Entertainment
In line with traditional concepts of American film over the past 100 years, and “choosing emotion over accuracy” (unlike documentaries).
About Us
A Hollywood History
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From silent westerns to the French New Wave.
Origins
Monogram traces its roots to 1928 and W. Ray Johnston's Rayart Pictures, which made silent westerns and action features. In 1929 Rayart released Overland Bound, the first feature-length talking western. After a run of new names (Raytone, Continental, Syndicate), the company formally adopted the name Monogram Pictures in March 1931, with Johnston as president and Trem Carr as vice president.
Poverty Row
Monogram was one of Hollywood's minor golden-age studios, known together as Poverty Row. In 1935 it was merged into Herbert Yates's new Republic Pictures. Johnston and Carr soon left, and Johnston brought Monogram back in 1937 as a dependable "budget brand" for independent and neighborhood theaters.
The Series Era
From 1938 the studio built its business on film series: Boris Karloff's Mr. Wong mysteries, Bela Lugosi thrillers, the East Side Kids (1940–1945), and the Bowery Boys. With 48 titles over 12 years, the Bowery Boys became the longest-running feature-film comedy series in movie history. There were also Charlie Chan, the Cisco Kid, Joe Palooka, Kane Richmond as The Shadow, and a long line of westerns with Bob Steele, John Wayne's Lone Star pictures and Johnny Mack Brown.
Allied Artists
Steve Broidy became president in 1945, the year Dillinger became a hit and earned an Oscar nomination for its screenplay. In 1946 Monogram created Allied Artists Productions to make costlier films. The Monogram name was retired in 1953 and the company became Allied Artists Pictures Corporation.
Legacy
Jean-Luc Godard dedicated Breathless (1960) to Monogram. The studio's old movie ranch in Placerita Canyon survives today as Melody Ranch, renamed by Gene Autry after he bought it in 1953.
- 1928Studio roots: W. Ray Johnston’s Rayart era
- 1929Overland Bound released by Rayart
- 1931The Monogram Pictures name formally adopted
- 1935Merged into Republic Pictures
- 1937Monogram reactivated
- 1946Allied Artists Productions created; Bowery Boys debut
- 1947Climbing the Matterhorn wins Best Short Subject Oscar
- 1953Becomes Allied Artists Pictures Corp.
- 1960Breathless dedicated to Monogram
The Legacy
Rooted in the Golden Age. Built by Dreamers. Reborn for Tomorrow.
- 1928
The Beginning
Monogram Pictures was founded in Hollywood to tell stories for a new generation.
- 1930s–1940s
The Golden Age
Hundreds of films. Bold storytellers. A studio for the people.
- 1950s–1960s
The Challenge
The industry changed. Television rose. Theatrical audiences began to fade.
- 1967
The Merge
Monogram Pictures was proudly merged with Allied Artists Pictures.
- 1970s–2000s
The Silence
Many eras passed. The name faded. But the dream never died.
- 2026
The Resurrection
Monogram Pictures returns to the big screen with timeless stories for a new generation.
Legends never die. They evolve.
Monogram
Core Values
Community
Direct engagement, proactive market research, embracing the audience as the ultimate “collaborator” in a film’s life-cycle.
Story First
A complete and coherent story (able to stand on its own in other mediums) is the foundation of every film (not gimmicks).
Human Experience
Relating to universal life dilemmas affecting all audience members. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Leaving a Mark
Every movie is a chance to give an audience member something lasting—a new insight, a new hobby, a new element of personal style or fashion, etc.
Why Now?
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The world has changed.
The need for cinema has not.
The time is right for a return to what matters.
Stories with heart. Films with soul. Experiences that unite. Legacies that last.
Monogram Pictures is here to lead that return.
Cinema Against All Odds.
The People Behind Our Vision
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Yaniv Raphael Bar
Chairman & President
A director and producer with more than 21 years of experience, award-winning editor, and musician, Yaniv leads Monogram Pictures’ strategic direction and creative expansion. He also serves as President of Allied Artists Film Group. His vision for Monogram brings production, distribution, and intellectual property development together within a broader entertainment business.
Jared Safier
Chief Executive Officer
A four-time Emmy-winning producer and director, Jared brings experience in independent filmmaking and entertainment production to Monogram’s executive leadership. His work supports the company’s growth, production relationships, and development of a commercially focused slate.
Danielle Abergel
Executive Vice President
Danielle contributes to Monogram’s executive leadership, supporting its organizational development and long-term growth.
Oshri Cohen
Senior Vice President
An Israeli actor with four Ophir Award nominations, Oshri brings a performer’s understanding of character, storytelling, and creative collaboration to the company’s leadership.
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Emilio Martinez
Head of Creative
Emilio leads Monogram’s creative direction, helping shape the company’s projects and storytelling identity as its slate develops.
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Nadav Streett
Head of Distribution
The owner of Rising Sun Media, Nadav leads Monogram’s distribution efforts, helping connect the company’s films and partner projects with buyers, platforms, and audiences.
Roy Shellef
Head of Production
Roy leads production, supporting the practical execution of Monogram’s projects and collaboration with its production partners.
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Steve Stern
Head of Monogram Comics
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Sylvia Hernandez
Head of Animation
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Bradley Eisenstein
Head of Business Affairs
Kim Richards
Board Member
Chairman & CEO of Allied Artists.
Board of Directors
Our board brings together experience across entertainment, production, and business, with members including Mark Binder, Bradley Eisenstein, Jacob Vaakil, Danielle Abergel, Oshri Cohen, Roy Shellef, Jared Safier, and Kim Richards. Mark Binder, CEO of IMN Creative, also brings experience in sound and post-production to the company’s wider creative network.