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Neon Distributor Redefines the Game with Maude Apatow's Directorial Debut
28 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Neon acquires Maude Apatow's feature directorial debut 'Poetic License' for mid-seven figures
- Neon CEO Tom Quinn discusses company's journey, milestones, and keys to success
- Neon competes with Netflix, focuses on brand and creative marketing over big budgets

In September 2025, indie distributor Neon made a major acquisition, securing the rights to Maude Apatow's feature directorial debut 'Poetic License' in a mid-seven figure deal. This marks Neon's fourth fall festival buy, cementing the company's position as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Neon CEO Tom Quinn recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview, reflecting on the company's remarkable journey over the past nine years. Quinn revealed that Neon's initial assumption was to compete regularly with A24, but they quickly realized their biggest competitor was actually Netflix. This remained the case for the first six years of the company's existence.
To stand out, Neon has focused on building a strong brand identity and employing creative, impactful marketing tactics. Rather than relying on traditional big-budget campaigns, the company has found success through innovative approaches, such as the phone number-based billboard for the Nick Cage film 'Longlegs' that generated over 1.5 million calls in just four days.
Quinn also emphasized the importance of empowering his staff, crediting VP of acquisitions and production Jason Wald for championing 'Longlegs' and securing the director's next three films for Neon. This collaborative, talent-nurturing approach has been a key driver of the company's success.
As Neon continues to make waves in the industry, the future looks bright for the indie distributor and the filmmakers it supports.