OUR JOURNEY
Founded by Academy AwardTM-winning VFX specialists & digital solution innovators with a collective experience of over 80 years, Black Deer Entertainment finances and co-produces films, television, and animated content.
OUR MISSION
Redefining How Film Investment Is Done
BDE is committed to building a stronger, more compassionate and understanding world by supporting the creation of motion pictures and creative technological experiences that celebrate the people and stories that represent the histories and cultures throughout the world
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCAL
FOUNDERS
Poya Shohani
Executive Producer / Managing Partner
An award-winning creative leader and financial strategist, Poya Shohani is the founder of both Black Deer Entertainment, New Entity Pictures, and Taken Media Arts (Saudi Arabia). He has played a pivotal role in raising multi-million-dollar investments and has contributed to blockbuster films such as Gravity, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Creator, and many more.
A. V. T. Shankardass
Chief Investment Officer
With an extensive background in global film financing, A.V.T. Shankardass has structured multi-million-dollar investment deals across Hollywood, Bollywood, and European markets. Has invested in such franchises as Marvel, DC, The Fast and the Furious franchise, Mission Impossible franchise, and many more. His expertise in capital structuring, risk management, and international investment strategy ensures Black Deer Entertainment remains a leader in securing high-value, asset-backed investments.
Christopher Hurley
Chief Executive Officer / Co- Head Of Investment
Christopher Hurley is a film producer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Black Deer Entertainment,
with extensive experience developing, packaging and advancing film and entertainment projects.
Throughout his career, Christopher has worked closely with established industry partners and
professionals who have successfully raised and structured significant investment across film and
entertainment. His experience has given him a strong understanding of the commercial, creative
and financial considerations involved in bringing independent film projects from development
towards production.
Christopher has worked closely with international film financier and producer A.V.T. Shankardass
for many years, gaining valuable insight into film financing, investment structures and the
international entertainment industry.
Today, Christopher's primary focus is as a producer and business principal. He works closely with
Donna Smith and Michelle Hartly of Monte Vista Productions on the development and financing of
film and media opportunities, while continuing to build strategic relationships between producers,
financiers, investors and other industry partners.
Through Black Deer Entertainment, Christopher remains focused on identifying strong commercial
projects, assembling the right creative and financial partners and helping guide projects from
development through to production.
