EXCLUSIVE : Amazon MGM Studios has acquired Hollywood Ending , a new documentary from UnTypical, a VICE Studios Group company, and Library Films. Directed by Rebecca Chaiklin ( Tiger King) , the film follows the downfall of Zach Horwitz, the charismatic “midwestern, millennial Madoff” who ran a $690M Ponzi scheme under the noses of those closest to him. Also known by his stage name Zach Avery, Horwitz is a former actor who deceived investors by falsely claiming to have lucrative licensing deals with such prominent streaming platforms as Netflix and HBO.
His scheme began around 2014 when he started soliciting funds from investors, promising high returns from licensing deals for movies. Horwitz operated through his company, 1inMM Capital LLC, which he presented as successful in film distribution. To maintain the illusion of legitimacy, he provided investors with fake documents, including fabricated licensing agreements and emails purportedly from entertainment executives.
Related Stories Legal Actor Who Pleaded Guilty In Hollywood Film Licensing Ponzi Scheme Gets 20-Year Sentence News Actor Zachary Horwitz Arrested For Film Rights Ponzi Scheme Using the funds from new investors, Horwitz paid off earlier investors, while also funding his lavish lifestyle. This included purchasing a $6 million mansion in Los Angeles, luxury cars, and taking expensive trips. The scheme eventually unraveled in 2021 when investors started demanding returns and Horwitz was unable to continue the .
