About Us
Beyond the Shore: Charting New Horizons in Film & Animation
Our Story
At RIVA Studios, we believe that creativity flourishes when the inner child has the freedom to play, dream, and defy boundaries. Founded in 2022 by Tara Sibel and Marco Balsamo, RIVA Studios was born from a passion for storytelling and a commitment to leaving a meaningful mark in film and animation.
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The 2020 pandemic became more than just a pause for us—it was a catalyst. As the industry slowed, we felt the call to create momentum on our own terms. Determined to bring impactful stories to life, we developed and produced our first live-action feature, filmed across Italy and Indonesia, within just one year of founding RIVA. Set to premiere theatrically in 2025, this project exemplifies our guiding spirit:
"They did not know it was impossible, so they did it." - Mark Twain
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With deep experience across both corporate and creative sectors, we blend professional expertise and strong business acumen with a fearless approach to storytelling and originality. At RIVA, we see meaningful stories as a universal language, crafted with the bold curiosity of our inner child.
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Join us to chart new horizons.
FOUNDED IN 2022
Tara Sibel
Cofounder, RIVA Studios | Film Launchpad
Tara Sibel, CEO of RIVA Studios, is an entrepreneur, artist, author, director, and producer. She is writing, directing and producing several original films and TV series meanwhile doing some acting for fun in between.
Previously, Tara was involved in the startup world. Before the age of 25, she has helped build a couple of tech startups and ran a fund.
Marco Balsamo
Cofounder, RIVA Studios | Film Launchpad
Marco Balsamo, COO of RIVA Studios is an emerging powerhouse in film and TV, serving as COO and previously having been the Chief Creative Officer for the largest animation studio in Southeast Asia. As a writer, director, and producer, Marco is the youngest individual to have a sole feature film writing credit on Netflix. He is a filmmaker with an innate passion for telling meaningful and impactful stories.
