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Jeff Harrison
Professional Background
Jeff Harrison is a prominent figure in the Australian film and music industry, boasting over 30 years of invaluable experience. He founded Umbrella Entertainment in 2001, a company that has made significant strides in the management of rights for film and TV content across various platforms, including DVD, TV, Video on Demand (VOD), wireless applications, and theatrical releases. His expertise has helped shape Umbrella into a leading rights manager in Australia, and the company has established a remarkable catalogue featuring nearly 1000 quality titles across genres such as classic Australian film and TV, world cinema, and essential documentaries.
Prior to founding Umbrella Entertainment, Jeff served as the long-time owner and Managing Director of Gaslight Music, recognized as one of Australia’s most successful independent music retailers. Through his role at Gaslight Music, he gained extensive insights into retail, wholesale, distribution, export, import, and production, which contributed significantly to his professional growth and deep understanding of the industry. His leadership was instrumental in his tenure as the Vice Chairman (1993-1997) and later Chairman (1998) of the Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA).
In his current role at Umbrella Entertainment, Jeff has applied his business acumen to ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the entertainment landscape, utilizing his profound knowledge to bring both classic and innovative Film and TV content to life. The company actively engages with independent producers and enriches its catalogue by rejuvenating original tape masters for modern distribution platforms. This forward-thinking approach not only preserves the artistic essence of timeless content but also ensures its accessibility to today’s audiences.
Jeff’s passion for the industry is reflected in Umbrella's commitment to direct retailing, focusing on live music performances and music documentaries spanning genres like jazz, country, blues, hip-hop, world music, and rock. His goal is to connect audiences with authentic, quality content that resonates across generations.
Education and Achievements
Jeff Harrison holds a combined degree in Economics and Law from Monash University, highlighting his strong educational foundation that supports his expertise in business operations within the highly competitive film and music sectors. Additionally, he is a registered Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), which further accentuates his proficiency in financial management and strategic planning.
Beyond his educational background, Jeff's leadership in the Australian music retail space and his impact on rights management in Film and TV distribution are laudable achievements that contribute to his recognition as one of the industry’s most respected professionals. His ability to navigate the complexities of rights management while fostering collaborative relationships with independent content creators underscores his innovative approach and industry foresight.
As he embraces new technologies and evolving media formats, Jeff continues to position Umbrella Entertainment as a pioneer in bringing nostalgic and contemporary content to audiences far and wide.
Achievements
- Founder of Umbrella Entertainment (2001) - renowned for rights management in film and TV content.
- Managed the distribution of nearly 1000 quality titles, encompassing classic films and TV series.
- Instrumental in the success of Gaslight Music, leading as Managing Director and contributing to its standing as a premier independent music retailer in Australia.
- leadership roles within AMRA, enhancing industry standards and advocacy for music retailers.
- Successfully transitioned original content to modern distribution platforms, ensuring accessibility and relevance.
- Developed and maintained close collaborations with independent producers to curate innovative content.
- Championing genres in music documentaries and live performance distribution, enhancing the cultural landscape through various music genres.
