Atlanta, Georgia.
CineFi, a fully digital credit union created to serve professionals in television, film, music, gaming, content creation and influencing, launched Jan. 12 in Atlanta through First Entertainment Credit Union.
“We built CineFi around the realities of creative life. Many of our members don’t have a predictable paycheck, so we focus on flexibility, transparency, and tools that help manage cash flow,” Stephen Owen, president/CEO of First Entertainment and CineFi, said. “Features like early access to direct deposits, no account fees, round-up savings, financial education and easy-to-use digital tools are designed to reduce stress and help members stay in control of their money. Beyond products, we’re also focused on education and community, helping members understand their finances, plan ahead and feel supported, regardless of where they are in their career.”
Owen stressed that the new endeavor “isn’t just another digital financial platform.”
“It’s a credit union built with respect for the creative process and the people behind it,” he said. “We believe financial empowerment leads to creative freedom, and when creatives are supported, entire communities benefit. CineFi is here to be a long-term partner, and one focused on the financial well-being of creators so they can reach their dreams.”
CineFi delivers a digital experience with financial products featuring round-up savings on debit card purchases, high-yield checking and savings accounts, direct deposits up to two days early, no account fees, access to more than 33,000 surcharge-free ATMs and ATM surcharge rebates.
“Everything is managed through a seamless digital experience, so members can bank anytime, anywhere,” Owen said. “We plan to continue expanding our offerings to support members as their financial lives and careers evolve and as we receive feedback from members so that we meet them where they need.”
Beyond banking, CineFi is committed to strengthening the entertainment and adjacent communities, including nonprofits, schools, organizations, festivals and other companies that contribute to or are portrayed on the silver screen.
The credit union’s members are made up of people who work in and around the entertainment industry in the Atlanta area.
“We are launching with a focus on the Atlanta metropolitan area, which has a fast-growing entertainment ecosystem, but because CineFi is fully digital, members can access and use their accounts nationwide.”
The potential for membership growth is significant, Owen said.
“The entertainment and creator economy continues to grow every year, and more people are making a living through creative work than ever before,” he said. “Atlanta alone has thousands of professionals working in film, television, music and content creation. As awareness grows and as we continue to expand offerings, we see strong opportunities to welcome members from across the country who are looking for a financial institution that truly understands their industry.”
The credit union’s leaders are already thinking about the long-term goal: To grow alongside the credit union’s members.
“That means expanding membership, introducing new financial products and continuing to improve our digital tools,” Owen said. “We’re also committed to deepening our involvement in creative communities by supporting nonprofits, schools, festivals, events and organizations that help move the industry forward.”
The credit union’s staff has more than 50 years of entertainment-focused expertise from First Entertainment, combined with professionals who specialize in digital banking, member service and community engagement.
“Our goal is to keep the experience human and supportive, even though the platform itself is fully digital,” Owen said. “CineFi was launched by First Entertainment Credit Union and operates as a digital extension of that organization. First Entertainment has long served movie and television professionals, and CineFi builds on that foundation while focusing on a digital-first experience and expanding access to a broader creative community. It’s part of the same mission and values, delivered in a new and more flexible way.”
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com
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