Business

Mayur Patankar’s Journey from a Small Town in India to the Cinematic World of Los Angeles

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2023

Mayur Patankar’s story is one of passion, courage, and a relentless drive to succeed in an industry far removed from his roots. Hailing from Bramhapuri, a rural town in Maharashtra, India, Mayur took a leap of faith seven years ago, moving across the world to Los Angeles to pursue a Master’s in Cinematography at the prestigious New York Film Academy. It was a decision that would change his life, opening doors to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment and advertising. “It was the scariest and most unconventional decision I’ve ever made,” Mayur recalls, but one that turned out to be the best for his career.

Mayur’s journey didn’t follow the typical path of someone born with a camera in hand. In fact, he began his career with a degree in forensic science, unsure of his true calling. “I didn’t have one of those ‘I wanted to be a cinematographer since I was a kid’ stories,” he explains. His interest in photography developed gradually as he started working at a sports broadcast company in Delhi, where he began covering sporting events and after-parties. His love for shooting videos led to travel blogs and, eventually, the realization that filmmaking was his true passion. With YouTube as his initial teacher, he dived into learning the basics of photography and cinematography, leading him to the New York Film Academy.

Mayur’s work ethic and willingness to adapt and learn quickly gained him a foothold in the competitive world of filmmaking. His resume now boasts collaborations with renowned artists and companies, including Billie Eilish, Nike, Netflix, and more. “My most humbling experience was working on Space Jam 2 with LeBron James,” Mayur says, recalling his early days on set after graduating film school. “I thought I knew it all, but quickly realized it was only the beginning. That project taught me to empty my cup, be open to learning, and constantly improve my craft.”

Mayur also highlights his work on The Guilty with Jake Gyllenhaal and lighting Billie Eilish for her music videos as some of his most memorable projects. “Every project is different, whether I’m the cinematographer, gaffer, or playing any other role. I push my creative boundaries and give my best every time,” he says, adding that his best keeps getting better with each new challenge.

Despite his success, the road to becoming a prominent cinematographer wasn’t always easy. Growing up in a small town where filmmaking is an unconventional career choice, Mayur faced initial skepticism from his family. “My dad thought it was a prank when I said I wanted to go to America for a diploma,” he laughs. However, his family’s support never wavered, and once they saw his determination, they did everything they could to help him pursue his dreams.

Navigating the cultural and professional differences between India and Los Angeles also posed significant challenges. From dealing with stereotypes to building trust in a competitive industry, Mayur learned to adapt and thrive. “I realized the importance of being open-minded and respecting different cultures,” he says. “It’s about standing out with your unique creative vision, but also being someone people want to work with.”

Mayur’s story is proof that hard work, resilience, and following your passion can lead to extraordinary success. With his unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and the cultural richness of his Indian roots, Mayur Patankar continues to make a mark in the world of cinematography, inspiring others to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Business

13 Reasons Investors Are Watching Phoenix Energy’s Expansion in the Williston Basin

Published

1 week ago

April 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

As energy security becomes a growing priority in the United States, companies focused on domestic oil production are gaining attention from investors. One such company is Phoenix Energy, an independent oil and gas company operating in the Williston Basin, a prolific oil-producing region spanning North Dakota and Montana.

Phoenix Energy has established itself as a key player in this sector, expanding its footprint while offering structured investment opportunities to accredited investors. Through Regulation D 506(c) corporate bonds, the company provides investment options with annual interest rates ranging from 9% to 13%.

Here are 13 reasons why Phoenix Energy is attracting investor interest in 2025:

1. U.S. energy production remains a strategic priority

The global energy landscape is evolving, with a renewed focus on domestic oil and gas production to enhance economic stability and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. The Williston Basin, home to the Bakken and Three Forks formations, continues to play a critical role in meeting these demands. Phoenix Energy has established an operational footprint in the basin, where it is actively investing in development and production.

2. Investment opportunities with fixed annual interest rates

Phoenix Energy bonds offer accredited investors annual interest rates between 9% and 13% through Regulation D 506(c). These bonds help fund the company’s expansion in the Williston Basin, where it acquires and develops oil and gas assets.

3. Record-breaking drilling speeds in the Williston Basin

Phoenix Energy has made significant strides in drilling efficiency, ranking among the fastest drillers in the Bakken Formation as of late 2024. By reducing drilling times, the company aims to optimize operations and improve overall production performance.

4. Expansion of operational footprint

Since becoming an operator in September 2023, Phoenix Energy has grown rapidly. As of March 2025, the company has 53 wells drilled and 96 wells planned over the next 12 months.

5. Surpassing production expectations

Phoenix Energy’s oil production has steadily increased. By mid-2024, its cumulative production had exceeded 1.57 million barrels, outpacing its total output for 2023. The company projected an exit rate of nearly 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by the end of March 2025.

6. High-net-worth investor offerings

For investors seeking alternative investments with higher-yield opportunities, Phoenix Energy offers the Adamantium bonds through Reg D 506(c), which provides corporate bonds with annual interest rates between 13% and 16%, with investment terms ranging from 5 to 11 years, and a minimum investment of $2 million.

7. Experienced team with industry-specific expertise

Phoenix Energy’s leadership and technical teams include professionals with decades of oil and gas experience, including backgrounds in drilling engineering, land acquisition, and reservoir analysis. This level of in-house expertise supports the company’s ability to evaluate acreage, manage operations, and execute its long-term development plans in the Williston Basin.

8. Focus on investor communication and understanding

Phoenix Energy prioritizes clear investor communication. The company hosts webinars and provides access to licensed professionals who walk investors through the business model and operations in the oil and gas sector. These efforts aim to help investors better understand how Phoenix Energy deploys capital across mineral acquisitions and operated wells.

9. Managing market risk through strategic planning

The energy sector is cyclical, and Phoenix Energy takes a structured approach to risk management. The company employs hedging strategies and asset-backed financing to help mitigate potential fluctuations in the oil market.

10. Commitment to compliance

Phoenix Energy conducts its bond offerings under the SEC’s Regulation D Rule 506(c) exemption. These offerings are made available exclusively to accredited investors and are facilitated through a registered broker-dealer to support adherence to federal securities laws. Investors can review applicable offering filings on the SEC’s EDGAR database.

11. Recognition for business practices

As of April 2025, Phoenix Energy maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is a BBB-accredited business. The company has also earned strong ratings on investor review platforms such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews, where investors often highlight clear communication and transparency.

12. A family-founded business with a long-term vision

Led by CEO Adam Ferrari, Phoenix Energy operates as a family-founded business with a focus on long-term investment strategies. The company’s leadership emphasizes responsible growth and sustainable development in the Williston Basin.

13. Positioned for long-term growth in the oil sector

With U.S. energy demand projected to remain strong, Phoenix Energy is strategically positioned for continued expansion. The company’s focus on efficient drilling, financial discipline, and structured investment offerings aligns with its goal of building a resilient and growth-oriented business.

Final thoughts

For investors looking to gain exposure to the U.S. oil and gas sector, Phoenix Energy presents an opportunity to participate in a structured alternative investment backed by the company’s operational expansion in the Williston Basin.

Accredited investors interested in learning more can attend one of Phoenix Energy’s investor webinars, which are hosted daily throughout the week. These sessions provide insights into market trends, risk management strategies, and investment opportunities.

For more information, visit the Phoenix Energy website.

Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, LLC is now Phoenix Energy One, LLC, doing business as Phoenix Energy. The testimonials on review sites may not be representative of other investors not listed on the sites. The testimonials are no guarantee of future performance or success of the Company or a return on investment. Alternative investments are speculative, illiquid, and you may lose some or all of your investment. Securities are offered by Dalmore Group member FINRA/SIPC. Dalmore Group and Phoenix Energy are not affiliated. See full disclosures.

This article contains forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs about future events and market conditions. These statements, identifiable by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” and similar expressions, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may impact these outcomes include changes in market conditions, regulatory developments, operational performance, and other risks described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Phoenix Energy undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.