Searchlight Pictures would like to collaborate with Emerald Fennell on future projects. But times are tough even for the Disney-owned distribution company (and even with its former boss directing the entire operation), and Searchlight has always been sold at a “high price” by deep-pocketed streamers. There is.
Katie Goodson-Thomas, head of international production development at Searchlight UK, spoke candidly about the company’s specialist distribution business and the larger competitive market.
“We can’t compete with Netflix. That’s not going to happen…or even Apple or Amazon,” she said during a panel discussion at the BFI London Film Festival (via THR).
Goodson-Thomas cited Fennell as an example of how Searchlight is being outcompeted by streamers, and how it “happens every day, it does happen.” The Saltburn director will next produce an adaptation of Wuthering Heights for MRC, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Technically, the film will inevitably play at festivals, but isn’t that a feather in Searchlight’s cap? A big chance.
“We won’t be able to participate in that conversation,” Goodson-Thomas said. “But I think she’s an extraordinary filmmaker, and I want her to make a movie. So I’m proud to be able to make a movie with people who can give her the money she wants. ”.
So what is Searchlight Counterpunch? “Humanity.”
“I hope that part of our advantage at Searchlight is this humanity and being face-to-face,” she said. “We’re very rigorous and we’re very thoughtful.” He also added that DEI and sustainability are all important priorities for the company, which is “completely flexible” when it comes to financial decisions. he added.
Also, Searchlight’s track record at the Oscars is fine. By comparison, last year’s “Poor Things” grossed $117 million worldwide, while Amazon’s “Saltburn” only made $21 million and won four Oscars, including for star Emma Stone. was awarded. Authentic (salt) grilled food.
But it’s surprising that respected distributors have admitted that even they feel like they can’t participate in the biggest bidding wars. This year, the studio acquired “A Real Pain” from Sundance in a flashy deal, but it was quiet at fall festivals. Searchlight tends to filter a small number of titles to streaming-only releases on Hulu.
Goodson-Thomas on the panel also talked about several other upcoming projects in the works at Searchlight, including a new take on “The Wars of the Roses” with Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, and a film in development with Bradley Cooper. project was discussed. And Will Arnett. Later this year, Searchlight will release “Night Bitch,” starring Amy Adams, and “A Completely Unknown,” a Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet.
Well, even in our Apple/Amazon world, Searchlight won’t be completely obscured.
