
Distribution



The Secret Behind Neon’s Rise and Why Its Future Still Hangs in the Balance
While most independent distributors faltered after the lockdowns started a cycle of theatrical collapse, Neon doubled down on theatrical releases, carefully timed VOD windows, and an expanding slate of in-house productions. But behind the critical acclaim lies a high-stakes business model facing mounting financial pressure.

Finding Licensing Gold: Why Some Shows Are Worth More Off Their Home Platform
Streaming services are reevaluating their financial playbooks, balancing the high costs of direct-to-consumer services with the steady returns of third-party licensing deals. With studios weighing the financial viability of streaming-first strategies against the profitability of licensing, the industry is at an inflection point where content ownership alone may not be enough to drive sustainable growth.

Slow-Motion Collapse: How Nostalgia, Streaming, and Short-Sightedness Undermined Hollywood’s Future
Hollywood’s golden age of innovation and artistry is fading, replaced by an industry stumbling through a self-imposed crisis. The rise of streaming, an overreliance on recycled intellectual property, and dwindling opportunities or audience support for new talent have left the film and television world on precarious ground.

Subscriptions to Free Streaming: The Platforms and Formats Redefining Entertainment
Streaming platforms are evolving amid changing viewer preferences and competition. YouTube leads with creator-driven content, while Netflix shifts back to licensed shows to maintain its subscriber base. Growth of ad-supported services like Tubi offers budget-friendly options. The industry’s future relies on innovation, collaboration, and understanding audience needs.

From Capes to Clicks: The Fall of Superheroes and the Streaming Shakedown
The superhero genre, once its crown jewel, is fading under the weight of oversaturation and audience fatigue, devolving into a rebellion by the fandom. Yet, in this chaos lies an opportunity. As audiences reject formulaic content and mediocrity, a new wave of creativity can emerge, reshaping the film industry.


Betting Big on Genre Films: AFM’s Vegas Move Signals Shift in the Independent Film Market
For the first time in its 45-year history, the American Film Market (AFM) has traded the coastal ambiance of Santa Monica for the glitzy setting of Las Vegas, launching its 2024 event at the Palms Casino Resort. This relocation comes with high hopes for streamlined networking, concentrated events, and fresh energy.

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part Three)
The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part Two)
The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

AFM 2024: The Films Sparking Major Interest at AFM’s First Las Vegas Edition (Part One)
The 2024 American Film Market (AFM) marks a transformative moment as it relocates from its long-standing Los Angeles base to Las Vegas. Here’s an overview of films being presented by the leading 78 international sales agencies at the 2024 American Film Market, offering a dynamic blend of genres, including horror, thriller, drama, comedy, and animation.

Breaking Free: Disney Declares Independence from the Apple App Store
In a bold move to reclaim control over streaming revenue, Disney has severed its dependency on Apple’s App Store for new subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. This decision, echoing similar actions from Netflix, signifies a financial strategy and a broader power dynamics shift between content providers and tech platforms.

Muted Market at TIFF 2024: Sparse Acquisitions Signal Industry Hesitation
Despite the return of Hollywood stars to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) after last year’s strikes, this year’s event saw a lackluster market for acquisitions. With only a handful of deals emerging, questions are being raised about the current state of theatrical releases and the dominance of streaming platforms.

25 Essential Films Generating Buzz at TIFF 2024
As TIFF kicks into high gear, several films are already making waves, generating significant attention among buyers and industry insiders. These films represent some of the most promising acquisitions at TIFF 2024, with solid casts, intriguing narratives, and talented directors aiming to capture the attention of buyers and audiences alike.

Behind Closed Doors: The High Stakes of TIFF’s Market Push Amid Theatrical Declines
The 2023 Hollywood strikes, coupled with the lingering effects of lockdowns, have cast serious doubt on the future of theatrical releases. In 2022, TIFF saw its biggest deal to date, with “The Holdovers” fetching $30 million from Focus Features, but there was a catch—it wasn’t an official festival entry. Instead, it was a private screening.

TIFF 2024: How to Secure the Best Streaming Deals for Your Film
With traditional theatrical releases becoming riskier, streaming platforms have emerged as a vital avenue for filmmakers seeking wider and more consistent distribution. However, the key to capitalizing on this shift lies in understanding how streaming services structure their deals and value content.


Fewer Films, Fewer Fans: TIFF 2024 Highlights the Trouble with Theatrical Distribution
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has long been a vibrant showcase, especially for films seeking a U.S. distributor, but it faces a much harsher reality this year. The rise of streaming platforms has further complicated TIFF’s sales environment. This challenge is emblematic of a deeper problem in the industry.