In the past year, one production studio defined the resurgence of independent filmmaking in a Hollywood dominated by franchise. A24, a production and distribution studio known for films and series like “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (EEAAO), “Lady Bird,” and “Euphoria,” won 9 of the 18 Oscars they were nominated for this year. A24 has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, driven by the studio’s unique brand identity and support of independent filmmakers.
It’s undeniable that Hollywood today is defined by franchises and remakes, illustrated by the popularity of the Marvel franchise and Disney movie remakes that have come out in the past few years. Amidst this trend, A24 has become a household name associated with independent filmmakers like The Daniels, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele. Known for producing quality films, A24’s approach to media has two unique features: catering to a more specific audience and working with much smaller budgets.
Though A24 originally began as a distribution studio, the studio’s start in production began with “Moonlight” in 2016, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and achieving critical acclaim. In the following years, A24 has cemented a reputation for producing special films that explore all aspects of the human experience, from the poetic storytelling in “Moonlight” tackling coming-of-age and sexuality to the visual beauty and daylight horror of “Midsommar”. As a result, A24 has developed a cult-like following, with obsessive fans waiting on every merch drop to people like me with movies to-watch lists that, at this point, consist of the entirety of A24’s filmography.
Beyond the appeal of A24’s films, the smaller movie budgets that the studio works with are a vital aspect of their successful business model. In contrast to Marvel movie budgets that typically fall over $100 million at the minimum, A24 movies usually fall under a $20 million budget. This has allowed A24 to release more movies annually than most big studios like Paramount. By working with smaller budgets, A24 becomes a studio free to pursue creativity and risks as opposed to commercial success. Movies like “Moonlight” can cater to a specific audience and focus on powerful, touching, storytelling that although enjoyed by many, echoes the lives of a certain group or identity. Instead of pandering to the masses, the budget of A24 movies means that less tickets are required to break even: even when A24 releases box-office flops like “Barely Lethal”, the studio can continue to produce more of the films that people love. This focus has been vital to A24’s success, with viewers valuing the authenticity and intention provided by directors like Greta Gerwig, Sophia Coppola, and Jordan Peele.
If there’s one word to define A24’s image in Hollywood, it would be unique. Though their filmography isn’t perfect, the studio has led a resurgence in distinct films challenging the current state of Hollywood and franchise.
