AMC Theaters has established Leawood Films, its own distribution company dedicated to bringing small and mid-sized films to cinemas. Launched on August 31, 2026, the venture will focus on movies that have already been financed and completed, according to a press release.
Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment, stated that the company recognizes a growing audience for independent cinema. "Moviegoers consistently demonstrate their appetite for a wide variety of theatrical content, and we believe there are more outstanding films that deserve the opportunity to find audiences on the big screen," Aron said. He added that Leawood Films intends to offer filmmakers significant value through access to screens, marketing support, and industry relationships.
The move follows a trend of successful low-budget films, with titles like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" achieving significant box office returns on modest budgets. The independent horror film "Iron Lung," which was picked up for distribution by AMC and other major chains, also demonstrated the potential for such projects to become major releases.
Aron noted that the existence of excess capacity in movie theaters presents an opportunity for Leawood Films. "If we can take steps to ensure that a few extra movies come to theaters each year, it is gravy for AMC in the United States and Odeon in Europe, as well as for our fellow exhibitors," he explained.
The board of advisors for Leawood Films includes former Warner Bros. Group chairman Toby Emmerich, former Walt Disney Studios marketing president Ricky Strauss, and former Paramount distribution veteran Kyle Davies.
AMC views this initiative as a low-risk opportunity to foster new cinematic talent and potentially launch the next major film hit. The company also noted that this move is in line with broader industry shifts, as demonstrated by Markiplier's approach to YouTube for independent film distribution. The company believes this venture will benefit filmmakers and exhibitors alike by increasing the diversity of content available in theaters.