Paris-based company WTFilms, known for its successful sales agency for breakout genre movies, is making a strategic move to Los Angeles to reinforce its presence in the industry. While founder Gregory Chambet relocates to L.A., Dimitri Stephanides will continue to operate from their Paris office.
Investing in Talented Directors and Innovative Concepts
“At WTFilms, we aim to work on both sides of the Atlantic,” explains Chambet. In the current market, it’s crucial to invest in projects by talented directors with innovative concepts, especially those with budgets above $5 million. Moving to Los Angeles gives Chambet access to a wealth of talent and partners, making it a strategic location for the company.
Partnering with Charades and International Success
In collaboration with Charades, WTFilms is representing Sébastien Vaniček’s “Vermin,” an invasion horror film with a $4 million budget. The movie, released in France as “Infested,” achieved remarkable success, attracting 100,000 admissions in its first week and generating great international sales.
Expanding the Portfolio in Los Angeles
With the new base in Los Angeles, Chambet is preparing for Jennifer Reeder’s upcoming film, following the success of their previous collaboration, “Perpetrator.” Additionally, Shudder, the U.S. streaming platform specializing in horror, thriller, and supernatural fiction, plays a vital role as a key partner for WTFilms.
Accessing the Thriving Genre Cinema Ecosystem
Being based in Los Angeles provides Chambet with access to a vibrant genre cinema ecosystem. The city is home to theaters like The New Beverly, the Vista Theatre, and Vidiots, where genre film enthusiasts gather to watch and discuss movies. This environment creates exciting opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Broadening the European Slate
Apart from its foray into the American market, WTFilms remains committed to European projects. The company recently produced Xavier Gens’ thriller “Mayhem,” released as “Farang” in France, which enjoyed a strong theatrical release with 170,000 admissions. Other European projects in WTFilms’ portfolio include Frédéric Jardin’s post-apocalyptic thriller “Survive” and the upcoming films “The Soul Eater” and “Hood Witch.”
Embracing Strategic Partnerships
WTFilms strategically partners with companies like Charades and Federation to gain access to larger projects and share the increased risk. This approach allows the company to expand its scope and work on ambitious productions.
Exciting Market Premieres
At the 2024 Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris, WTFilms is presenting an ambitious slate that includes projects like “Vermin,” “Mayhem,” and “Survive.” The company is also excited to introduce other films like “Hood Witch” and Pierre Mouchet’s debut horror pic “Schlitter” to the market.
Investing in Big Productions
While Chambet intends to continue working on genre films with budgets between $2 million and $3 million, he recognizes the importance of investing in bigger productions, with budgets exceeding $5 million. With a strong European system in place for producing successful genre movies, WTFilms is looking to reinforce its capacity to invest in high-profile English-language productions.
By establishing a base in Los Angeles, WTFilms aims to solidify its position as a prominent player in the genre film industry. With a focus on talented directors and innovative concepts, the company is well-positioned to continue its success on both sides of the Atlantic.
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