Amid a challenging landscape for films produced outside major studios and streaming giants, Topic Studios has emerged as a dominant force on the festival circuit. The independent production company is currently showcasing some of the year’s most talked-about titles, including Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut,” Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid,” and the forthcoming “Wicker.”
At the Telluride Film Festival this weekend, Topic will present Eisenberg’s follow-up to his directorial debut “A Real Pain.” The studio, which also premiered “Club Kid” to acclaim at Cannes in May, sees Black Bear releasing “Wicker” next month following its successful Sundance debut in January. Since its founding in 2017 as a division of First Look Media, Topic has been behind critically acclaimed projects such as Pablo Larrain’s “Spencer,” Michael Angelo Covino’s “The Climb,” and the Academy Award-winning “Spotlight.”
In a recent interview, Topic film and documentary head Ryan Heller reflected on the company’s trajectory. Heller emphasized that the studio has spent years identifying projects that align with their strengths, particularly those with communal appeal. He noted that in the post-pandemic era, movie culture has shifted, with audiences increasingly seeking out specific films rather than discovering them casually in theaters.
“We’ve leaned into things that resonate with us – on the filmmaker and story level,” Heller said. “We never take anyone showing up to a movie theater for granted, so we’ve tried to earn their trust.”
Heller described Topic’s programming palate as distinctive and filmmaker-driven, favoring writer-directors and projects that can spark conversation. While the current slate features confrontational themes—such as the marital insecurities in “Splitsville” and the self-destructive arcs in “Club Kid”—Heller clarified that this was not an intentional curatorial choice but rather a reflection of the stories that naturally captivate the team.
According to Heller, the studio gravitates toward projects that deliver “big laughs and big feelings,” including comedies with dramatic stakes. He cited “Club Kid” as a prime example, noting that the script moved every member of the Topic team to tears. He also highlighted the collaborative process with director Jordan Firstman, who acted in nearly every scene, as a career highlight.
Looking ahead, Topic remains focused on its independent model rather than pursuing mergers or acquisitions. Heller expressed satisfaction with the company’s self-reliant infrastructure and its relationships with distribution partners like A24, with whom they are collaborating on the release of “The Debut.”
The studio also has unannounced projects in the pipeline, including “Scorn,” a psychological erotic thriller currently in postproduction. Written and directed by Sarah Bliss, co-creator of “Search Party,” the film stars Adria Arjona and marks another collaboration between the actress and Topic. Heller described the project as a modern take on the genre that takes “very unexpected places.”
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