Reel Breakthrough Fund Invests in Bold Stories and Breakout Talent
The Reel Breakthrough Fund, managed by Reel Funding Group, partners with directors Mitchell Cole and Thomas Rondinella to finance innovative, commercially driven films from emerging voices. Our mission is to identify and support the next generation of filmmakers who challenge conventions, deliver fresh ideas, and produce high-quality independent cinema ready for the global market.
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Send either an investment or creative inquiry to us and one of the fund representatives will get back to you with relevant information.
Experience Meets Innovation
Featured Film
A crime-thriller film written and directed by Mitchell Cole and produced by Thomas Rondinella under the Reel Breakthrough Fund. The story follows a group of gamblers whose dangerous bets spiral into chaos when the stakes turn deadly — proving that the house always wins. The film blends suspense, moral conflict, and Southern grit.
Directed by
Mitchell Cole
Produced by
Thomas Rondinella
Starring
Mitchell Cole
Bobby Trovato
Jake Skinner
Jerome Cooper
Fresh Vision. Southern Grit.
Stories That Challenge, Entertain, and Connect.
Mitchell Cole’s storytelling blends authentic characters, regional energy, and a sharp sense of humor. His feature Against the Spread marked a breakthrough in independent filmmaking—uniting creative originality with commercial awareness. As a director with the Reel Breakthrough Fund, Cole develops bold projects that amplify new voices and define the next generation of independent cinema.
Thomas Rondinella combines decades of professional filmmaking with a deep commitment to mentorship and craft. As both an educator and industry veteran, he ensures every Reel Breakthrough Fund project balances creativity with precision—building a bridge between classroom innovation and real-world production excellence.
Mitchell Cole
Mitchell Cole is an emerging writer-director whose work reflects the bold, character-driven storytelling at the heart of independent film. A graduate of the SXSW and regional festival circuit, Cole brings a fresh creative voice to the industry—merging sharp dialogue, grounded realism, and dark humor to explore modern life in the American South.
His feature Against the Spread (2025) demonstrates his ability to deliver dynamic, emotionally charged narratives with commercial appeal.
Through the Reel Breakthrough Fund, Cole channels this energy into developing distinctive projects that give new filmmakers a platform to tell stories with both authenticity and impact.
Thomas Rondinella
Guiding tomorrow’s filmmakers toward success, Thomas Rondinella is a veteran film director, producer, and educator whose career bridges academic excellence and hands-on industry expertise. A longtime professor at Seton Hall University, Rondinella has produced and directed numerous independent films, documentaries, and television projects, earning recognition for his ability to mentor and inspire emerging filmmakers.
His leadership within the Reel Breakthrough Fund brings decades of professional insight, ensuring each project is grounded in creative discipline, production quality, and strategic direction. Rondinella’s vision emphasizes collaboration, education and storytelling that connects audiences with meaningful, market-ready films.
Get in touch with us
The Reel Breakthrough Fund offers accredited investors and filmmakers a chance to collaborate on bold, original projects with proven industry leaders. Fill out your information below to learn how you can participate in upcoming opportunities and help shape the next generation of independent cinema.