In the ever-evolving world of cinema, it's fascinating to delve into the insights shared by industry veterans like Helen Lee-Kim, the President of International at Lionsgate. Her perspective offers a unique glimpse into the complexities and opportunities within the film industry, especially in the international market.
Navigating the Complex Landscape
Lee-Kim's 22-year tenure in the sales scene provides a seasoned perspective on the industry's evolution. She candidly acknowledges the challenges, describing the current times as "complicated" and "getting more complex." Shifting audience habits, troubled international markets, and the looming presence of AI are all factors that contribute to this complexity. However, amidst these challenges, Lee-Kim remains optimistic about one aspect: the enduring appeal of the movie theater experience.
The Theater Experience: A Silver Lining
In her own words, "The good news is, people are going to the movie theater at this moment in time." This observation is backed by the success of Lionsgate's recent releases, including "Michael" and "The Housemaid." The upcoming "Hunger Games" movie and other projects are expected to continue this trend, drawing audiences back to the theaters.
Industry Shifts and Adaptations
The departure of Alex Walton from WME Independent and his decision to start a new venture is seen by Lee-Kim as a natural shift in the industry. She emphasizes the resilience and adaptability required in the business, stating, "There's always shuffling." This perspective highlights the dynamic nature of the industry, where professionals must continuously adapt to changing market conditions.
Lionsgate's Unique Advantage
Lionsgate's robust domestic operation sets it apart from many of its competitors. Lee-Kim recognizes the value of this position, noting, "Who else is consistently delivering these bigger, franchise, event movies that can gross $300M plus?" This advantage, coupled with the studio's ability to attract and retain talent, positions Lionsgate as a key player in the market.
Pre-Selling in Cannes
At the Cannes Market, Lee-Kim and her team are pre-selling two highly anticipated projects: the reboot of "The Blair Witch Project" and the sequel to "The Housemaid." The latter, titled "The Housemaid's Secret," is expected to have a much larger budget and canvas, expanding the world of the original film. With a star-studded cast returning, including Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone, and the addition of Kirsten Dunst, the sequel promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise.
Upcoming Projects and Revivals
Lionsgate has a diverse slate of projects in various stages of development and production. The studio is particularly excited about the "Dirty Dancing" sequel, which has undergone script changes with the involvement of Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson. Additionally, the revival of "American Psycho" is expected to have a script later this year, with Luca Guadagnino attached to direct.
Faith-Based and Action-Packed Projects
Lee-Kim also shares her insights on Mel Gibson's "Resurrection Of The Christ" movies, predicting broad audience appeal beyond the faith-based community. Similarly, she describes the recently wrapped "John Rambo" as "huge and genuinely amazing," and hints at James Wan's work in mapping out the future of the "Saw" universe.
Lionsgate's Global Reach
While the major studios continue to refrain from selling their projects to Russia, Lionsgate has taken a different approach, achieving significant success in the territory this year. This decision showcases the studio's willingness to explore new markets and adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes.
Embracing Foreign-Language Titles
Lionsgate's ability to pivot and build relationships with foreign filmmakers is a key point of difference, according to Lee-Kim. The studio's collaboration with Jalmari Helander on "Sisu" and their work with director and fight choreographer Kenji Tanigaki on "The Furious" are examples of this successful strategy.
Conclusion
In a rapidly changing industry, Lionsgate's approach, as articulated by Lee-Kim, stands out for its adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues. Despite the challenges, the studio remains committed to finding the fun and delivering engaging content to audiences worldwide. As Lee-Kim puts it, "The business is tough, but we're still finding the fun." This attitude is a testament to the resilience and creativity that drives the film industry forward.
