Home / Arts and Entertainment / AMC Theaters Launches Indie Film Arm, Leawood Films
AMC Theaters Launches Indie Film Arm, Leawood Films
1 Sep
Summary
- AMC Theaters enters indie film distribution with Leawood Films.
- Leawood Films will focus on small to medium-sized independent releases.
- AMC has prior experience with a similar venture, Open Road Films.
AMC Theaters, the largest chain in the U.S., has launched its own independent film distribution company named Leawood Films. This strategic move aims to distribute films beyond major studio releases, capitalizing on the perceived market opportunity. The venture follows AMC's immense success with "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," which grossed $261 million worldwide.
Leawood Films will concentrate on small and medium-sized releases that may face challenges securing distribution backing. The company will leverage the expertise of industry veterans on its advisory board, including Toby Emmerich and Ricky Strauss. AMC has stated that Leawood Films will not finance, develop, or produce films, instead focusing on acquiring completed projects or those with existing financing.
This initiative represents AMC's re-entry into film distribution, recalling its earlier involvement with Open Road Films, a joint venture that saw modest success with titles like "The Grey" and "Spotlight." The company plans to offer a 45-day theatrical exclusive window for its releases, with a 90-day window to SVOD. Leawood Films anticipates its initial slate to appear in theaters around 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
