Olivia Wilde says studios try to "bribe" producers to condemn their movies to streaming

Olivia Wilde, a filmmaker, has criticized the film industry for attempting to "bribe" producers to prevent their movies from being released in theaters, instead pushing them for streaming platforms. At the Locarno Film Festival, Wilde made these remarks to journalists, emphasizing that studios offer more financial incentives to producers to prioritize streaming over theatrical releases.

She noted that this bribery involves paying the financiers more money rather than the filmmakers themselves. Wilde praised A24, her movie's distributor, for their support, stating that they truly believe in the theatrical experience. She also thanked her financiers, who gave her the option to choose between a larger financial gain from streaming or maintaining the movie's original intent to be watched in a cinema.

Wilde's film, The Invite, stars Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton and follows a group of couples engaged in a sexually charged dinner party. The film premiered in theaters in June and received positive reviews, as well as a moderate box office performance.