ZELLO

Zello Group is a private investment platform focused on acquiring and scaling businesses that provide essential infrastructure for the entertainment industry. The firm targets companies in content creation, high-growth business services, and physical infrastructure. A significant component of its strategy involves real estate, with a portfolio of over 7 million square feet dedicated to supporting Los Angeles' entertainment sector, including studios and production facilities.

The company was founded by Louis Dargenzio and Jeff Stotland. The founders met in 2021 when Dargenzio sold his company, Zio Studio Services, to a joint venture led by Stotland between Blackstone and Hudson Pacific Properties. Dargenzio, who founded Zio Studio Services in 2007 and grew it through 13 acquisitions, has an extensive background as an entrepreneur and executive in production services. Stotland is a seasoned executive with 30 years of experience in investing, strategic planning, and operations, including roles at The Walt Disney Company and leading the Global Studios & Services business for the Blackstone/Hudson Pacific joint venture. Their partnership is based on a shared philosophy of investing in and growing businesses for long-term value.

Zello's business model is to buy, build, and grow companies that support content creation. This includes direct investment, providing strategic guidance, and leveraging their operational expertise and network. A major recent move was the acquisition of Cinelease, a market leader in lighting and grip equipment rentals, from Herc Rentals on August 1, 2025. This acquisition is intended to bolster the infrastructure supporting film and television production across North America, allowing Cinelease to operate as a standalone company backed by Zello's resources and expertise in studio management and logistics.

Keywords: entertainment investment, production infrastructure, media real estate, growth capital, strategic acquisitions, content creation support, studio services, equipment rentals, private investment, business scaling