Angel Studios is revolutionizing the film industry by allowing audiences to fund and influence the creation of movies. The company, known for the successful film “Sound of Freedom,” raised over $250 million globally within a week using a crowdfunding model. This model has attracted over 100,000 investors from 155 countries who have contributed nearly $80 million to various projects. Their unique approach also includes a “pay-it-forward” ticket buying system, resulting in nearly 2 million additional viewers for “Sound of Freedom” when it was in theaters.
In their first year of releasing movies in 2023, Angel Studios made over $300 million worldwide. The company showcased several upcoming releases at CinemaCon, including the drama “Sight” starring Greg Kinnear and Terry Chin, based on the true story of eye surgeon Dr. Ming Wang. Other upcoming films include “Possum Trot,” executive produced by Letitia Wright, inspired by the adoption of 77 foster kids by 22 families in East Texas. Additionally, audiences can look forward to “Bonhoeffer,” a biographical film about the anti-Nazi pastor, and “Homestead,” a post-apocalyptic survival drama starring Neal McDonough, set for Christmas release.
Looking ahead, Angel Studios has plans to release an animated movie titled “David,” based on a biblical story, set for Thanksgiving 2025. The company’s commitment to allowing audiences to shape and fund movie projects has resulted in a successful and innovative approach to filmmaking. By empowering viewers to invest in and influence the content they consume, Angel Studios is challenging the traditional gatekeeper model in the industry and offering a more inclusive and interactive film experience for audiences worldwide.
At a recent gathering of theater owners and exhibitors in Las Vegas, Jared Geesey, Angel Studios’ distribution head, emphasized the flaws in the traditional gatekeeper model, which he believes is not working for audiences, creatives, or theater owners. Geesey highlighted the success of “Sound of Freedom,” which became one of the top 10 films of the year domestically and attracted millions of viewers through the company’s unique crowdfunding and distribution strategies. With Angel Studios’ innovative approach, they aim to continue producing impactful and diverse films that resonate with global audiences.
With a growing portfolio of projects funded by a diverse range of investors worldwide, Angel Studios is poised to continue disrupting the film industry. By prioritizing audience engagement and allowing viewers to actively participate in the filmmaking process, the company is setting a new standard for collaborative and inclusive storytelling. As they prepare to release a slate of compelling new films, Angel Studios is proving that the power of filmmaking lies not only in the hands of creatives but also in the hands of the audience who support and engage with these stories.
