Back to all studios
OF3

Osmosis Films

Creative & Production
Open roles
0
Founded
2011
Employees
11-50
Offices
1

About Osmosis Films

Osmosis Films is a New York film production label with roots in creative strategy, animation and commercial video production. Founded in 2011, the company developed work for businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations alongside an original documentary slate. Its storytelling has addressed science, education, public policy, sport and social issues, combining documentary filmmaking with animation and other visual formats to explain complex subjects.

Ruder Finn acquired the company in July 2020. In August 2023, Osmosis Films became part of the broader RF Studio 53 creative organization, which brought together several creative, digital and technology teams. Osmosis Films continues as an independent label within that organization, producing original content across film and emerging platforms. The continuing film label is distinct from the wider commercial and technology services offered under the RF Studio 53 name.

Documentary production

The studio’s documentary work includes Valiant, a feature about the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season and the team’s relationship with Las Vegas following the 2017 tragedy. The Quest for Sleep explores insomnia and sleep science, with narration by Octavia Spencer. Going Varsity in Mariachi follows competitive high school mariachi teams in South Texas and premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival before being licensed to Netflix.

Commissioned storytelling

Osmosis Films also built a commissioned production practice spanning brand films, educational video, animation, motion graphics and multimedia communications. Its historical clients include the Council on Foreign Relations, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Teach For America, the World Economic Forum, PayPal and Merck. Work such as World101 and The Edge of Wonder reflects its experience translating policy and scientific material into visual stories for broader audiences.

More about Osmosis Films

Founders and leadership

  • The report identifies James Lawler and Madeleine Sackler as co-founders. It lists Lawler as Founder and CEO of Osmosis Films and Senior Managing Director at Ruder Finn.
  • At RF Studio 53’s August 2023 launch, former Osmosis Creative Director Zach Russo was appointed to lead the broader studio, alongside technology leader Tejas Totade and design leader Lee Manning.

Recognition

Osmosis Films received a 2019 Summit Creative Award for health and medicine video. The report identifies the distinction as an SCA Gold Award and also records an SCA Silver Award for its educational video work.

Production collaborations

The company has worked with specialist production and distribution partners, including NHL Original Productions, Fifth Season, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals and Abramorama. These collaborations connect its documentary production with sports organizations, independent entertainment financing, scientific subject expertise and theatrical distribution.

Notable credits

8 credits
  • Valiant
  • Going Varsity in Mariachi
  • The Quest for Sleep
  • The Lottery
  • The Edge of Wonder / Episode 1: The Human Microbiome
  • World101
  • The Creators
  • The Rise of Humans - Yuval Noah Harari

Offices

Current and former locations of Osmosis Films

2 locations
  • New York office

    Headquarters
    425 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022New York, United States

    Current headquarters and production offices shared with RF Studio 53 inside Ruder Finn’s headquarters.

  • Brooklyn office

    Former office
    53 Bridge Street, Suite 407, Brooklyn, NY 11201Brooklyn, New York, United States

    Former headquarters and physical production space in DUMBO. Studio activities subsequently consolidated into the Manhattan headquarters.

Open roles

Find your next role at Osmosis Films

No open roles right now

Check back for new opportunities at Osmosis Films.

Visit studio website