New Marketplace Cuts Film Middlemen!

The Story: Former NATO chief John Fithian is launching "Attend", a revolutionary online marketplace that aims to eliminate the film distribution middleman by connecting independent filmmakers directly with exhibitors, enhancing cinema choices while keeping filmmakers in control of their work.

The Details:

• Attend will allow filmmakers to upload project details and materials directly, matching their films with suitable theaters using AI-powered insights from the Vista Group.

• Launching in early 2025, the platform focuses on boosting mid-range films and international content that often receive limited theatrical releases in North America.

• Leading filmmakers, including Steven Soderbergh and Patty Jenkins, have endorsed Attend, underscoring its potential to revitalize independent film distribution.

• Attend will streamline logistics for booking and marketing films, enabling exhibitors to offer a wider selection to audiences.

• The initiative aims to counteract the dramatic decline in theatrical releases and admissions seen in recent years, particularly post-pandemic.

Why It Matters: This pioneering approach provides filmmakers an innovative avenue to distribute their works directly, without relying on traditional distributors. The emphasis on mid-range and international films can potentially diversify cinema offerings, appealing to audiences who crave varied content. For creative professionals, Attend represents a significant shift in how films reach viewers, promoting a more direct relationship between creators and audiences while leveraging data to make informed decisions. In an era of streaming dominance, this initiative could reinvigorate the theatrical landscape, making it a crucial development to watch for those in the industry.