Overview
(December 8, 2023, Los Angeles) – Steptoe announces its advisory role in the groundbreaking independent financing of 'Origin,' the latest feature film by our client ARRAY Alliance, Inc (ARRAY). ARRAY, a woman-led nonprofit dedicated to advancing social justice through art, sponsored the production of 'Origin', spearheaded by acclaimed director Ava DuVernay.
Derived from Isabel Wilkerson's influential work, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, 'Origin' is a compelling biographical drama. What sets this film apart is not just its powerful narrative but the innovative financing model crafted by Steptoe, positioning it as a trailblazing business model for social impact cinema.
The structure combines grants and investments involving both nonprofit and for-profit entities. Steptoe attorneys helped develop a dual approach to the financing that accommodates the tax-exemption requirements of nonprofits and foundations while allowing impact investors to make mission-aligned investments, providing ARRAY with a robust foundation for the project.
While philanthropic grants are common for documentary films, theater, and other artistic projects, 'Origin' marks the first application of this approach to a film of such narrative depth and scale. Steptoe's involvement underscores its commitment to pioneering solutions in the legal landscape and removing barriers for clients pursuing innovative business models.
The Steptoe team that structured the financing was led by partner Elinor Ramey and of counsel Nicholas Palatucci, and included partners Lauren Azebu and Robyn Crowther, and associate Shree Sharma.
Read more about ‘Origin' and its philanthropic investors at The Washington Post.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
