Producer Jason Michael Berman is optimistic about the potential of his new venture, A/Vantage Pictures. as the former president of Mandalay Pictures, he has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of art and influence. With A/Vantage, he aims to put this vision into action, beginning with the premiere of “Best likely 2 Lowest,” directed by Spike Lee and featuring Denzel Washington at the Cannes Film Festival.
Founded in April, A/vantage focuses on producing films that resonate culturally while also being commercially accomplished.The name itself signifies its mission: “A” stands for authenticity, while “Vantage” represents a diverse perspective—an homage to Berman’s upbringing as a child involved in audiovisual clubs.
“at my core,I’m an AV enthusiast,” he shares with enthusiasm. “This initiative is all about perspective—empowering filmmakers to tell meaningful stories and providing audiences with a fresh lens through which to view the world.”
Diversity at Its Core
Berman has consistently championed innovative storytellers who have personal narratives worth sharing. His portfolio includes acclaimed films like “Nine days,” featuring Winston Duke, alongside major studio projects such as Ben Affleck’s “Air.” Manny of his endeavors spotlight first-time directors and underrepresented voices within cinema.
“Since my debut film in 2009, I’ve been drawn to stories that reflect experiences outside my own,” he explains. “Growing up in Baltimore—a city rich in diversity—and facing dyslexia made me feel different at times.Perhaps that’s why I’m attracted to filmmakers who offer unique viewpoints.”
while “Best likely 2 Lowest” is set to make waves upon its release, another project from A/Vantage illustrates the company’s broader aspirations: an upcoming feature about Gatorade’s invention—a story reminiscent of an episode from Seth Rogen’s comedic series “The Studio.” This film chronicles Dr. Robert Cade and Cuban immigrant Dr. Dana DeCastris’ journey in creating the world’s first electrolyte drink designed for athletes.
“This narrative goes beyond just launching a sports drink,” Berman emphasizes.“It highlights how doctors sought solutions during a health crisis—and how their groundbreaking work transformed both sports and medicine.”
The emotional heart of this story centers on immigrant experiences, showcasing how transformative innovations frequently enough arise from unexpected origins.
“What excites me most is when a film can entertain while sparking critically important conversations—that embodies what A/Vantage stands for,” he adds.
“Best likely 2 lowest” serves as A/Vantage’s flagship project—a modern retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s classic “High and Low,” set against contemporary New York City backdrops where a powerful executive finds himself embroiled in legal turmoil following a ransom situation unfolding around him. The cast features Washington alongside Jeffrey Wright and A$AP Rocky; Alan Fox penned the script which has circulated through Hollywood for years with notable names like mike nichols once attached.
Navigating today’s unpredictable industry landscape—marked by strikes and significant contractions—is no small task when launching a new company; however, Berman welcomes this challenge wholeheartedly.
“being entrepreneurial is essential,” he asserts confidently. “You can’t just wait for approval; you must create opportunities yourself—negotiating wisely while maximizing every dollar.”
As anticipation builds for “Best likely 2 Lowest” on one of cinema’s grandest stages, Berman envisions A/Vantage evolving into an influential platform for storytellers everywhere.
Berman succinctly summarizes his philosophy: “Impact matters just as much as reach—you shouldn’t have to choose between them; truly great stories achieve both.”
