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Indie Distributor's Bold Bet Pays Off Big
16 Sep
Summary
- Aura Entertainment launched with a grounded approach to midbudget films.
- Their film 'Obsession' became TIFF's biggest pickup ever, selling for $15 million.
- The company focuses on original content and commercially viable, audience-pleasing films.
Aura Entertainment, a new U.S. distribution company, has achieved remarkable success in its first year by focusing on commercially viable, mid-budget films.
Founded by Marc Goldberg, Christian Mercuri, and Jared Goetz, the company operates with a disciplined, grounded approach, avoiding overly ambitious projects. They continue to lead their respective companies—Capstone, Signature Entertainment, and Ascending Media—while running Aura independently.
A pivotal moment for Aura was their acquisition of 'Obsession,' an indie horror film by a then-unknown director. The film stunned audiences at TIFF's Midnight Madness, sparking a bidding war that resulted in a $15 million worldwide sale to Focus Features. This acquisition is now the biggest ever from TIFF, with 'Obsession' grossing over $512 million globally.
Despite this massive success, Aura maintains its strategic focus on original content and audience-pleasing films. They are actively acquiring new projects, targeting 12 to 15 films annually, with potential to increase based on opportunities. Their slate includes upcoming projects like the action film 'The Beast,' starring Samuel L. Jackson and Joel Kinnaman, slated for a theatrical release.
The founders emphasize their producer- and director-friendly ethos, developing films that don't rely solely on star power but on unique concepts and filmmakers. They believe current market challenges present opportunities for companies like theirs, particularly in original content. Aura's success underscores their ability to navigate the competitive distribution landscape with a unique blend of experience and a clear mandate for commercial appeal.
