How to Run a Specialty Studio in 2026, with Searchlight President
Summary
Matthew Greenfield, co-president of Searchlight Pictures, discusses the studio’s evolution under Disney and its strategy for balancing creative risk with commercial success. He explains how Searchlight identifies original stories that feel worthy of the theatrical experience, distinguishing its approach from other Disney divisions. The conversation also covers the resurgence of specialty films, the role of awards in sustaining a movie's cultural life, and the studio’s commitment to theatrical releases over direct-to-streaming.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest welcome
Defining the Searchlight brand under Disney
Theatricality and finding unseen stories
Discussion on sequels and originality
Evaluating theatrical urgency and group experience
The role of awards in long-term movie success
Awards impact on streaming performance
Rights reversion and revisiting library films
Developing sequels and honoring legacy casts
Discovering new talent from digital platforms
Industry ecosystem and competition with A24
Searchlight's goals and relationship with Disney
Differentiating Searchlight from 20th Century Studios
Competitive landscape and distributor fit
Global distribution strategy and worldwide reach
Dream directors and filmmaker relationships
Commitment to theatrical releases over streaming
Integration of film and TV divisions
Slate balancing and development pipeline
Approach to horror and genre films
The concept of auteur filmmakers
Identifying directorial potential in actors
Personal experience with 70mm film screenings
Future security of Searchlight within Disney
Listen ad-free on Castria