr. Relis was promoted to Managing Partner and 50% owner of both companies. Andre’s leadership brought both companies to an unprecedented level of success before branching out on his own to launch VMI Worldwide. Andre’s vision for VMI was not only acquiring notable commercial pictures but also developing and producing in house feature films on a collaborative level with independent producers. Some notable past productions produced by Mr. Relis include the Sundance premiere OUTLAW’S & ANGELS, starring Luke Wilson and Francesca Eastwood, Wesley Snipe's Sci-Fi THE RECALL, Jonathan Rhys Meyer's Crime Thriller, AWAKE, Sean Bean's and Abigail Breslin’s Action Thriller, WICKED BLOOD and Dolph Lundgren's and Mickey Rourke’s WWII ensemble WAR PIGS. arelis@vmiworldwide.com

Born in Stockton, California, Jessica moved to Los Angeles in 2011 after graduating Lincoln High School. She received a Bachelors Degree from The Art Institute of California Los Angeles in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. In 2013, she directed a successful web series called "Pensado's Place" for thirty plus consecutive episodes. She is also co-creator and director of a web series called "The Bianca Bee Show." Jessica has directed and produced numerous short films, commercials and music videos. She interned for Cinelou Films, was a Production Assistant on Mr. Church starring Eddie Murphy and was an assistant to Wayne Marc Godfrey at The Fyzz Facility. Jessica became Acquisitions & Development Coordinator for VMI Worldwide in 2015. Soon after she put her production experience to the test and  produced the feature documentary NWA & Eazy-E: Kings of Compton. After one year at the company she was promoted to Director of Acquisitions, Development and Marketing. In 2019 Jessica was promoted to COO, Productions and Acquisitions where she now heads up VMI's growing production department. 

Born in France, Julie moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to pursue her university studies. In 2013, she graduated in Business and Management of Entertainment from University Of California Los Angeles (UCLA). In 2018, she received an MBA in business and administration from the International American University. While pursuing her studies, Julie had an opportunity to attend the Cannes Film Festival where she decided to pursue her career in International Distribution. She interned in the sales department at Voltage Pictures, IM Global, CMG, attending international markets such as American Film Market and Cannes Film Festival. Later, she worked as an international sales coordinator for Cinetel Films and Mance Media. In 2016, Julie became a Sales Executive for VMI Worldwide.

Benan Guz Ari’s career in the media industry spans content acquisitions and distribution, feature film production, and account management. At VMI Worldwide, she focuses on expanding international partnerships and optimizing global content distribution strategies.Previously, Benan led international content sales and film production at Film Bridge International. Her background also includes roles as an Acquisitions Manager at SinemaTV, a group of Pay TV channels and VOD platform, and as an Account Manager at SPI International (a Canal+ Company), where she managed key client relationships across various territories and drove collaborative marketing initiatives in partnership with local sales agents.Benan is an active participant in major film markets, including EFM, Cannes, AFM, MIPCOM, and MIPTV, where she has formed and nurtured a vast network of relationships with distributors across the globe.

Dan is a veteran independent film distribution and acquisitions executive. He previously served as Director of Worldwide Acquisitions for Entertainment One, Senior Director of Acquisitions for Gravitas Ventures, and VP of Acquisitions for Freestyle Digital Media. Prior to his posting at VMI Releasing, Dan was founder and principal of Poppy Pictures, a boutique film distribution and sales consulting firm whose clients included Vertical Entertainment, Grindstone/Lionsgate, and National Bank of Canada. Concurrently, he was Visiting Assistant Professor of Film at Kenyon College. He is an active lecturer and has taught classes at UCLA and Kent State’s School of Journalism.

Born and raised in Los Angeles. Grew up in Beverly Hills in an entertainment family of performers stretching back generations. Graduated from UCLA, with a BA in History, continuing his post-graduate education at UCLA Extension with various courses and fields of study, including obtaining a Paralegal Certificate in Corporations and Litigation. First job after college was as an Agent-Trainee for William Morris Agency. It was there he solidified his desire to work in Business Affairs, as a way to work on the business side of The Biz. Has spent the remainder of his working career, up to today, as a Business and Legal Affairs executive. Previous experience includes William Morris Agency, Dreamworks Animation Studio, Brillstein-Grey Management, Landscape Entertainment (subsequently merged with Artisan Entertainment), Escape Artists (Sony), Mandate Pictures, Warner Bros, Exclusive Media, and Vision Films. Experienced in all manner of Business and Legal Affairs departments, working all along the spectrum from development & production through sales & distribution, and ranging in size and scope from Studio to Production Company to Sales Agent/Distributor.

contracts@vmiworldwide.com

Anson is the newest addition to the Business & Legal Affairs Department here at VMI. He graduated from Durham University with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018, and from UCLA School of Law with a Master of Laws in 2022, looking to specializing in entertainment law. Prior to coming to LA, he practiced corporate law and litigation for 2 years In Shenzhen, China. He is expecting to be admitted to the State Bar of California soon.

Graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts with an emphasis in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts.  After graduation, Don landed his first industry job as a master control operator, then worked with WPBN TV Traverse City Michigan and then WMMT TV, in Kalamazoo. He also held positions at Starz as a Promotion Scheduler and a Program Scheduler at the now-defaunct, Crown Media, the International branch of the Hallmark Channel. After 15 years working in the Program Planning and Scheduling side of the business, he switched over to the Distribution and Fulfillment arena in 2012.  He had a five year stint at Starz and then in 2016, Lionsgate bought Starz and the two merged.  Now, he is currently the Film Delivery and Servicing Manager here at VMI Worldwide.

delivery@vmiworldwide.com

Raised in Bradenton, Florida, Sherri earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Emory University. After two years in public accounting with BDO Seidman in Atlanta, her passion for the entertainment industry brought her to Los Angeles where she began at Warner Bros. as a financial analyst. Her desire to learn hands-on filmmaking led her to transition into film production, by co-producing the dark comedy American Cowslip with an ensemble cast that included Bruce Dern, Cloris Leachman and Peter Falk in his last picture, and script supervising numerous shorts and features. She enjoyed her time in film production very much but is glad to be back doing accounting full-time and being able to combine her financial skills and experience with her passion for film with VMI. Sherri joined VMI Worldwide as Controller in 2019.

Originally from Wisconsin, Piper came to California in 2016 to pursue opportunities in the film industry. After graduating from the University of San Diego with a bachelors in marketing and film, she moved to Los Angeles in 2020 to begin her career. Piper gained experience working on sets, and has been involved in the production of various independent projects. In 2023, her freelance work led her to the fashion world, where she was the Producer for the Los Angeles Fashion Show, LA Fashion Week, and other live fashion events in Southern California. Piper has joined VMI Worldwide as the Productions & Acquisitions Coordinator.