First Republic Bank has launched a new Entertainment lending division.  Heading up the new division are Bank Leumi veterans Melanie Kinsky, Mandie Rush, and Wendy Moore.  Melanie will head-up the Film & Media Finance division, with support from Rush and Moore.  In the single picture space, I assume it will be pre-sales, gap and tax credits for now — but will clarify when I get an update.

FRB’s foray into the entertainment industry a savvy move for a bank with a long and successful track record in personal wealth management and private banking.  It is also a bellwether for the overall health of entertainment financing.  Snagging all three executives is a great score for First Republic; they get a turnkey team with an established collaborative history and expansive rolodex.  They are each first-rate and a pleasure to work with.  The new division will operate out of their 1888 Century Park East office.

“First Republic now has greater capabilities and expertise to meet the needs of production companies and clients in the entertainment industry.”

Krinsky, Rush and Moore’s mass exodus from Bank Leumi is obviously a story in its own right.

The press release is attached FirstRepublicBank