Ryan Coogler's Sinners deal is reportedly freaking some studio executives out

Modern day movie deals aint what they used to be - except for Sinners, actually. Hit-maker director Ryan Coogler struck a deal for back-end participation-first dollar gross which is practically unheard of (progressing nicely given the strong box office showing) which is relatively unusual these days, so he's getting a cut of that, but also, the movie ownership will revert back to him after 25 years.

What Deal Was Made with Ryan Coogler?!

This is very atypical, given that the streamers and studios greatly value their film and television libraries, as an engine of revenue. Just the fact the Coogler was given final cut (the final creative stamp on the film) is unusual enough. He's a tried and tested filmmaker, with Creed and The Black Panther movies as well as Fruitville Station, it's clear his taste and expertise is bankable - but... this is an unusual deal in many respects due to the very difficult conditions of movie-going in a post Pandemic era.

The Studio Distributing Sinners Made a Grave Error?

Warner Bros. must have been worried he'd walk in order to give so much away - just final cut it a lot, then first dollar gross is unbelievably rare, and ownership? Unheard of. Is this reflective of the new power of the hitmaking filmmakers in modern day? If so - filmmakers, start upping the ante of your deals, there's a balance of power if the hit is right.

Logline: After facing a troubled past, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) return to their hometown to start anew, only to discover a greater evil waiting for them. This evil is linked to a supernatural entity and a legend about a blues musician who made a deal with the devil. 

What is so exciting about this deal is the media mogul aspect of it. When we think about filmmakers like Tyler Perry, holding on to the rights of his projects - the sheer long-term value - the example is powerful and something to aspire to for all filmmakers. While it's not possible for most filmmakers to be able to do this, a wave of empowered creatives will emerge with this type of thinking and action.