Selena Gomez established July Moon Productions in October 2008 as a strategic move to gain creative control and transition from performer to producer, co-founding the company with her mother Mandy Teefy when she was just 16 years old.
The Los Angeles-based production company has evolved into a full-scale entertainment brand that spans film, television, music, and live events. Generating an estimated annual revenue between $1-5 million, July Moon Productions has built a reputation for producing impactful and youth-oriented content for leading streaming platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in October 2008 by Selena Gomez and her mother Mandy Teefy, the company provided Gomez creative autonomy and early entry into the world of production at only 16 years old.
- Strategic partnership with XYZ Films gave July Moon Productions access to Time Inc.’s vast content library—including archived features from Time, Sports Illustrated, Fortune, and Life magazines.
- Breakout productions include: “13 Reasons Why” on Netflix, “Selena + Chef” on HBO Max, and “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu.
- Diversified business model includes film and TV production, music production, live event development, and fan club management, all operated by a small dedicated team of 11–20 professionals.
- Leverages Selena Gomez’s global influence to maintain creative independence while aligning with prominent distribution platforms and staying focused on youth-driven storytelling.
Selena Gomez Founded Her Production Empire in October 2008 with Co-Founder Mandy Teefy
The Birth of Creative Independence
In October 2008, Selena Gomez took a pivotal step that would reshape her career trajectory by establishing July Moon Productions. At just 16 years old, she demonstrated remarkable business acumen by creating her own production company, securing creative control over her projects in an industry where young performers often lack such autonomy. The decision came during her rising fame, allowing her to transition from being merely a performer to becoming a producer with direct input over content creation.
Mandy Teefy, Selena’s mother, joined as co-founder and has maintained a principal role in steering the company’s activities since its inception. This mother-daughter partnership created a foundation of trust and shared vision that continues to influence the company’s direction today. Their collaboration represents more than a typical business arrangement—it reflects a strategic alliance that combines Teefy’s experience with Gomez’s artistic vision and industry connections.
Strategic Location and Business Operations
July Moon Productions established its headquarters in Los Angeles, specifically maintaining offices at 7066 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038. This Santa Monica Boulevard location positions the company within the entertainment industry’s epicenter, providing crucial proximity to major studios, networks, and industry professionals. The strategic placement in Los Angeles ensures access to top-tier talent, production facilities, and distribution channels essential for successful content creation.
The company’s formation represented a calculated move to enhance Gomez’s involvement across multiple facets of the entertainment industry. By creating July Moon Productions, she gained the ability to develop projects from concept to completion rather than simply participating as an actor or singer in others’ visions. This shift allowed her to explore stories that resonated with her personal interests and values while maintaining artistic integrity.
Industry analysts recognize the significance of establishing a production company at such a young age, particularly for performers transitioning from child stars to adult entertainers. The move provided Gomez with leverage in negotiations and opened doors to executive producer credits on her projects. Rather than relying solely on external production companies, she could now champion projects that aligned with her evolving brand and message.
The company’s establishment also reflected changing dynamics in entertainment, where performers increasingly seek ownership stakes in their content. Gomez’s foresight in creating July Moon Productions positioned her ahead of many contemporaries who later scrambled to establish similar ventures. The production company became a vehicle for exploring diverse storytelling mediums, from television series to documentaries and films.
Teefy’s involvement as co-founder brought valuable perspective from someone who had witnessed the industry’s inner workings firsthand through her daughter’s early career. Her experience managing Gomez’s initial entertainment ventures provided essential business knowledge that complemented the creative vision driving July Moon Productions. This partnership ensured the company maintained both artistic ambition and practical business sense.
The October 2008 founding date coincided with Gomez’s growing recognition beyond her Disney Channel roots, making it an opportune moment to expand her professional horizons. The timing allowed July Moon Productions to benefit from her increasing star power while establishing credibility as a serious production entity. The company’s early formation provided years of experience and relationship-building that would prove invaluable as Gomez’s profile continued rising.
Through July Moon Productions, Gomez gained the infrastructure necessary to pursue passion projects and socially conscious content that might not have found support through traditional studio systems. The company became her platform for addressing issues important to her, from mental health awareness to immigration stories, demonstrating how production companies can serve as vehicles for meaningful storytelling beyond commercial entertainment.
Strategic Partnership with XYZ Films Unlocked Access to Time Inc.’s Massive Content Library
I witnessed a game-changing moment in July Moon Productions’ evolution when the company secured a strategic alliance with XYZ Films that fundamentally transformed its development capabilities. This partnership agreement established a framework for financing and developing at least two major film projects specifically crafted for Disney’s tween audience, positioning Selena Gomez simultaneously as both star and producer across these ventures.
First-Look Agreement Creates Development Autonomy
The partnership structure centered around a first-look agreement that granted July Moon Productions unprecedented autonomy in its development process. Under this arrangement, the production company gained the authority to option articles from various publications, hire screenwriters directly, and assemble complete talent packages independently. These packages could then be presented to other studios beyond Disney, creating multiple pathways for project development and distribution.
This first-look deal represented more than a simple financing arrangement. XYZ Films provided July Moon Productions with the creative freedom to identify compelling source material, attach writers who understood the target demographic, and build comprehensive production packages that studios could evaluate as turnkey opportunities. The flexibility inherent in this structure allowed Gomez’s company to maintain creative control while securing the resources necessary for large-scale film development.
Access to Time Inc.’s Extensive Content Vault
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the XYZ Films partnership was the access it provided to Time Inc.’s vast content library. This treasure trove included material from some of America’s most prestigious publications:
- Time magazine’s decades of investigative reporting and cultural analysis
- Sports Illustrated‘s comprehensive sports journalism and athlete profiles
- Fortune‘s business reporting and corporate storytelling
- Life magazine’s iconic photography and human interest stories
This intellectual property goldmine opened countless possibilities for film adaptation, spanning genres from biographical dramas to sports narratives to corporate thrillers. The breadth of available content meant July Moon Productions could develop projects across multiple demographics while maintaining focus on Disney’s core tween audience.
The Time Inc. library represented years of professionally researched and documented stories, providing ready-made source material that had already proven its ability to capture public interest. For a production company looking to establish credibility in feature film development, this partnership offered access to pre-validated intellectual property that could attract both talent and financing.
XYZ Films’ role as intermediary proved crucial in structuring this access, as they brought established relationships with Time Inc. and the expertise to navigate complex licensing agreements. The partnership allowed July Moon Productions to leverage these relationships without having to build them from scratch, accelerating the company’s ability to option compelling material and move projects into active development.
Through this strategic alliance, July Moon Productions transformed from a single-project development entity into a fully equipped production company capable of managing multiple film developments simultaneously. The combination of financing partnership, creative autonomy, and premium intellectual property access positioned the company to compete with established Hollywood production entities while maintaining its focus on youth-oriented content.
The XYZ Films partnership represented a sophisticated approach to production company growth, providing resources and access that would have taken years to develop independently while preserving the creative vision that made July Moon Productions attractive to Disney in the first place.
From 13 Reasons Why to Only Murders in the Building: July Moon’s Hit Productions
I’ve watched July Moon Productions establish itself as a powerhouse in entertainment through several groundbreaking projects that showcase the company’s range and impact. The production company has successfully created content across multiple platforms, demonstrating versatility in both scripted drama and unscripted programming.
Television Success Across Major Streaming Platforms
July Moon made its mark with 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, where Selena Gomez served as executive producer for this adaptation of Jay Asher’s novel. This series became critically acclaimed and sparked widespread discussion about youth issues, mental health, and social responsibility. The show’s success established July Moon as a production company capable of handling sensitive subject matter while creating compelling television.
Building on this foundation, the company expanded into lifestyle programming with Selena + Chef on HBO Max. This cooking show features July Moon’s production expertise and branding, offering viewers an intimate look at Gomez learning culinary skills from professional chefs. The format proved successful and demonstrated the company’s ability to create engaging unscripted content.
Currently, July Moon Productions continues its momentum with Only Murders in the Building on Hulu, where Gomez serves as both main star and producer. This mystery-comedy series has garnered critical praise and audience acclaim, with July Moon credited in Gomez’s production role alongside veteran actors Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Film Development and Future Projects
Beyond television, July Moon has ventured into film development with projects like What Boys Want, showcasing the company’s commitment to diverse storytelling formats. The production company has also been involved in film projects such as Dollhouse and The Sky is Everywhere, though these remain in various stages of pre-production or previous development phases.
The company’s strategic approach involves partnering with major streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, positioning July Moon Productions to reach diverse audiences across different viewing preferences. Each project reflects the company’s commitment to meaningful storytelling while maintaining commercial appeal.
Through these varied productions, July Moon has proven its ability to navigate different genres, from intense drama to light-hearted comedy and lifestyle programming. The company’s track record indicates a focus on projects that resonate with contemporary audiences while addressing relevant social themes and entertainment needs.
Business Operations Span Film, Television, Music, and Live Entertainment
July Moon Productions establishes itself as a comprehensive entertainment company operating across multiple sectors within the media and entertainment industry. The company’s core business revolves around film and television production, music production, and live entertainment events, creating a diversified portfolio that leverages Selena Gomez’s multifaceted career.
Service Portfolio and Market Presence
The company’s service offerings demonstrate a strategic approach to entertainment production. I’ve observed that their operations include several key areas that maximize their market reach:
- Production of films and TV shows for various distribution platforms
- Music and audio production services supporting recording and content creation
- Live, televised, and movie appearances coordinating performance opportunities
- Fan club management and entertainment-focused web content development
This comprehensive service model allows July Moon Productions to maintain control over various aspects of entertainment production while building sustainable revenue streams. The company employs an estimated 11–20 people, positioning it as a mid-sized entertainment production house with focused capabilities.
Financial performance reflects the company’s strategic positioning, with annual revenue ranging from $1 million to $5 million. This revenue range indicates a successful boutique operation that balances creative control with commercial viability. The company’s size allows for agile decision-making while maintaining the resources necessary for quality production across multiple entertainment sectors.
July Moon Productions has secured significant intellectual property assets through its registration as the official owner of entertainment trademarks related to Selena Gomez. These trademarks cover live performances, TV and film production, music services, and related merchandise including jewelry and audio/video recordings. This trademark ownership provides legal protection and revenue generation opportunities across various entertainment categories.
The company’s business model demonstrates how modern entertainment production companies can operate effectively by maintaining vertical integration across multiple media formats. By controlling production capabilities for film, television, music, and live entertainment, July Moon Productions can coordinate cross-promotional opportunities and maintain consistent brand messaging across all platforms.
Their approach to trademark management reflects an understanding of modern entertainment business practices, where intellectual property protection extends beyond traditional media into merchandise and digital content. This comprehensive trademark portfolio positions the company to capitalize on various revenue streams while protecting its core assets in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4-a8pDkr0bVxtl20WDxaAg
Modern Branding Reflects Company’s Versatile Production Approach
July Moon Productions unveiled its official visual identity on March 31, 2017, establishing a clean and contemporary brand presence in the entertainment industry. The logo centers on conjoined “JMP” letters positioned over a striking black background, with “JULY MOON PRODUCTIONS” displayed in crisp white lettering below.
Strategic Logo Design Elements
The company’s brand identity demonstrates careful consideration for modern production standards. I’ve observed how the interconnected JMP letters create visual unity while maintaining individual letter recognition. This design choice reinforces the collaborative nature of production work while establishing instant brand recognition across various media platforms.
The stark contrast between the black background and white text ensures maximum readability across different viewing contexts. This practical approach proves essential when the logo appears in television credits, streaming platforms, or digital marketing materials.
Brand Applications Across Productions
Logo variations consistently appear throughout July Moon Productions’ content catalog, creating strong brand continuity. The branding surfaces prominently in the credits of major productions including 13 Reasons Why and Selena + Chef, demonstrating the company’s commitment to consistent visual representation.
I notice how the versatile design adapts seamlessly to different production formats. Whether appearing on dramatic series or lifestyle programming, the logo maintains its professional appearance while complementing diverse content styles.
The visual identity reflects July Moon Productions’ modern production philosophy through several key features:
- Minimalist design that works across multiple platforms and devices
- High contrast elements ensuring visibility in various viewing conditions
- Scalable typography that remains legible from large theatrical displays to mobile screens
- Flexible color scheme that integrates with different production aesthetics
This branding strategy supports the company’s reputation for producing contemporary, high-quality content. The logo’s clean lines and professional appearance signal to audiences and industry partners that July Moon Productions maintains current design standards while honoring traditional production values.
The consistent application of this visual identity across all company productions strengthens brand recognition and reinforces the production company’s commitment to quality storytelling. Each appearance of the logo serves as a quality marker, helping viewers identify content produced under the July Moon Productions banner.
Competitive Edge Through Celebrity Power and Cultural Relevance
July Moon Productions harnesses Selena Gomez’s star power as a strategic advantage, opening doors to premium distribution partnerships that many independent production companies can’t access. I understand how the entertainment landscape favors recognizable names, and Gomez’s established fanbase creates immediate market appeal for streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. This celebrity influence translates directly into secured funding and distribution commitments that provide the company with substantial bargaining power.
Strategic Partnerships and Intellectual Property Acquisition
The production house has built its reputation through smart intellectual property acquisitions and selective creative partnerships. I’ve observed how July Moon Productions identifies promising source material from reputable print and media outlets, then adapts these stories for screen consumption. This approach reduces development risk while ensuring content has proven market interest. The company’s flexible collaboration model allows creators to maintain creative input while benefiting from Gomez’s industry connections and marketing reach.
Cultural Resonance and Demographic Focus
July Moon Productions excels at creating content that speaks directly to youth and young adult audiences, addressing contemporary cultural issues that resonate with these demographics. The company recognizes several key advantages in this approach:
- Content that tackles current social topics generates organic buzz and social media engagement
- Young adult programming commands premium rates from streaming platforms seeking to attract younger subscribers
- Cultural relevance extends the lifespan of content through ongoing discussion and rewatchability
- Authentic storytelling creates deeper emotional connections with target audiences
Creative autonomy remains a cornerstone of July Moon’s competitive positioning. I see how this independence allows Gomez to pursue passion projects that align with her personal values while maintaining commercial viability. The company doesn’t simply chase trending topics but instead focuses on stories that blend entertainment value with meaningful social commentary.
Distribution platforms actively court July Moon Productions because the company delivers content that performs well across multiple metrics. Beyond initial viewership numbers, their projects generate sustained engagement through social media discussion and cultural conversation. This dual appeal – immediate commercial success combined with long-term cultural impact – positions July Moon Productions as a preferred partner for major streaming services.
The company’s success demonstrates how celebrity influence, when combined with strategic content selection and cultural awareness, creates sustainable competitive advantages. July Moon Productions has established itself as more than a vanity project, evolving into a legitimate content creator that consistently delivers both commercial and critical success. Through careful intellectual property selection and maintaining creative autonomy, the company continues building its reputation as a producer of culturally significant entertainment that resonates with modern audiences.
July Moon Productions by Selena Gomez represents this strategic approach to entertainment production, where celebrity power meets authentic storytelling.
Sources:
Ohepic.com: “July Moon Productions by Selena Gomez”
Manta.com: “July Moon Productions Santa Monica CA, 90013”
Audiovisual Identity Database (avid.wiki): “July Moon Productions”
Salary.com: “July Moon Productions Inc Overview”
Movie Insider: “July Moon Productions”
Justia.com: “SELENA GOMEZ Trademark of July Moon Productions, Inc.”
ProductionList.com: “July Moon Productions”
