Reports suggest that Apple has expressed an interest in buying the Indie film studio, A24, but many fans feel this will ruin everything that makes the studio’s films so popular and beloved.
This Twitter user summarises that the success of the studio and its devoted fan base is down to its ‘truly independent platform’ for ‘great up-and-coming film.’ Apple acquiring the studio makes fans worry that the films will be more about profit than any of the previous works from the studio, compromising its whole brand for art-house and indie films.
A24, which has had much success, both commercial and critically with recent films such as Uncut Gems (2019), Midsommar (2019), and Lady Bird (2017) are one of few film studios to have a devoted and notably young fan base.
Apple has been trying to find its place in Hollywood with the creation of Apple TV. Original shows such as ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘Ted Lasso’ have seen mainly critical success but have struggled to build up an audience amongst the so-called ‘streaming wars.’ With so many options to subscribe to, between Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, and more, if Apple doesn’t provide good enough content, people simply won’t subscribe.
This is why buying A24 could mean success for Apple in the media world, with such a devoted audience and an already stellar reputation for films and television.
But would fans continue to support the studio in such a way if Apple acquired it? It’s possible that they wouldn’t. What makes many A24 films popular and known is the notable lack of budget, creating more gritty and realistic energy for many of its films.
A24 explored a sale for $3 billion, with no clear signs yet whether Apple would require the studio or not. With such a specific brand of independence, it could be a big risk for both Apple and the studio to go ahead with this deal, especially considering the reaction from fans.
WE DON'T WANT A24 FILMS ON APPLE TV, NOBODY USES IT, STAY AWAY https://t.co/uyxfbegWJZ
— jenna (@eggerswitch) July 19, 2021
This fan sums up Apple TV’s issue: ‘nobody uses it.’ And from fan reaction, it doesn’t seem like this would change much if Apple acquired A24’s past catalog and creation of future films.
Some fans have supported the possible deal, arguing that it would make A24 more accessible and a bigger budget would allow the studio to create more films that the fans love so much. However, whether or not the spirit of the studio would truly continue under Apple is still up for debate.
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