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.” Vault, which is already live, serves as a hub for independent film, television, documentaries, short-form content and music. The platform offers free access to viewers, as well as a subscription model that provides a more curated viewing experience. (More than 50,000 subscribers have signed up to date, according to the release.) Filmmakers can host content on the platform at no cost and determine which films, programs or episodes are available for free or placed behind a paywall, while maintaining control over pricing, monetization and revenue.
Vault also offers filmmakers tools to market their projects: creators can assign their own genres and generate shareable, interactive branded landing pages for individual titles, intended to create opportunities for discovery, promotion and audience engagement. 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.
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