New Indie Distribution Label
AMC Theatres launches Leawood Films to distribute indie and mid-sized movies globally.
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Key Points
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Leawood Films will operate as a gun-for-hire distributor, not engaging in development or production, focusing on distributing fully financed or completed films while filmmakers retain ownership and downstream revenues.
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Kyle Davies, formerly president of Bleecker Street, is leaving that post to join Leawood Films as a full-time executive to help pilot the new label.
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Leawood will operate with a dual-base footprint, headquartered in Los Angeles and with offices at AMC Theatres’ Leawood, Kansas headquarters.
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AMC’s push to source titles for Leawood includes attending film festivals to acquire product, a move that could place Leawood in competition with studios for certain titles while remaining additive to exhibitors.
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Leawood is represented by entertainment attorney Craig Jacobson, signaling formal transactional handling for the new distribution venture.
AMC Theatres, the world's largest movie chain, is launching Leawood Films, a new distribution company focused on releasing completed indie and mid-sized films starting in 2027 or 2028. Screen Daily reports the venture will operate from Los Angeles and AMC's Kansas headquarters, named Leawood after the latter location. The label will distribute fully financed films while letting filmmakers keep ownership and most streaming revenues after theatrical runs.
The move comes as demand for independent films surges post-pandemic. Box Office Pro notes AMC aims to bring more movies to theaters by acquiring completed projects rather than developing new ones. Kyle Davies, former president of indie distributor Bleecker Street, is joining full-time to lead the new label alongside advisors like former Warner Bros. executive Toby Emmerich.
AMC Becomes a Gun-for-Hire Distributor
Leawood Films will not develop or produce movies—it will only distribute completed projects. Media Play News explains the label partners with specialists like Variance Films and Piece of Magic Entertainment to handle logistics. Filmmakers retain all intellectual property and keep most downstream revenue after theatrical windows close. This structure shields AMC from production risk while expanding its film catalog.
A Low-Risk Play on Independent Film Demand
Independent films have become box office draws. Nordic IGN notes the label launches as smaller-budget movies gain popularity with audiences. AMC will attend film festivals to acquire finished titles, competing directly with studios for certain projects. The company believes this strategy fills gaps in theatrical releases while staying complementary to existing studio relationships, not threatening them.
The theatrical window will last 45 days for premium video-on-demand and 90 days before streaming platforms can acquire rights. This balance gives AMC's theaters first access while preserving revenue streams for filmmakers. Market Screener reports the dual-office structure—Los Angeles and Leawood, Kansas—positions the label to coordinate both local and cross-border distribution.
Davies Leaves Bleecker Street to Lead the Charge
Kyle Davies brings deep indie distribution experience to Leawood Films after departing his role as president of Bleecker Street. His full-time commitment signals AMC's seriousness about the venture. Entertainment attorney Craig Jacobson represents the new label, ensuring formal deal-making infrastructure. The advisory board—including Emmerich and Media Play News notes Ricky Strauss—provides guidance from industry veterans who understand independent film economics.
Davies's shift reflects broader industry momentum toward independent filmmaking. His presence should help Leawood compete for quality projects while maintaining relationships with established studios. The venture does not replace AMC's core exhibition business; instead, it diversifies revenue and guarantees more films reach theaters.
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