ABOUT

Omri Bezalel is an Israeli writer, filmmaker, and, producer. In 2022, together with veteran LA-based producer Andy Horwitz, Omri launched Big Swell Entertainment, a new home for the next generation of hands-on producers and storytellers who are passionate about creating content of all shapes and sizes. Big Swell's goal was born from the notion of taking the on-the-ground experience of young producers and applying it to a producer collective model. Big Swell takes a different approach than the traditional production company model that's existed to date, allowing Big Swell producers to operate independently under the Big Swell banner while encouraging a collective and collaborative approach with all their producers. The company has a robust slate with a number of high profile film packages ready to shoot in early 2024, and a number of high profile films, scripted television series, and unscripted projects in the advanced development stages.

Omri has produced more than a dozen feature films, short films, and mini-series in Israel and the United States. Among others, he co-produced Natalie Portman's feature directorial debut, A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS, which premiered at Cannes in 2015, and before that he produced the film JAMIE MARKS IS DEAD, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Most recently, Omri produced COME CLOSER, the winner of the Israeli Academy Award for Best Film and Israel's official submission to the Oscars in Best International Feature.

Omri wrote, directed, and produced the independent feature film LISTEN, starring Eden Epstein of Apple’s SEE. The film is currently doing the film festival circuit, having shown at the Miami and Vienna Jewish Film Festivals, among others, and won the Darkhouse Audience Award at the Lighthouse Film Festival. Omri's debut novel SILENT WATERS, based on his military experience, will be available on April 1, 2025.

Omri served for five years in Shayetet 13, Israel’s elite Naval Commando unit, equivalent to the US Navy SEALs. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from NYU, where he double majored in dramatic writing and journalism, as well as double minored in creative writing and producing. He was the recipient of the Founders Day Award, presented to the highest bracket of scholastic performance, and of the Zenger Award, presented to the top overall undergraduate journalism student.