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Sundance Hit 'Josephine' Lands Multimillion Deal
14 Feb
Summary
- 'Josephine' secured US rights in a competitive seven-figure deal.
- New indie distributors emerge, signaling a resurgence in the sector.
- WME's Alex Walton emphasizes theatrical release and awards campaigns.
Alex Walton of WME Independent shared insights into the Sundance breakout film 'Josephine,' a project that secured US rights in a competitive seven-figure deal. Walton detailed the film's journey, emphasizing the importance of major theatrical releases and awards campaigns, which are already generating buzz for the 2026-27 season.
He observed a new energy in the independent film sector, citing the recent launch of several new US distributors. This, coupled with the box office success of independent titles like 'Nuremberg' and 'The Housemaid,' indicates a positive trend.
Walton highlighted that films like 'Nuremberg' and 'The Housemaid,' which he described as historically challenging to finance, are finding audiences globally. He stressed that while theatrical release is important, it's part of a larger ecosystem that includes transactional VOD and television deals.
Discussing WME Independent's process, Walton mentioned receiving approximately 30 projects weekly. He seeks films with an auteur's edge, capable of theatrical appeal and home viewing, citing 'A History of Violence' as a benchmark for quality and marketability.
