Real Stories
Testimonials
The submissions collected through this campaign reveal recurring patterns reported by people across the film ecosystem: fewer buyers, more leverage concentrated in a shrinking number of companies, reduced visibility for independent work, worsening deal terms, and fewer pathways to reach the public.
See What People Are Reporting
“There are fewer and fewer places to take a project. What used to be a negotiation now feels like a take-it-or-leave-it situation.”
Independent producer
Producers and filmmakers describe a market where consolidation has reduced the number of viable buyers for documentaries, independent features, and other non-franchise work. Several report being asked to accept weaker terms, reduced creative control, or the loss of long-term ownership because there are fewer companies left to take projects to.
“The problem is not only that fewer films get made. It’s that fewer kinds of films get made.”
Director / writer
Respondents across the field report that as decision-making becomes concentrated within a smaller number of vertically integrated companies, projects seen as riskier, regionally specific, formally inventive, or politically challenging become harder to finance, acquire, and distribute.
“We used to be able to build a release strategy across a range of partners. Now each closure or merger narrows the path.”
Independent distributor
Distributors and sales agents describe a contracting marketplace where consolidation reduces the number of outlets willing to license, market, or platform independent films. The result is not only reduced competition among buyers, but fewer practical routes for films to reach audiences.
“When one company controls commissioning, distribution, marketing, and the platform itself, independent work has almost no leverage.”
Documentary producer
Multiple submissions point to the risks of vertical integration. When the same firms control financing, distribution, advertising, and exhibition or streaming access, independent creators face barriers at every stage of the process. Several respondents described this as a system in which gatekeeping power has become increasingly centralized.
“I’ve had projects that once would have found a home just disappear into a market that no longer has room for them.”
Independent filmmaker
Filmmakers report that projects are increasingly stalled not because audiences do not exist, but because the infrastructure that once connected films to those audiences has weakened. Several submissions describe fewer acquisitions, slower decision-making, and declining support for films that fall outside blockbuster or prestige-commercial strategies.
“For small theaters, fewer independent films reaching the market means fewer chances to serve our communities.”
Independent exhibitor
Exhibitors report that upstream consolidation affects local theaters, especially independent, non-chain “Main Street” cinemas. When fewer independent films are released theatrically, or when they arrive with less marketing support and shorter runs, community-based theaters lose programming flexibility and audiences lose choice.
“People think this only affects Hollywood, but it affects the whole chain of workers around every production and every screening.”
Film worker
Submissions point to harms that reach well beyond studio executives or headline talent. Freelancers, crew members, publicists, editors, designers, projectionists, venue staff, hospitality workers, and small vendors all depend on a healthy film ecosystem. When fewer projects move forward and fewer films circulate widely, the impact ripples across local economies.
“I’m not only worried about jobs. I’m worried about whether independent artists can keep any ownership at all.”
Producer
Several stories describe growing pressure on creators to surrender intellectual property, backend participation, or future rights in order to get projects financed or distributed. Respondents frame this not simply as a contract issue but as a structural consequence of reduced competition among buyers.
“The public sees less of what’s actually being made. There may be more content overall, but less room for discovery.”
Audience member / festival attendee
Audience submissions reflect frustration that independent films are harder to find in theaters and often buried or invisible on major streaming services. For many respondents, consolidation does not expand meaningful choice. It narrows cultural visibility and makes a wider range of stories harder to encounter.
“The damage is cumulative. Each merger makes the next one easier, and the independent sector weaker.”
Film festival and nonprofit media arts leader
Leaders across the nonprofit and independent film sector describe consolidation as a long-term structural problem. Each round of market concentration leaves creators, exhibitors, regional ecosystems, and audiences with fewer alternatives and less bargaining power.
Across the Industry
Voices From the Film Ecosystem
The following excerpts come from story submissions by individuals working across the independent film sector. When viewed together, these accounts show how consolidation affects multiple parts of the market at once.
Filmmakers & Producers
“There used to be multiple buyers for a project like mine. Now there may be one, or none.”
“The number of companies willing to finance independent films keeps shrinking.”
“What used to be a negotiation now feels like a take-it-or-leave-it situation.”
“Independent filmmakers are increasingly pressured to give up ownership just to get projects made.”
“I’ve had completed projects that struggled to find distribution because the market has contracted.”
“The issue is not just fewer films getting made. It’s fewer kinds of films getting made.”
“Each merger makes the market smaller for independent creators.”
Distributors & Sales Agents
“We are competing for fewer buyers every year.”
“A shrinking number of platforms now control the majority of licensing opportunities.”
“Films that once would have found distribution now struggle to secure deals.”
“The consolidation of major companies reduces the number of outlets that can support independent releases.”
“When a handful of companies control both production and distribution, independent work gets squeezed out.”
“The risk is that distribution becomes vertically integrated and independent films lose access to audiences.”
Exhibitors & Theaters
“Local theaters rely on independent films to serve their communities.”
“When fewer independent films are released theatrically, our programming options shrink.”
“Independent theaters depend on a diverse slate of films. Consolidation reduces that diversity.”
“Shorter theatrical windows and fewer releases make it harder for community theaters to operate sustainably.”
“Each merger upstream eventually affects what reaches local screens.”
Workers & Freelancers
“People think this only affects studios, but it affects the entire workforce around every film.”
“Freelancers and crew depend on a steady flow of independent projects.”
“When fewer films move forward, the impact is felt by editors, designers, marketers, and technicians.”
“The ripple effects extend far beyond filmmakers.”
“Independent production supports thousands of small creative jobs.”
Audiences & Communities
“Audiences are seeing fewer independent films in theaters.”
“Independent films are increasingly difficult to find on major streaming platforms.”
“There may be more content overall, but less opportunity to discover independent stories.”
“Communities lose cultural diversity when fewer independent films reach the public.”
“A smaller marketplace means fewer perspectives on screen.”
Key Findings
What These Stories Show
Across submissions, several themes appear consistently.
Fewer buyers in the marketplace
Independent creators report fewer companies able or willing to finance or acquire films.
Reduced bargaining power
Workers and producers describe weaker negotiating positions and less favorable deal terms.
Barriers to distribution and visibility
Distributors and filmmakers report fewer pathways for films to reach audiences.
Impacts on local businesses and regional economies
Independent theaters, festivals, freelancers, and small businesses rely on a functioning film ecosystem.
Reduced cultural diversity for audiences
When independent films struggle to circulate, audiences have fewer opportunities to discover diverse voices.
Help Document the Impact
If you have experienced changes in the film industry due to consolidation, your story matters.
Stories from workers, creators, exhibitors, and audiences help illustrate how mergers affect real people and real communities.
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