On ‘Media Clips’ Podcast, Chris Spicer Discusses Summer 2023’s Film, TV Financing Trends
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Akin media & entertainment practice head Chris Spicer appeared on the GHJ Media Clips Podcast episode “Trends in Motion Picture and Television Finance Summer 2023: Labor Strikes, Barbenheimer and the Investment Landscape.”
The episode focused on trends, challenges and opportunities in dealmaking and financing content creation and other investments in the motion picture and television space in the summer of 2023.
Chris said, “In dealmaking, flexibility and creativity, specifically on the production of content, is key to just getting stuff done.”
In discussing the labor strikes in relation to AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), Chris noted there is still a great opportunity to continue working, especially in the independent space.
Regarding film financing, Chris said, “It’s important that you have a plan, and a backup plan and another backup plan.” He stated that, right now, there is a lot of undeployed capital and, even with the high interest rates, there are only so many projects, and “…those projects will be in very, very high demand…when the life cycle comes time for those projects to be sold.”
Additional discussion covered the Barbenheimer phenomenon, which refers to the theatrical release of both the Barbie and Oppenheimer movies. Barbenheimer is “obviously a huge positive for the film industry right now,” Chris said. “It does show there’s a robust market for a theatrical experience…”
In closing, in discussing best practices for those companies who want to invest or co-finance content creation or distribution, Chris says to “be patient, opportunistic and deliberate.”
To listen to the full episode, click here.
