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Entertainment

AMC launches distribution venture to release independent films in theaters

The movie theater chain plans to market and distribute small and mid-budget movies through a new label starting in 2027 or 2028.

The short version

  • AMC Entertainment is launching Leawood Films, a distribution venture aimed at marketing and releasing small and mid-budget independent movies.
  • The initiative requires filmmakers to fully finance their projects and leaves the majority of post-theatrical revenue with the creators.
  • Releases are expected to begin in 2027 or 2028 after Leawood Films finalizes its project slate.

Key facts

  • AMC Entertainment is establishing a new film distribution label called Leawood Films, headquartered in Los Angeles and Leawood, Kansas.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • The venture will focus on fully financed, small and mid-budget films from both established and emerging filmmakers across various genres.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Leawood Films will abide by theatrical windows of at least 45 days before premium video-on-demand (PVOD) and 90 days or more for subscription video-on-demand (SVOD).[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Filmmakers will retain the majority of post-theatrical revenue from titles distributed by the label.[The Hollywood Reporter]
  • Industry executives advising the venture include Toby Emmerich, Ricky Strauss, and Kyle Davies.[The Hollywood Reporter]

What remains uncertain

Sources