What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future A24 Meets A.I.
Aug 31, 2025
In this discussion, Alex Barasch, culture editor at The New Yorker, dives into A24's remarkable rise from indie roots to a powerhouse in cinema, exploring their latest venture, A24 Labs, which aims to integrate AI into filmmaking. He highlights the studio's unique approach that prioritizes filmmaker creativity, fostering deep connections with audiences. Tensions arise as A24 balances its innovative ambitions with the concerns of established directors, raising questions about the future of creativity in an age of technology.
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Humble Origins And Viral Marketing
- A24 launched in 2012 during a dip for indie film and leveraged social media instead of big ad buys.
- Founders Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges aimed at arthouse films for their generation.
Distinctive Creator-Driven Aesthetic
- A24 films wear their creators' personal stamps and often elevate genre storytelling.
- This creator-driven aesthetic differentiates them from mainstream studio fare.
Filmmakers' Relationship With A24
- Filmmakers report deep collaboration and unusual freedom with A24 on both production and marketing.
- Directors like Barry Jenkins and Sofia Coppola cited hands-on autonomy working with the studio.