AMC Theatres, the world's largest cinema chain, has launched Leawood Films, a new indie distribution label advised by veteran Hollywood executives, marking the company's formal entry into film distribution. The venture will acquire films that are either fully financed by their own filmmakers or already completed, using AMC's exhibition, marketing and distribution networks to bring more titles to cinemas across the US and internationally, at a time when domestic box office takings are rebounding strongly.

The label is advised by former Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich and marketing executive Ricky Strauss, while former Paramount distribution head Kyle Davies will run it full-time, having left his role as president of distribution at Bleecker Street; all three will report to AMC chief executive Adam Aron. Named after AMC's Kansas headquarters, Leawood is intended to be "additive" rather than a rival to AMC's existing studio relationships, though it is likely to compete with studios and other indie labels for titles on the festival circuit, and it remains unclear whether it will have its own marketing budget. Aron said the aim is simply to fill spare capacity in cinemas, benefiting AMC, Odeon and other exhibitors alike; AMC has previously self-distributed hit concert films such as "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" and Beyoncé's "Renaissance."