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 either fully financed or already completed.

Leawood Films will utilise AMC's existing theatre network and marketing reach to distribute small and mid-sized releases. The unit aims to use AMC's screens and data regarding moviegoer behaviour to help fill excess theatre capacity. By focusing on distribution rather than production, the company intends to avoid the capital intensity associated with film production.

Led by veteran entertainment executives, Leawood Films plans to collaborate with established distribution partners. This strategy aligns with AMC's existing efforts to widen its content mix and monetise its premium and event-style cinema offerings alongside concerts and niche events.

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