PRO Tip Sheet: 5 Insights From This Week

This week we reported on the challenging 2024 Cannes Film Market, how indie filmmakers are pushing for theatrical runs, why viewers have become addicted to “Baby Reindeer” and how Michael Cohen has profited from opposing Donald Trump. 5Insights From WrapPRO]( The 2024 Cannes Film Festival and Market got underway. This week we previewed how buyers in France are looking for great films in an industry still trying to return to normal after the 2023 strikes. We also reported how indie filmmakers are pushing for theatrical runs even without a distributor, delved into why viewers become addicted to shows like “Baby Reindeer,” explored how Michael Cohen has profited from becoming a Trump antagonist and showcased 36 of the biggest directors at Cannes. — Alexei Barrionuevo 1. [Cannes Market Preview: Buyers Want Great Films in an Industry in Flux]( By Chitwood and Umberto Gonzalez | Source:WrapPRO]( - The 2024 Cannes Film Festival market reflects a cautious yet improving landscape, with a notable shift towards a buyer's market driven by cost-conscious acquisitions and a lack of new content due to the 2023 strikes. - Despite a backdrop of reduced spending and cautious investment, high-profile films such as Coppola’s “Megalopolis” and Ali Abbasi’s “The Apprentice” highlight the continued interest and engagement in acquiring major cinematic works. - The industry trend points towards a revived emphasis on theatrical releases, with distributors recognizing the value of a theatrical window to enhance a film's long-term success and visibility on VOD and streaming platforms. [Keep Reading]( 2. [Going It Alone: The Indie Filmmakers Getting Their Movies in Theaters Without a Distributor]( By Jeremy Fuster | Source:WrapPRO]( - Independent filmmakers like Peter Hyoguchi, who pitched “The Occult” at CinemaCon, are bypassing traditional distribution routes and using direct-to-exhibitor strategies to bring movies to theaters. - Films such as “Hundreds of Beavers” and “Anchorage” demonstrate the potential for self-theatrical distribution, achieving significant box office success and audience engagement through targeted marketing and roadshow tours. - The shift towards decentralization in film distribution is being driven by a combination of reduced festival acquisition opportunities and the evolving landscape of post-pandemic cinema, suggesting a growing trend for indie filmmakers to take control of their theatrical releases. [Keep Reading]( 3. [Why We're So Addicted to Shows Like ‘Baby Reindeer’: Trauma, Taboo and the Lure of the ‘True Story’]( By Sharon Knolle | Source:WrapPRO]( - “Baby Reindeer,” Richard Gadd’s Netflix series, has captivated audiences and dominated TV ratings with its exploration of stalking, male rape, and a trans love interest, resulting in a 200% increase in male sexual assault reports to the charity We Are Survivors. - The show's authenticity, rooted in Gadd’s real-life experiences, has sparked a controversial hunt by viewers for the real-life counterparts, leading to public appeals from Gadd and threats of legal action from individuals claiming defamation. - The growing audience interest in true crime and “based on a true story” narratives, combined with the series' raw and unflinching portrayal of complex, often unlikable characters, highlights a trend towards storytelling that challenges viewers and inspires personal disclosure. [Keep Reading]( 4. [Podcasts, Tell-All Books and Prison Merch: How Michael Cohen Profited After Pivoting From Loyal Fixer to Trump Antagonist]( By Emily Smith | Source:WrapPRO]( - Michael Cohen has successfully monetized his break from Donald Trump through various media projects, earning around $3.4 million from books, podcasts and merchandise sales. - Cohen's pivot to a media career, including a new book and a proposed reality show called “The Fixer,” have provided him a means of financial survival after being disbarred and serving prison time for perjury. - The success of Cohen’s media projects underscores how former insiders can leverage their controversial pasts for public redemption and significant earnings in the “Hate Trump” industry. [Keep Reading]( 5. [36 of the Biggest Directors at Cannes 2024: Oliver Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos and More | Exclusive Photos]( By Steve Pond | Source:WrapPRO]( - TheWrap's Cannes Film Festival portfolio for 2024 features 36 directors photographed in 18 cities across four continents, highlighting the festival's global reach and diverse representation. - Notable directors making their first portfolio appearance include Oliver Stone, Jacques Audiard, and Sergei Loznitsa, while Yorgos Lanthimos and Michel Hazanavicius return. - Greta Gerwig, the 2024 jury president, exemplifies the festival's spirit of creativity and continuity, having previously contributed as a photographer for TheWrap’s portfolio. [Keep Reading]( With a focus on delivering actionable intelligence, the PRO Tip Sheet empowers readers to stay ahead of the game in the industry. Want to go deeper? [Explore WrapPRO today](. TheWrap | 2034 Armacost Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Unsubscribe](