AMC Theatres Launches Leawood Films Label

AMC Theatres, the world's largest exhibitor chain, has launched a new film distribution label called Leawood Films. The label will focus on distributing small to mid-sized movies that have been fully financed or completed, with the goal of bringing more movies to theaters.

The label will be advised by industry veterans Toby Emmerich, Ricky Strauss, and Kyle Davies, who bring a wealth of experience in the film industry. Emmerich, the former Warner Bros Group chairman, and Strauss, the former Walt Disney Studios marketing president, will be joined by Davies, who is leaving his role as President of Distribution at Bleecker Street to lead distribution at Leawood Films.

Leawood Films will operate on a distribution-only basis, allowing filmmakers to maintain ownership of their films and downstream revenues. This approach will enable filmmakers to retain control over their work while still benefiting from the distribution expertise of Leawood Films. The label will not finance, develop, or produce films itself, instead focusing on acquiring theatrical rights to fully financed or completed films.

The launch of Leawood Films comes at a time when many independent features are without homes, and the label plans to handle those movies that are fully financed and completed. Leawood Films will respect a window of at least 45-days before a title arrives on PVOD, and 90 days or more for SVOD, ensuring that theaters have a exclusive window to showcase the films.

## What happens next Leawood Films will be headquartered in Los Angeles and Leawood, Kansas, and will partner with independent distribution companies such as Variance Films and Piece of Magic Entertainment to handle distribution. The label's slate will be booked at rival circuits around the globe, with the first titles to be announced coming in 2027 or 2028. AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron stated that the goal of Leawood Films is to bring more movies to theaters, which will benefit AMC and other exhibitors.

## Why it matters The launch of Leawood Films is significant because it marks a new approach to film distribution, one that prioritizes the needs of filmmakers and theaters. By operating on a distribution-only basis, Leawood Films is able to provide a low-risk opportunity for AMC Theatres to bring more movies to theaters, while also allowing filmmakers to maintain ownership of their work. This approach has the potential to disrupt the traditional film distribution model and provide new opportunities for independent filmmakers.

The success of Leawood Films will depend on its ability to identify and distribute high-quality films that resonate with audiences. With the expertise of its advisors and the support of AMC Theatres, Leawood Films is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the film industry. As the label begins to announce its slate of films, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complex landscape of film distribution and whether it can achieve its goal of bringing more movies to theaters.