Studios take note: The fans are getting a legion of their own.
Fan engagement can often make or break films and franchises and for big studios, the concept has always been hit or miss. But a new day is dawning, suggesting that maybe there can be more cohesion between the process and the product: BYOF (bring your own film). Legion M founders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison wanted to “create the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company,” says Scanlan. Since its inception in 2016, the fan-owned entertainment company has been steadily gaining speed, and Legion M’s fourth film, “Mandy,” starring Nicolas Cage, hits theaters Sept. 14.
Between premieres, conventions, film festivals, and other special events, the company has found its niche based in a new type of crowdfunding that empowers fans to take part in creating films they want to see.
Utilizing the JOBS Act, Legion M operates along the same basic premise as Kickstarter or GoFundMe. Fans can contribute to projects they are interested in but unlike the aforementioned crowdfunders, the contribution actually gives them a share in the company. “For us, it’s more than just raising capital [for the films],” says
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