WORKHORSE CINEMA IS AN INDEPENDENT FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY WITH A “BOOTS ON THE GROUND” MENTALITY. WE WORK DIRECTLY WITH FILMMAKERS TO MAXIMIZE EVERY PRODUCTION DOLLAR, DELIVERING THE HIGHEST QUALITY PRODUCTION TO THE SCREEN IN THE FORM OF A COMMERCIAL SUCCESS.
WHAT WE DO
Workhorse Cinema is the film production entity of The Melanie Group LLC, founded in 2019 by Mike Donovan and Alexander Kane. Former NFL star Vernon Davis joined the team less than a year later. Before coming together, the three partners individually amassed a wide range of experience in filmmaking. Merging our expertise led to over $40 million in feature film productions in 2021.
Further, we are incredibly proud of the solid familial-like bonds we have created with some of the best production crew the industry has to offer. The vast majority of our crew, including 80% of the department heads, work on every one of our feature films. These relationships are the foundation of Workhorse Cinema and the reason for the quality and consistency of the PRODUCTION VALUE we are able to offer. And judging by the amount of third-party Producers that have been calling, word is certainly spreading!
While Workhorse is a full-scale production company that will physically produce third-party films, our primary focus for 2023 and beyond is to produce our own projects. By having control from the early development stage, we aim to have an even greater impact on the quality of each picture. We shoot the majority of our films in Georgia, where the tax incentive is the most competitive (30% ATL & BTL) in the United States. We typically shoot outside the metro Atlanta area, in Southern Georgia, where we have proven to positively impact the local economies. Thanks to our established relationships with and cooperation from the local communities, the ‘production dollar’ goes much further than it will in a major film hub.
Beyond Georgia, Workhorse can and will produce films wherever it makes the most sense from a creative and budgetary standpoint. Workhorse has several projects in development. Since launching, we have exceeded our wildest expectations, and we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas anytime soon!
On set of Bandit, starring Josh Duhamel and Mel Gibson
PARTNERS
MIKE DONOVAN
After a decade in sales and distribution for cable TV networks, Mike served as SVP, Strategy & Distribution for a high-profile start-up in Beijing, China. He grew cable TV distribution to over 30 million households before driving a strategy shift to mobile and internet platforms. Securing the rights from major studio partners, Mike then spearheaded a first-of-its-kind mobile movie subscription service in China. He also led a country-wide anti-piracy endeavor, presenting the findings to studio executives over a two-day forum in Los Angeles. Back in NYC, Mike began raising money for independent films in 2017, serving as an executive producer on over $35 million of productions in just two years. Now, as CEO and Managing Partner of Workhorse Cinema, Mike wears whatever hat is required. From development through delivery, Mike works with his partners to develop scripts, attach essential elements and is typically on set for every day of physical production. As WHC grows into ancillary businesses that support the filmmaking process, Mike will also oversee the acquisition of strategic assets.
ALEXANDER KANE
Having spent 15 years as a consultant and vendor to clients like Shell and TransCanada, Alex retired from the oil business in 2017. He began pursuing his passion as an actor, almost instantly landing multiple roles. His experiences in entertainment revealed a huge opportunity that his hometown of Fitzgerald, GA presented. Working with local officials, Alex devised a plan to rebuild the local economy by creating a company that would incentivize film production in the small rural town. In the very first year, he was able to lure and produce $8M worth of projects in Fitzgerald. The State of Georgia acknowledged his efforts, revealing production had resulted in an enormous local economic impact of $25M+. Building on his momentum, Alex continued working with local leaders as well as the Governor of Georgia to make Fitzgerald an attractive option for bigger film & TV productions. Alex’s efforts established the foundation for what is today known as Workhorse Cinema.
VERNON DAVIS
Vernon Davis is a retired 14 year NFL veteran and Super Bowl Champion. Honing his acting skills while still in the league, Vernon was always destined for the big screen. He has gone on to star in feature films alongside the likes of John Malkovich, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. Beyond film, he has been building an impressive television career that includes competing on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars as well as hosting FOX’s upcoming reality series Domino Masters. Looking to be more actively involved in all aspects of film, Vernon has his personal production company and also joined Workhorse Cinema as an equity partner in June 2020 where he utilizes his relationships and knowledge to help expand Workhorse Cinema’s burgeoning production business. Outside of film & television, Vernon is a known philanthropist. The Vernon Davis Foundation was founded in 2011 and continues to thrive today, promoting art education and appreciation among the youth. And as a budding entrepreneur, he has aligned himself with several purpose- driven companies that look to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
