William Knochel

Will Knochel is an entertainment finance executive, film and television producer, international sales agent, and capital markets operator focused on building scalable entertainment platforms. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Vital Pictures and Prestige International Pictures, he develops innovative financing structures and supports the worldwide sales of feature films and series, working directly with financiers, producers, and global distribution partners to structure projects for both creative and commercial success.

Will pioneered using the Federal Opportunity Zone program in entertainment when establishing Vital Pictures as a Qualified Opportunity Zone Business — possibly the only operating entertainment company in the United States designed to align film production with long-term, tax-advantaged capital strategy. This approach allowed Vital to integrate content creation, physical production infrastructure, and investor-aligned capital formation in a disciplined, institutional framework.

Prior to his career in entertainment, Will served as a Naval Officer following graduation from the United States Naval Academy, including active duty service during the Iraq War. That experience shaped his leadership philosophy: clarity of mission, accountability to partners, and execution under pressure. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School with concentrations in finance, media and entertainment strategy.