Ex-UTA Agent Dante DeSario Launches AI Production Firm Collage
Collage, based in Los Angeles, closed a seed round with Black Bear and Fundamental Films and will pair AI-native studios with Hollywood buyers.
Former UTA film agent Dante DeSario has launched Collage, a Los Angeles-based management company focused on AI-native production, the company announced on October 19, 2026. Collage has closed a seed funding round with investments from Black Bear and Fundamental Films, according to deadline.com.
The company's launch clients include Asteria, the studio behind Continuum; Native Foreign, creator of Critterz; Matriarch, founded by former Luma Dream Lab L.A. chief Verena Puhm; Obsidian, founded by Wes Walker and partnered with Imagine Entertainment; and Lux Meridian, the generative production arm of Territory Group. Defect, Lipstick and Secret Level are also on the client list.
Collage positions itself as a bridge between AI-native production companies and Hollywood studios, streamers, filmmakers and brands. Its services cover identifying top AI suppliers, matching production methods to individual projects, pricing and sizing projects, and managing quality, legal and delivery aspects of production.
Beyond advisory work, the company said it will invest selectively in companies directly or through Collage Capital vehicles.
Other backers
The seed round also drew investors and senior advisors including Dennis Miller, Blue Deer Media, GOAL Ventures, AGC Studios, Roy Lee, Marty Bowen, Todd Lieberman, Todd Garner, Barry Porter, George Huber, Max Michael and Ric Roman Waugh.
DeSario spent his UTA years in the agency's independent film group, where he packaged and arranged financing for hundreds of films. His portfolio included Jordan Firstman's Club Kid, which sold to A24, as well as Damian McCarthy's Hokum for Neon, Jennifer Peedom's Tenzing for Apple and Alex Ullom's upcoming 4 x 4 for Neon.
Quick answers
What is Collage?
Collage is a Los Angeles-based management company launched by former UTA film agent Dante DeSario that focuses on AI-native production and connects AI production companies with studios, streamers, filmmakers and brands.
Who invested in Collage's seed round?
Black Bear and Fundamental Films led the seed funding. Other investors and senior advisors include Dennis Miller, Blue Deer Media, GOAL Ventures, AGC Studios, Roy Lee, Marty Bowen, Todd Lieberman, Todd Garner, Barry Porter, George Huber, Max Michael and Ric Roman Waugh.
Who are Collage's launch clients?
Asteria, Defect, Lipstick, Matriarch, Native Foreign, Obsidian, Secret Level and Lux Meridian.