Our journey started with a simple ask from a friend — to invest in his film. Little did we know this request would reshape our careers and pave the way for our company’s evolution.

As we delved into the world of tax credits within independent film, we saw an opportunity: we could carve out a place of our own in this relatively-unexplored industry. Leveraging our expertise in distressed credit, we crafted a tax credit lending strategy that combined carefully selected U.S. state and municipal risk with minimal operational exposure.

Over the next few years we hustled, building a name for ourselves in the film lending space and understanding the opportunities within the media sector. Our nimbleness and speed allowed us to turn into a profitable, sustainable business that was gaining market share. 

We expanded by acquiring two companies, including our largest film lending competitor, TPC, and a domestic film distributor, Vertical Entertainment. Our media network was growing quickly and our boots-on-the-ground perspective solidified our edge in the space. But throughout our growth, we remained true to our scrappy roots, committed to a work ethic that “saves time and makes money.”

By 2020, we applied our knowledge from film tax credit lending into the renewable energy space. This industry faced capital market challenges and supply chain disruptions, yet bi-partisan support for energy independence attracted significant investment. This opportunity made us realize we are ultimately industry-agnostic, opportunistically investing in areas where we have conviction, targeting sectors that are undergoing rapid change.

As we explored new industries, we explored new lines of business as well. We launched Forest Road Asset Management as our asset management platform and Forest Road Securities as our advisory platform with the goal of turning Forest Road into a next-gen investment firm that can serve the needs of investors and operators alike. 

We’ve come a long way since being “the tax credit guys,” but one thing has remained constant: at our core, we are relentless entrepreneurs who challenge conventions, embrace calculated risks, and view obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Our path hasn’t been a straight road, but it’s gotten us to where we are today. 

And we’re just getting started.

Zachary Tarica, CEO

Idan Shani, COO