The evolving landscape of the US film industry
A snapshot of the current market
The sustainability of the film industry in the United States is a topic of much debate. At this year’s Creative Investors’ Conference at the San Sebastián Film Festival, industry leaders gathered to discuss the state of the market. Scott Shooman, head of film at AMC Networks, which includes IFC Films, RLJE Films, and the streaming service Shudder, shared his insights on the evolving landscape.
“Anything that feels like a communal experience is working right now in the US,” Shooman noted. He emphasized that the specialty market has become more genre-friendly, with audiences becoming younger and more receptive to diverse content. This shift has allowed independent distributors like A24, Neon, and Magnolia Pictures to experience unprecedented success.
The rise of genre films
Shooman highlighted the significant impact of genre films on the market. “The business is gravitating towards genre films because they resonate with audiences,” he explained. This trend mirrors the cultural shift of the 1970s, as chronicled in Peter Biskind’s book “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls.” Filmmakers are using different genres to push societal boundaries and tell culturally relevant stories.
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International markets and financing
While Shooman focuses on the American market, Jonathan Kier, co-president of Upgrade Productions, is targeting active international markets like Germany, Japan, and Latin America. “These territories trigger financing,” Kier said. “The U.S. market is tricky because of the numerous distribution platforms and alternatives. The expectation that films will sell in the U.S. is no longer a given.”
Shooman added that the quality threshold is more relevant in dramas, where casting plays a crucial role. Producer Jennifer Fox echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of casting the right talent to make a film shine. “Sometimes the requirements for household names may not be the best casting decision for the film,” she said.
Challenges in domestic production
Fox also highlighted the challenges of producing films in the U.S., including high costs and stringent union requirements. These difficulties have led to a trend of American films being made abroad. For instance, Brady Corbet’s period epic “The Brutalist” was shot in Hungary, benefiting from substantial subsidies in Budapest.
Christine Vachon, one of the film’s producers, discussed the measures that made the project possible. “It was a combination of subsidies, a committed cast, and inventive production strategies,” she explained. Despite the challenges, the film was made at a significantly discounted rate, though the process was grueling.
The future of the film industry
Shooman remains optimistic about the future of the film industry. “It’s always hard on the independent side, but there is always opportunity in the marketplace,” he said. “Film has always changed, and there will always be shifts in the business. Despite the ups and downs, we will continue to find ways to sustain the industry.”
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