In recent years, Neon and A24 have become the biggest and most important platforms to spearhead independent feature films from both rookie and veteran filmmakers. Both companies became known for facilitating projects that push the boundaries in filmmaking, such as Midsommar and Parasite. With this, the companies have had many similarities in projects, leading fans to think the production and distribution companies were rivals competing against one another. Neon CEO Tom Quinn revealed that’s not the case at all, and that their biggest competition is actually the streaming monster, Netflix.
Quinn shared this news when talking with Variety about the winning streak of Anora, which won in all of the big categories at the Oscars this year, nabbing Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Lead Actress for Mikey Madison. In the interview, Quinn talked about Neon’s campaign techniques and that they often find themselves in a bidding war against Netflix when it comes to acquiring movies. Speaking about the rivalry, Quinn told Variety:
“The industry thinks there’s a rivalry [with A24], and there’s not. It’s good headlines. I thought they might be our biggest competitor. But as it turns out, our biggest competitor has been Netflix. They desperately tried to beat us to buy ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire,’ and we ended up losing out to them on ‘Hit Man,’ ‘May December’ and ‘Fair Play.’ There’s a slew of movies where I’m the second-highest bidder [to Netflix].”
He also talked bout challenging the industry in terms of awards. He stated that “we follow the beat of our own drum.” So far, it’s been working for them. In the last 5 years, Neon has had two Best Picture winners: Anora and Parasite. While the big guns like Disney and Netflix have not yet received that award.
Next up for Neon is The Monkey, a Stephen King story-based horror movie directed by Osgood Perkins, which is currently in theaters. They also have another Stephen King story lined up to release soon, titled The Life of Chuck. Additionally, they are releasing Duke Johnson’s directorial debut The Actor, and a new horror movie also from Perkins, Keeper.
