Slate Daily Feed What Next: TBD | A24 Meets A.I.
Aug 31, 2025
Alex Barasch, culture editor at The New Yorker, dives into A24's evolution from indie darling to a large-budget player. He discusses the tension between A24 and the filmmakers who helped shape its identity, particularly with the rising influence of artificial intelligence. The conversation highlights A24 Labs and its cautious approach to AI, contrasting with other studios. Barasch emphasizes the delicate balance of maintaining creative freedom while adapting to industry changes, making for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of filmmaking.
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Episode notes
Creative Freedom As Core Brand
- A24 promises filmmakers creative freedom and treats notes as suggestions rather than mandates.
- This protection of auteur vision became central to the studio's brand and relationships.
Built For Consistent Midlevel Hits
- A24 aims to 'hit singles and doubles' rather than chasing one blockbuster to subsidize the rest.
- They built a devoted audience who often shows up for any A24 release.
Founders’ Origin Story And Early Playbook
- A24 was founded in New York in 2012 by three founders aiming at arthouse films for their generation.
- They leveraged social media and low-cost online marketing to build buzz instead of traditional ads.