AMC Entertainment launches Leawood Films to distribute independent movies

AMC Entertainment has announced the launch of Leawood Films, a new distribution label designed to bring small and medium-budget independent films to theaters. Headquartered in Los Angeles and Leawood, Kansas, the venture aims to increase the supply of theatrical content by working with filmmakers who have already fully financed or completed their projects.

Unlike traditional studios, Leawood Films will not engage in film production or script development. Instead, it will leverage AMC’s global exhibition network, marketing capabilities, and existing industry relationships to distribute films both within AMC theaters and at other cinema circuits internationally. The company plans to maintain a theatrical exclusivity window of at least 45 days before moving to premium video on demand (PVOD) and at least 90 days before reaching subscription streaming services (SVOD).

The initiative is led by a team of industry veterans, including former Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich, former Disney marketing executive Ricky Strauss, and Kyle Davies, who is departing his role as President of Distribution at Bleecker Street to lead the new label. AMC CEO Adam Aron stated that the move is intended to complement, rather than compete with, the company’s existing partnerships with major Hollywood studios.