“Michael” star Larenz Tate is expanding his influence behind the camera by joining the team behind Vault, a new streaming and distribution platform focused on empowering indie filmmakers.
Tate has teamed up with Kenneth Gifford, founder of the Newark International Film Festival, for the project, along with his brothers and business partners Larron and Lahmard Tate. Collectively, their mission, as described in a press release announcing Vault’s launch, is to “connect creators with global audiences,” with the platform designed to “give independent filmmakers greater access, control and ownership in an evolving entertainment landscape.”
“The entertainment industry continues to evolve, but too often filmmakers and creatives are left with limited control over how their work is distributed, monetized and ultimately seen,” Larenz Tate said in a statement. “With VAULT, we have an opportunity to shift that dynamic — putting more power back into the hands of creators while giving their stories the ability to reach audiences around the world. It’s about ownership, access and creating a platform where great work can find its audience.”
Tate embarks on this endeavor after more than four decades in the entertainment business, starring in classic films like “Love Jones,” “Dead Presidents,” “Ray” and “Girls Trip,” as well as in the massively successful “Power” franchise on Starz. He most recently starred in “Michael,” portraying Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
Vault marks the latest expansion of Tate’s work alongside Larron and Lahmard Tate through their TateMen Entertainment. The company previously partnered with AMC Global Networks, ALLBLK and Starz on emerging filmmaker programs, and launched film, television and creative industry initiatives in their hometown of Chicago.