Film Markets in Flux: Navigating Strikes, Weak Sales, and New Distribution Models

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From the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, the American Film Market (AFM) has long been a beacon for filmmakers, producers, sales agents, and distributors. It not only served as the last major market of the year where distributors boosted their spring release slates but also as a barometer for new packaged projects for the year to come.

However, last week’s 42nd annual AFM left many producers and sales agents worried about the difficulties facing the independent film market, particularly in attaching name talent to projects with the ongoing strike of SAG-AFTRA. There were no blockbuster sales last week to report, and only a handful of new projects generated genuine interest from distributors.

Strike Negotiations Stall After Latest Offer

Hopes were high at the beginning of last week when AFM kicked off that a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) representing the streamers and the studios would be reached during the market, but as the weekend approached, hopes faded.

Now, after AMPTP’s “last, best and final offer” was deemed insufficient by the union’s negotiating team on Monday, a resolution to the 117-day strike seems further off with each passing day.

The Weight of Interim Agreements

Interim Agreements (IAs) from SAG-AFTRA are becoming the lifeblood of new productions, but they come with strings attached. Producers need IAs to shoot films amidst the SAG-AFTRA strike; however, they also compel independent producers to adhere to conditions that might limit how they finance their films and arrangements with potential buyers.

Many independent films are currently operating under the shadow of IAs. The uncertainty around the final percentages of actor residuals has left many productions in flux because a few percentage points on the residuals mean the difference between getting a film made or not.

An additional clause in IAs prevents producers from selling their projects to AMPTP members, further complicating the situation.

Under these circumstances, Lionsgate, which is not a member of AMPTP, was extremely active last week as both a buyer and seller. Lionsgate also introduced the most prominent film project at AFM this year: the “Highlander” reboot that will star Henry Cavill.

45 Top Titles on Offer at AFM

While Lionsgate is embracing IAs and recently secured an interim agreement for its latest “The Hunger Games” iteration, multiple studios have warned producers that they would not be acquiring rights in films that relied on interim agreements, which some say are evidenced by weak sales at TIFF in September.

The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has sent ripples through the industry, causing delays in film production, sales, and even promotion. Independent film financing, already a challenging arena, is now even more complex. Without an end to the strike in sight, filmmakers are left in a holding pattern, delaying casting and sales initiatives.

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Shifting Distribution Models and the Advent of Simultaneous Releases

With the rise of streamers, the traditional film distribution model, which prioritized sequential and exclusive exploitation platforms, has been disrupted forever. Films that once followed a strict pattern of release—from theaters to home entertainment and then to television—are now sometimes confined to a single streaming platform with little fanfare or promotion.

In an increasingly familiar move, Universal and Blumhouse premiered “Five Nights at Freddy’s” simultaneously in theaters and on its Peacock streaming service. Such strategies hint at a future where filmmakers might not have to choose between digital and physical platforms. The success of this film suggests that there continues to be a potential avenue for hybrid releases.

Despite the uncertainties and the shifting sands of film sales and distribution, the industry is adapting and finding new opportunities.

FilmTake Away: Adapting to a New Normal

The industry is at an inflection point. With negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP ongoing and the after-effects of these negotiations likely to be profound, it remains to be seen how film sales and distribution stuck in antiqued modes of operation will evolve in an uncertain future.

For film and television executives and producers, the key will be adaptability. By understanding these shifts and staying agile, they can navigate this transforming market, ensuring that stories continue to be told and reach eager audiences worldwide. As the curtain rises on this new act in the film industry, there’s no doubt that innovation and resilience will take center stage.

TIFF Expands Buyer Access as Deals Take Longer to Close

TIFF’s first formal market attracted more buyers, but deal activity depended on available rights, prepared projects, and existing relationships. FilmTake examines what the debut delivered and what remains to be proved as negotiations continue toward AFM.

Continue Reading TIFF Expands Buyer Access as Deals Take Longer to Close