Sean Baker, the director of films like The Florida Project, Red Rocket, and recent Academy Award darling, Anora, is already planning his next film. His sweep at the Oscars surely made some heads turn and his schedule is probably packed, but don’t expect him to make the jump towards the studio system. The director is planning to stay in the indie circles, and to prove his point, he has made a stinging remark. While talking about his next project, Baker simply said, “Don’t expect a Marvel film.” Baker probably doesn’t mean ill will towards his colleagues and peers who have built their career in the studio system, and mainly focused on franchises. He stated that he prefers the radically different universe that is the production of independent movies. And he has a very good reason for this.

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Per The Hollywood Reporter, Baker appeared on the podcast It Happened in Hollywood, and talked about his future film. “I’m not sure yet. I’m still exploring some ideas,” Baker confirmed that he’s still thinking about his next Hollywood project. Actually, “Hollywood” is an overstatement, considering Baker will stay away (again) from the studio system and do it all himself. From writing to producing, Baker is prepared to go on the journey again without studio intervention:
“Don’t expect a Marvel film. It’s not going to happen. I’m intentionally going to stay in the same wheelhouse and with the approximate same budget. I think that I enjoy working in this space of 100% independent.
“I’m not working for even a mini studio. I’m making my film independently and then going the old school route of hopefully a bidding war or somebody licensing the movie. I think that’s the only way to have full autonomy and control over your vision. So it’ll be that. Expect more of the same.”
Sean Baker made history this year when he took home four Academy Awards the same night. Out of Anora’s six nominations, Baker won the awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Original Screenplay. Meanwhile, Mikey Madison won in the Best Actress category, and only Yura Borisov couldn’t beat his contender in the Best Supporting Actor ballot.
‘Anora’ Proves That Indie Cinema Is Still Alive and Kicking

NEON

Anora’s accolades began earlier in May 2024 when it captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival and eventually won the prestigious Palme d’Or. After its theatrical run (the film was distributed by NEON, a studio known for its preference of notable indie features), the hype for Anora grew. Sean Baker’s Anora is clear proof that there’s something beyond the loud veil of Hollywood films and commercially-driven franchises. And as much as studios don’t agree with this, these films and those behind them tend to be the award winners, despite not making billions at the box office. Baker is one of those directors who’s not in a hurry to make the jump towards the other kind of success, the one where studios have a say in everything you see on the screen. Like Marvel. Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Anora

5
/5

Release Date

October 18, 2024

Runtime

139 Minutes