We've seen a trend recently in TV and film that has found projects that are already in production, or even completed, get tossed in the can as a method of cost-cutting. Of course, there was the infamous write-down of Batgirland several other Warner Bros. projects that threw the entire industry for a loop. This has sent several other streamers, studios, and networks down a similar path, including, as of the last few days, AMC.

Last week, Variety reported the demise of AMC shows 61st Street and the adaptation of Invitation to a Bonfire. 61st Street had completed shooting its second season, and Invitation to a Bonfire was in production. AMC+, the company's streaming platform, then canceled Pantheon—even though it had completed its second season. The sci-fi series Moonhaven also got the ax, although it had a second-season order. Sci-fi comedy Demascus was also canceled.

According to Variety, this was all done "as part of cost-cutting measures announced by AMC in December 2022, in which the company stated it would take write-downs for up to $475 million." The company has also lost high-level executives recently. Despite all this, AMC participated in TCA today.

Dan McDermott explains the AMC cancellations

According to Deadline, President of Entertainment and AMC Studios Dan McDermott said the process had been "difficult but important."

“As human behavior continues to evolve, our industry is experiencing an unrivaled period of reflection and correction. Factors including rising inflation, challenging ad market, too many shows, and an over-reliance on streaming metrics that don’t necessarily deliver profitability, have caused most content companies, including ourselves, to take stock and recalibrate their forward path,” McDermott said.

As we've discussed here at NFS, while these methods of "correction" can save a network a few million dollars, it leaves creators out in the cold and reduces trust. Why pour your heart and soul into a project that could be shelved, despite series orders or actively being in production? And it's not showrunners' fault that the network has "too many shows," as McDermott says.

“At AMC, we’ve taken critical steps so that going forward, we’re optimally positioned as a lean, progressive, forward-facing organization, poised to take advantage of the myriad opportunities in the marketplace,” McDermott said. “We will continue to do what we do best, work with immensely talented creatives to make shows and build franchises that fans love and make a focal point of their lives.”

AMC’s TCA press day featured new series, including Bob Odenkirk-fronted Lucky Man, The Walking Dead: Dead City, and Mayfair Witches.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Deadline

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