an LA-based production company making films, select corporate content, and documentaries, with significant experience working in China.
Monarex’s story begins in 1964 when it was established by Chris D. Nebe in Germany. From nothing to something, Chris imported over 150 motion-pictures from all over the world for theatrical distribution in Germany, Austria & Switzerland.
Among these successful theatrical releases were a number of Roger Corman productions, such as Ron Howard’s first directorial effort Grand Theft Auto, Jonathan Demme’s first directorial debut Caged Heat and Cannonball by Paul Bartel, starring David Carradine, a man who twice punched J.J. (as a joke) at a movie premiere to make clear he still was a legend.
However, it was the unsuspecting Japanese classic Onibaba by Kaneto Shindo, that propelled Monarex far beyond its humble beginnings.
Fourteen years later, in 1978 Monarex was formed in Los Angeles, producing indie movies and award-winning documentaries.
The transition to Hollywood was a major undertaking by Chris, who managed the company through its 50th year. With the June 30th, 2021 passing of Chris, J.J. is leading Monarex through the next 50 years.
J.J. Osbun is president of Monarex Hollywood and an award-winning filmmaker. He built Monarex’s production arm and produced much of the Mysterious China Series. Since helming the company in 2021, J.J. has been shifting toward a more diversified slate of projects.
JJ has an established career as a filmmaker. He is President of Monarex Hollywood Corporation, an over 50-year-old name in the entertainment industry. In addition to his above-the-line credits, JJ cut his teeth in reality television, TV movies, series and feature films. (American Idol, Top Model, Haven, Arrow, Boss, Seeking A Friend, Up All Night, Sordid Lives).
Prior to the 2020 election, JJ spent two years building a non-profit focused on high-impact relationship development for climate change solutions. With the founder, he produced a 7-figure summit convening world leaders, first-class organizations, front line activists and students. Grounded.org
Chris and J.J. met through a wonderful friend in 2006. Chris gave him room to run produce Mysterious China films starting in 2010. Monarex has the goal of pairing art and education with the unknown culture and social environment of China.
J.J. learned virtually all aspects of filmmaking to enhance his ability to produce content. It is not an easy task creating these films for a plethora of reasons, but we love the adventure and each film is better than the last. Chris and J.J. shared the tasks of writing, and directing, as well as developing new projects.
J.J. is grateful to the Online filmmaking and VFX communities, which have enabled him to learn and build off their ingenuity. Some favorite resources are
Greyscale Gorilla
Andre Lebrov
VideoCopilot
Beeple-Crap
If you have any comments or questions, get in touch! Most importantly, we hope you enjoy the time you spend here.
Chris D. Nebe – internationally-acclaimed and award-winning Writer, Producer, Director – has died at the age of 83 after a valiant battle with cancer. He left a beautiful legacy and life behind for all of us to remember and grow from. Chris’s heir is his friend and partner, J.J. Osbun, who now runs Monarex Hollywood.
CHRIS D. NEBE, founder of Monarex Hollywood, was a globetrotter, who spoke several languages and has always had a keen geopolitical interest. Many of his documentaries reflected his engagement in human rights and environmental issues. Long before Angelina Jolie and Brat Pitt discovered Namibia Chris left his footprint on this African country’s political landscape. In the 1970’s Chris befriended the Herero Chief Clemens Kapuuo and advised the Herero in their struggle for independence.
At that time Namibia was administered by the South African Apartheit Regime, which strictly enforced segregation of Black and White.
Most unfortunately Chief Kapuuo was assassinated in the dark of night in Windhook, the capital of Namibia.
During his last visit to Namibia, to honor his slain friend, Chris was arrested in the Black Ghetto of Windhook for breaking the curfew. After receiving numerous death threats (pictured above) Chris left Namibia for good.
As a firm believer in the ancient philosophies of Lao Tzu and Confucius Chris has always had a great interest in Asia and traveled extensively all over.
For many years he cultivated relationships in China that would later put him in a position to live a life long dream and make films about the epic cultural heritage of China.
Chris created the MYSTERIOUS CHINA series with most of the early documentaries being filmed in the Golden West of China, which is still far more rural than the industrialized East and home to most of the 55 ethnic minorities of China with their traditions untouched.
With the MYSTERIOUS CHINA series having grown to more than 20 films with many more to come, Chris has now started an additional series CHINA’s GOLDEN CITIES, which offers an introduction to famous cities of China.
Trevor Spisto is a writer and author hailing from New York. He is notably focused on growing Monarex’s publishing library. “The Tiger and The Crane” will be Trevor’s first novel, to be released in Q4 2023. Expect a number of dynamic releases bearing his name to come thereafter.
© 2023 Monarex Hollywood. Los Angeles
