Wednesday, Dec. 17: The Insider’s Guide to Media Mergers – Register now!
Join Future Film Coalition, International Documentary Association, and Art House Convergence at a virtual session on how the independent film sector can respond to major media mergers.
As we continue to follow reports about the Warner Bros. Discovery auction involving Netflix or Paramount, the implications for independent film, documentary, and exhibition remain an immediate concern. Media consolidation means fewer buyers, tighter gatekeeping, platform-driven visibility, and growing precarity for those within the independent film ecosystem.
At Future Film Coalition, our goal is to lay the groundwork for smarter strategy, stronger advocacy, and more coordinated action across the independent film sector.
To support that work, we’re inviting the field to a teach-in designed to demystify media consolidation, connect corporate mergers to the day-to-day realities of filmmakers and stakeholders of the independent film sector, and build shared understanding at a critical moment. This is not just about naming the problem–it’s about equipping the field so we can work collectively to shape what comes next.
Co-hosted by Future Film Coalition, International Documentary Association, and Art House Convergence, this virtual session is designed to prepare the independent film sector to respond while it still matters. We’ll hear from two of the country’s leading voices on antitrust and media power, Matt Stoller (American Economic Liberties Project) and Craig Aaron (Free Press), and cover the following:
How major media mergers unfold, and when public input is possible;
What a potential Warner Bros. Discovery sale could mean for independent film, documentary, and exhibition pathways;
How to participate in outreach and submit effective public comments that regulators actually read;
What 501(c)(3) organizations can safely do to advocate on behalf of the independent film sector;
How cross-sector coalitions can coordinate action to protect independent and public-interest media.
After this initial session, we will follow up with FFC members with next steps to take action in the new year.