AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE:AMC) has established Leawood Films, a new film distribution company designed to focus on low-risk projects. The unit intends to work exclusively with films that are already fully financed or completed.

Leawood Films will utilize AMC's theater network and marketing reach to distribute small and mid-sized releases. The company aims to use its screens and data on moviegoer behavior to fill excess theater capacity. Led by veteran entertainment executives, the unit also plans to collaborate with established distribution partners.

By focusing on distribution rather than production, Leawood Films allows AMC Entertainment to avoid the capital intensity of film production. The move aligns with AMC's efforts to widen its content mix and monetize its premium and event-style cinema offerings alongside concerts and niche events.

Management has indicated that the first Leawood Films releases are unlikely to occur before 2027 or 2028. Key indicators for the unit's progress will include the announcement of its initial film slate, targeted screen counts per title, and the number of external circuits that sign on to carry the first films.