Independent filmmaker Sean Baker has weighed in on the ongoing debate over theatrical exclusivity, saying directors and producers must “put their foot down” in response to recent studio and streaming arrangements, including Netflix’s deal to acquire Warner Bros. titles.
Speaking in the wake of the release and reception of Anora, Baker stressed the importance of preserving meaningful theatrical windows, arguing that cinemas remain central to the cultural and economic life of film. He warned that shrinking or bypassing theatrical runs in favor of rapid streaming releases risks weakening the long-term value of movies, particularly for independent filmmakers.
Baker made it clear that, despite the industry’s increasing focus on blockbuster-scale budgets, he has no intention of pursuing what he described as the “$150 million studio thing” following Anora. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to modestly budgeted, filmmaker-driven projects that prioritize creative control and theatrical exhibition over scale.
The director, known for films such as The Florida Project and Red Rocket, has long been an advocate for the cinema experience and for protecting independent voices within a rapidly consolidating industry. He noted that filmmakers must be willing to negotiate firmly with distributors and platforms if theatrical windows are to survive in any meaningful form.
Baker’s comments come at a time when streaming platforms and major studios continue to redraw traditional distribution models. As deals like the Netflix–Warner Bros. arrangement gain traction, his stance highlights a growing divide between creators who see theaters as essential and an industry increasingly shaped by streaming-first economics.
For Baker, the path forward remains clear. Creative independence, reasonable budgets, and a genuine theatrical life for films matter more than scale, even in a marketplace dominated by billion-dollar franchises and platform-driven strategies.
