Scripted

After shaping the global distribution of Star Wars, co-creating one of Disney Channel’s hit preschool shows, and penning what the trade often calls “the bible” of film and TV distribution, media executive and author Jeff Ulin is taking on a bold new role: fiction writer.

His novel, Provenance of Ashes: A Married into the Mossad Thriller, is now available, and industry insiders are already buzzing. The thriller blends sharp political insight, cross-border intrigue, and a morally wrenching story about legacy and justice—clearly drawing from Ulin’s global experience as head of worldwide distribution at Lucasfilm, CEO/co-founder of Wild Brain, and General Counsel at media-tech leader/MultiChoice affiliate Irdeto.

“A page-turning, wide-ranging espionage tale.” — Kirkus Reviews “A gripping blend of historical intrigue, espionage, and emotional depth.” — Sublime Book Review “If you liked The Night Manager by John le Carré or The Art Forger by B.A. Shaprio, this book is right up your alley.” — Literary Titan

A Story That Only Jeffrey Ulin Could Tell

Set between post-war Europe, modern Israel, and the United States, Provenance of Ashes follows Beryl, a budding Mossad agent and renowned art appraiser, as she confronts ghosts of the Holocaust and reluctantly draws her husband into the web of Israel’s intelligence elite. What begins as an art restitution mission unravels into a high-stakes thriller involving smuggled masterpieces, old secrets, and new enemies.

It’s a sweeping tale told with the precision of someone who understands both high diplomacy and Hollywood narrative. “This is the novel I always wanted to write,” says Ulin. “I’ve been privileged to travel to all corners of the world, negotiate international rights deals, and lecture on global business. But fiction allows me to explore truths and frailties on an entirely different level.”

Industry Veteran Turned Novelist

Jeff Ulin is no stranger to the entertainment world. Across a 25+ year career, he’s:

Headed global distribution for Lucasfilm, managing TV, theatrical, and video rights for Star Wars and Indiana Jones
Co-founded and as CEO ran Wild Brain, where he created Disney’s Higglytown Heroes
Served as SVP/GC for Paramount and Universal’s overseas home entertainment distribution venture
Authored 3 editions of The Business of Media Distribution (Taylor & Francis), a globally used media textbook praised by leaders at Pixar, 20th Century Fox, and Endeavor Content. His 4th edition is slated for publication later this year.
Taught the media course at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business (Media & Entertainment: Economics, Policy & Strategy) and presented at MIPCOM, NATPE, SXSW, and more
Advised media start-ups and top firms (incl. Wikipedia) working at Silicon Valley’s pre-eminent law firm Wilson Sonsini


His first book—non-fiction—debuted at Google’s media summit and hit #1 in its Amazon category. With Provenance of Ashes, Ulin adds the espionage bookshelf to his publishing résumé on the heels of his debut novel (The Lord’s Tusks) about the rise and fall of a poaching ring in Africa.