How A24 took over Hollywood

They went from solely distributing uncut indie gems to getting everything they made everywhere all at once

When you think back on your favorite movies, you might think about their famous directors or actors. But recently, a new name has become synonymous with indie film culture and appeal, and it’s not an individual, but a studio.

You have to admit, their logo is pretty cool.

A24 swept the 2022 Oscars. They’ve made some of the most distinct and interesting movies and TV shows of the past 10 years. But most importantly, they’ve garnered a reputation for quality — and their brand loyalty so strong that hipster film bros everywhere are wearing A24 t-shirts and caps right now.

But unlike Universal or Paramount, studios that have been around for over a century, A24 has done this in just over a decade. How did this independent film distributor transform into a major player in the entertainment industry in such a short time?

In this Vox Video, Nate Jones (senior writer at Vulture, and A24 obsessor) breaks down their history, and stratospheric rise to the top. Read more of Nate's writing on Vulture:

Check out more from A24:

[Vox]

Quick clarification for eagle-eyed film viewers: While A24's Lady Bird was Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut, in 2007 she co-directed the film Hannah Takes the Stairs with Joe Swanberg, which was produced with Film Science and later distributed by IFC Films.

Lady Bird is one of my favorite A24 films. Nate’s favorite was Hereditary. What’s your favorite? Let us know down below.
—Ed (video producer on this one)

[Kausan]

They give Directors and writers control of their own movies.
You can feel the authenticity

[isaacishere]

The A24 logo in itself has become a mark of quality. If you step into a theater and see the logo on the screen you know you’re goin to see a good quality movie

[mrq.]

A24 has almost become a genre in itself for their very unique approach to filmmaking. Everyone knows what you mean by “an A24 film” or saying “A24-type movie”

[LiamChaidez]

I’m here for A24 making weird and original movies. Even their worst movies are at least more new and interesting than most of what any other production companies are putting out.

[brylerivera]

im glad that a24 is brave enough to support fresh and original movies, because big studios are afraid to take the risk.

[simonjefferis]

For me it was always the consideration. Everything feels considered. The music is always so intentional. The editing. The pace. It all feels as though it ties in together in a neat package that you may not always like, but it’s always considered.

[santh]

Putting Peele in the same category as Spielberg and Hitchock is such a Vox thing to do

[isaacmartinez]

A24 may be small, but they do know how to stand out.

Happy to see A24 getting tons of shoutouts from big studios to the Criterion Collection.

[lenardregencia]

If you see A24 on the opening credits…
you’re in for a treat.

[kaushikvedanarayanan]

One of A24's co-founder is Daniel Katz (former PE guy), who used to work in film finance for the global investment firm Guggenheim Partners. Guggenheim gave the seed funding for the studio, and I think still holds some stake. Maybe this explains why they have been so good at being financially solvent for a small studio, plus having a very good understanding of the cash flow aspects of movie making. A24 may specialize in the indie film scene, but their origin and ownership may not be so indie after all :P

[Louise-wkyf]

A24 keeps on distributing and making unique original films and that alone will keep them afloat. Not all of their films might be a hit for you, but you gotta appreciate how original they are.

[denisxromero]

best definition of A24: “it sparks your curiosity, in a way”

[carlodaswag]

A24 is a breath of fresh air when Disney keeps shoving superhero movies down your throat

[LukeNeumann]

- Treat the audience with respect
- Let filmmakers make what inspires them
- Have fun and be creative with every aspect of your brand. From marketing to merchandise

Such simple concepts that nearly everyone gets wrong.

[akeenobumatsu]

A24 built their audience, kept most of that audience throughout... then the new ones will just add up to that. A24 is like that one friend that recommends you something, and most of the time they will be good.

[its_omar]

I’ve been wondering why they were so successful that they managed to sweep the 6 major oscars last year

[zachgamingzone]

Actual Answer: they made actual good movies in an industry that's gone bland

[fragrf]

I think many of us will agree that even if a particular A24 film doesn't click, we can always respect their distinct creative effort.

Plus, they release some absolute home runs tbf.

[gibsonflyingv]

Anyone who actually works and knows the film industry from the inside knows the A24 strategy is not their strategy at all. Buying finished films for distribution in the indie world was pioneered by mirimax and submarine. This is such an outsiders perspective on how the inside works, I also love how they put acquisitions under the same category as distribution showing they basically know nothing.