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AMC Theatres Launches Leawood Films to Bring Independent Movies to the Big Screen
AMC Entertainment Holdings announced on August 31 2026 that it has created a new distribution label, Leawood Films, to release small and mid‑budget movies that are already finished and fully financed. The move is part of the exhibitor’s strategy to use its extensive network of screens to support independent filmmakers.
In a press release, chairman and CEO Adam Aron said the company sees a growing appetite among moviegoers for diverse theatrical content. Aron explained that Leawood Films will provide “availability of movie theatre screens and attractive economics” and will leverage AMC’s marketing capabilities and relationships across the exhibition industry. He added that the label is intended to bring “meaningful value to filmmakers whose movies might otherwise not get made or taken to theatres.”
Leawood Films’ advisory board is composed of three veteran Hollywood executives: Toby Emmerich, former chairman of Warner Bros Group; Ricky Strauss, former marketing president of Walt Disney Studios; and Kyle Davies, former distribution executive at Paramount. According to Deadline, the trio will advise on film selection and distribution strategy.
The launch follows a recent trend of successful low‑budget releases that found wide theatrical audiences. Films such as Obsession and Backrooms were produced on modest budgets yet attracted large audiences. The most notable example is Iron Lung, a 2026 independent science‑fiction horror film directed by YouTuber Mark Fischbach (Markiplier). Iron Lung opened in theaters on January 30 2026 and grossed more than $51 million worldwide against a tiny production budget, making it one of the most profitable independent releases in recent memory.
AMC’s decision to enter distribution is not unprecedented. The chain has previously distributed indie titles and has benefited from the excess capacity in the exhibition market. Aron noted that the venture is a “low‑risk opportunity” that could help the company capitalize on its screen inventory while supporting the next generation of independent cinema.
Industry observers see Leawood Films as a way for AMC to diversify revenue streams beyond ticket sales and concessions. The company’s Q2 2026 earnings were record‑setting, and the new label is positioned to generate additional income by taking a share of distribution profits. By offering a dedicated channel for indie films, AMC may also strengthen relationships with filmmakers who might otherwise rely on smaller distributors.
The label’s name, Leawood, reflects AMC’s headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, and signals the company’s commitment to local roots while expanding its global reach. AMC currently operates more than 860 theaters and 9,600 screens worldwide, making it the largest exhibitor in the United States and Europe.
Leawood Films will focus on “small and medium‑sized releases,” according to Variety, and will aim to bring a few extra movies to theaters each year. The strategy is intended to benefit both AMC and its European partner Odeon, which also has excess capacity.
The launch comes at a time when independent filmmakers are exploring new distribution models. Markiplier himself has approached YouTube with ideas for distributing indie films on the platform, indicating a broader shift toward alternative distribution channels.
In summary, AMC’s creation of Leawood Films marks a significant expansion into film distribution, leveraging the company’s screen inventory and marketing expertise to support independent cinema. The label’s advisory board of seasoned Hollywood executives and its focus on fully financed, finished projects position it to fill a niche in the current market. As AMC continues to build on its record earnings, Leawood Films may become a key driver of future revenue and a new platform for indie filmmakers seeking theatrical exposure.
In a press release, chairman and CEO Adam Aron said the company sees a growing appetite among moviegoers for diverse theatrical content. Aron explained that Leawood Films will provide “availability of movie theatre screens and attractive economics” and will leverage AMC’s marketing capabilities and relationships across the exhibition industry. He added that the label is intended to bring “meaningful value to filmmakers whose movies might otherwise not get made or taken to theatres.”
Leawood Films’ advisory board is composed of three veteran Hollywood executives: Toby Emmerich, former chairman of Warner Bros Group; Ricky Strauss, former marketing president of Walt Disney Studios; and Kyle Davies, former distribution executive at Paramount. According to Deadline, the trio will advise on film selection and distribution strategy.
The launch follows a recent trend of successful low‑budget releases that found wide theatrical audiences. Films such as Obsession and Backrooms were produced on modest budgets yet attracted large audiences. The most notable example is Iron Lung, a 2026 independent science‑fiction horror film directed by YouTuber Mark Fischbach (Markiplier). Iron Lung opened in theaters on January 30 2026 and grossed more than $51 million worldwide against a tiny production budget, making it one of the most profitable independent releases in recent memory.
AMC’s decision to enter distribution is not unprecedented. The chain has previously distributed indie titles and has benefited from the excess capacity in the exhibition market. Aron noted that the venture is a “low‑risk opportunity” that could help the company capitalize on its screen inventory while supporting the next generation of independent cinema.
Industry observers see Leawood Films as a way for AMC to diversify revenue streams beyond ticket sales and concessions. The company’s Q2 2026 earnings were record‑setting, and the new label is positioned to generate additional income by taking a share of distribution profits. By offering a dedicated channel for indie films, AMC may also strengthen relationships with filmmakers who might otherwise rely on smaller distributors.
The label’s name, Leawood, reflects AMC’s headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, and signals the company’s commitment to local roots while expanding its global reach. AMC currently operates more than 860 theaters and 9,600 screens worldwide, making it the largest exhibitor in the United States and Europe.
Leawood Films will focus on “small and medium‑sized releases,” according to Variety, and will aim to bring a few extra movies to theaters each year. The strategy is intended to benefit both AMC and its European partner Odeon, which also has excess capacity.
The launch comes at a time when independent filmmakers are exploring new distribution models. Markiplier himself has approached YouTube with ideas for distributing indie films on the platform, indicating a broader shift toward alternative distribution channels.
In summary, AMC’s creation of Leawood Films marks a significant expansion into film distribution, leveraging the company’s screen inventory and marketing expertise to support independent cinema. The label’s advisory board of seasoned Hollywood executives and its focus on fully financed, finished projects position it to fill a niche in the current market. As AMC continues to build on its record earnings, Leawood Films may become a key driver of future revenue and a new platform for indie filmmakers seeking theatrical exposure.
