January 15, 2026
LOS ANGELES — CineBlock, a U.S.-based financial technology company, has officially launched CineBlock Films™, a regulated entertainment investment marketplace that allows everyday fans to invest directly in film, television, gaming, and digital media projects through equity ownership.
The platform, which operates as an SEC- and FINRA-licensed crowdfunding portal, marks a significant shift from traditional fan-funding models by enabling retail investors to legally purchase ownership stakes in media projects rather than receiving perks or donations. Creators on the platform can raise up to $5 million annually under Regulation Crowdfunding guidelines.
As traditional Hollywood financing tightens and streaming platforms reduce development budgets, CineBlock positions itself as a timely alternative for independent creators seeking capital — and for audiences eager to participate in the economics of storytelling.
“We want to change who gets to participate in the economics of storytelling,” said Prince Ace, founder and CEO of CineBlock. “Retail ownership of entertainment and media IP is the next great asset class, and we believe this shift will fundamentally change how stories are financed and experienced.”
Technology-Driven Transparency
CineBlock Films™ leverages blockchain infrastructure to record ownership, manage cap tables, and maintain transparent communication between creators and investors. The platform’s compliance-first approach aims to bridge the gap between Web3 innovation and traditional financial regulation — a balance many in the entertainment industry have struggled to achieve.
That regulatory focus was underscored by CineBlock’s recent participation in The Future of Money, Governance, and the Law summit in Washington, D.C., where Chief Legal Officer Julian Haffner represented the company alongside lawmakers and fintech leaders.
“Web3 introduced powerful tools for transparency, but without legal infrastructure, the risk often outweighed the reward,” Haffner said. “By aligning with regulated crowdfunding standards, CineBlock offers a secure, scalable pathway for both creators and investors.”
Launch Slate Blends AI, Film, and Cultural Storytelling
Ahead of its January launch, CineBlock finalized app development and began onboarding its first slate of investment opportunities, spanning traditional filmmaking, AI-powered storytelling, and next-generation advertising technology.
Among the initial projects on the platform:
-
So, I’m the Crazy One? — An R-rated romantic comedy featuring established comedians and emerging digital creators with a combined audience exceeding 100 million followers.
-
The Emancipation of Limits — Based on the novel by A. Paj Turner, the film follows a Chicago native and military veteran determined to rebuild Black Wall Street. Its teaser trailer has surpassed 4 million views since its September release.
-
Awake — An AI-powered independent thriller built entirely in Unreal Engine and powered by Saga AI, blending philosophical themes with technology-driven suspense.
-
Ritual Ads — An AI-driven advertising company focused on cinematic commercial storytelling for brands. CEO Jethro Rothe-Kushel describes the company as “building the world’s most advanced creative engine for high-end advertising.”
-
#BlindHope — A bilingual romantic-musical drama centered on identity, redemption, and visibility, following a scarred singer and a disgraced soccer star.
Turning Passion Into Ownership
CineBlock’s model reflects broader growth in the creator economy, currently valued at $191 billion globally, with projections reaching $528 billion by 2030. As creators increasingly build businesses around content and community, platforms like CineBlock aim to connect capital, culture, and audiences in new ways.
“The average fan probably never imagined they could invest in a story before it hits the screen,” said co-founder Sharif Bennett. “We’re turning passion into ownership — and giving creators a new way to fund their visions.”
What’s Next
Following its launch, CineBlock plans to support multiple concurrent fundraising campaigns and expand into interactive content, gaming, and transmedia projects. Investors will have access to due diligence tools, campaign monitoring dashboards, and secure capital deployment features within the platform.
Through the combination of regulatory compliance, blockchain transparency, and community-driven participation, CineBlock aims to redefine how entertainment is financed, and who gets to shape its future.
To invest in what you watch click here: https://www.cineblockfilms.com/
