The brothers behind a self-financed film and production powerhouse are opening up about beginnings, business acumen, and the generational wealth-growing work they’ve accomplished.
Source: Burke Entertainment
Brothers Vanzil and Victor Burke are the moguls behind Burke Entertainment, a self-financed film and production powerhouse that stands firm on their familial foundation. After suffering the tremendous loss of their middle brother, Von, Vanzil told BOSSIP that he and Victor grew closer, and the building blocks for them to become business partners were set in place.
Their company, initially a talent management firm launched in 2007 by CEO Vanzil and joined by Victor, the president, in 2009, eventually shifted into film and television production, and according to Vanzil, the transition just made sense.
“While we were in the management space, we realized that talent representation alone wasn’t the full answer. That’s based on actors going out and booking the role, and that’s when you get 10%. Unless you have a huge roster of A and B list actors, it’s not something that’s very lucrative.
Source: Burke Entertainment / Burke Entertainment
Vanzil said that his brother Victor told him there had to be another way, so they took a leap into film and television. Part of that leap included a deeper understanding of industry trends and production possibilities inspired by reading business literature, specifically the book CAA Powerhouse, which details how it became the biggest talent agency in the world.
“I read the book and it changed our perspective in our lives as far as how we did the business because what CAA did under Michael Obis, one of the founding partners, is they started packaging. CAA started the business of packaging, so they’ll have the writer, the director, the lead actor,–the package and they’ll take it to a network and make a hit movie. My brother Victor said, ‘That’s what we need to start doing, representing directors and writers as our producing our own content. That’s the answer.’”
Now for Burke Entertainment, part of that answer includes working with Coke Daniels, who’s collaborated with them on His, Hers & the Truth, 2021’s Karen, which made waves as the #1 independent film in the country for two weeks straight, and 2024’s Waterboyz which saw Daniels garner “Best Director” at ABFF.
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“Coke became like our brother,” Victor told BOSSIP. “Our mom used to call him son, and we made him an honorary member of our neighborhood where we grew up. It’s been a very solid business relationship with Coke.”
As they continue expanding in entertainment, they are also collaborating with T.I., who recently directed, produced, and starred in City of Situationships, alongside Terrence J, Jessie Woo, DC Young Fly, Too $hort, DomiNque Perry, and Young Dro.
Despite initial hesitations, Vanzil expressed his confidence in the rapper-turned-director’s performance, especially after the King of the South asked for an opportunity to prove himself.
“Victor, Vanzil, I got this. I know I could do this, man. I just need you guys to believe in me,” Vanzil recalled him saying. “But I know I could do this. When I tell you that T.I. did exactly that—jumping behind the camera, giving directions, and jumping in front of the camera—I was blown away by his talent. He was brilliant, I want to attest that he’s a brilliant brother.”
Source: Burke Entertainment
Victor agreed with his brother’s sentiments.
“The very first thing that you notice from Tip is two things. Number one, you’re going to see how brilliant and smart he is, his vocabulary is off the charts. Secondly, you’re going to see creativity oozing out of his pores because he is just a talent like I have never witnessed while on set. When his mind and his heart are set on something, he’s not going to stop until he gets support.”
Source: Burke Entertainment
Other upcoming projects for the Burke brothers include the horror thriller Werewolves, which will be released in theaters on December 6, and Christmas in the Friendly Skies, a romantic holiday comedy.
As their projects grow in scale, the brothers remain grounded in their shared values and hope to be examples of familial legacy and a successful Black business.
“We’ve seen that it can be challenging to work together in our community,” said Vanzil who’s already scouting out the next generation of their family who can carry on their legacy. “But we also want to show that it’s possible to work through issues. Yes, there will be bumps in the road, but that doesn’t mean we have to part ways. You can sit down, talk it out, and find ways to move forward together.”
“When people ask if we’re really brothers, we tell them, yes, we’re real brothers,” added his brother Victor. “That makes everyone be in awe of us this because we are real brothers, it makes people feel like they want to be part of this.This is a family business and it’s respectable, it’s very respectable.”
Source: Burke Entertainment
Ultimately, the two respect each other in their respective positions as President and CEO, and according to Vanzil he’s beyond grateful to make the waves with his big brother by his side.
“I’ve been grateful and I thank God every day when I pray. I thank God for my brother and this relationship.”
Source: Burke Entertainment