ABOUT US

In astrology, the 29th degree of Leo is associated with “extreme creative talent” and “dramatic self-expression.”  It seemed only natural, then, that screenwriter and astrologer Zack Van Eyck – born when the Sun was at the 29th degree of Leo (August 22) – would adopt the moniker for his production company, founded in Los Angeles in 2012.

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Partnering with an enthusiastic group of talented actors and production wizards, many of whom he met through the Hollywood filmmaking collective We Make Movies, Van Eyck wrote, directed and produced a series of projects for Amazon Prime Video.  His reality show satire Sweet Caroline and his sports/sex spoof Coitus of the Week collected a combined 14 festival awards and nominations, including Best Director and Best Writer honors for Van Eyck.

 

The company gained momentum when Van Eyck teamed up with fellow We Make Movies member, actor/writer Michael Beardsley, who had played a significant role in Coitus of the Week as Master of Ceremonies Michael Fluffer.  The duo was inspired by a We Make Movies contest seeking feature-length screenplays that could be produced on a minimal budget.  That’s when Van Eyck wrote The Hitchhiker Effect, with Beardsley attached to play the lead role.  The project was not selected but, as they say, it all worked out for the best.

 

The Hitchhiker Effect is the result of a five-year team effort with invaluable contributions from associate producers Rosemary Clower and Allyson Sereboff, and the theatrical artistry of cinematographer and postproduction supervisor Sara Bravo. 

 

The film was officially selected by 32 festivals, garnering 19 awards and 10 nominations, before being released October 28, 2025, on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies & TV, and Google TV.  A launch on ad-based streamers Tubi and Xumo is scheduled for June 30, 2026.