Watrfall: Ron Perlman’s got a new plan for Hollywood

In the past 12 months, Republic Film introduced investors to deals with the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of Eli Roth’s new horror studio, to pitch their idea to legendary action director Robert Rodriguez for his next film slate, and to back the next generation of iconic IP with Pressman Film (Wall Street, American Psycho).

Now we’re excited to bring you something that addresses the problems at the heart of the film industry.  

It’s called Watrfall, and it’s a reinvention of the Hollywood system.

The leading voice behind Watrfall’s creation is Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy). In 2023, the actor became the de facto spokesman for the SAG-AFTRA strike. “The strike,” he said, “is a symptom of a struggle that’s way bigger than the strike itself –– it’s about the soullessness of corporate America and how everything has been corporatized in this country.”

Why is everything a big-budget superhero sequel? Why are remakes of remakes standard audience fare? One big reason: the major studios, run by the finance offices, don’t like risks –– like an unconventional script or an unknown actor –– while great creative work depends upon taking creative risks.

Of course, that big budget, big IP formula doesn’t always pay out. Even hugely hyped franchises have stumbled. Joker: Folie a Deux lost $150-$200MM in its theatrical run. The Marvels, with total costs of $350MM, ended 2023 over $200MM in the red. Earlier this summer, Thunderbolts earned $371MM globally but needed $425MM to break even, while Sony’s entry into the Spider-Man universe, Kraven the Hunter, cost about $130MM and lost $71MM.*

Bid Budget films in the red

There simply has to be a better way forward: a better way to get original voices into the pipeline, a better way to avoid ludicrous budget bloat, a better way to return human creativity to creative work.

A direct challenge to the Hollywood model

Over the last two years, Perlman has been working with two veteran producers Academy Award winner Michael Donovan (Bowling for Columbine) and animation industry leader Dana Landry, (Teletubbies, Peanuts), as well as tech entrepreneur Willie Morris (Amazon Video) to develop a plan that makes Watrfall a direct challenge to the Hollywood model in nearly every aspect. 

In big studios with their big-budget franchises, accounting and marketing decisions invade the creative process. Dakota Johnson, speaking about the infamous flop, “Madame Web,” famously said, “A lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or by people who don’t have a creative bone in their body. And it’s really hard to make art that way. Or to make something entertaining that way.” Watrfall keeps the suits out of the creative process.  

In typical Hollywood, you need an agent and an inside track to pitch to the big studios. Watrfall opens project pitches to everyone.

In typical Hollywood, shareholders have no say in what films and shows get produced. Watrfall gives all investors proportional votes toward greenlighting projects.

In typical Hollywood, creators (i.e. cast and crew) often get less than 2% of the profits – or none. Watrfall’s business model is designed to raise that number toward 20%.

In the standard Hollywood system, backroom deals, broken promises, and lies about backend “points” are rife. Watrfall delivers what they believe is true financial transparency to both creators and founders.

The resulting solution: a platform and studio based around an engaged community with shared ownership.

Creative films, shared ownership, and a cut of the upside

Watrfall’s guiding principle is handing control back to creators with a vision.  This commitment opens the door to original, high quality films that don’t typically get greenlit in today’s studio system.

Shared ownership among the community carries greater upside potential for everyone involved, particularly those who become Watrfall Founding Investors. 

Your investment today grants you**:

• 100% of net profits (pro-rata) from the 5-10 films and shows in the inaugural slate chosen by you

• 5% of ongoing profits (pro-rata) from all productions from the Watrfall platform, in perpetuity

Plus you'll be eligible for perks ranging from named producer credits, fast-track script review, lifetime free access to the Watrfall platform, and much more.

This structure “far exceeds typical back-end rates in the media industry,” said Watrfall Chairman Michael Donovan. “It gives investors a level of participation rarely seen in film and TV projects.”

See the deal page for all details.

This is way bigger than investing in a single film. Watrfall intends to fundamentally change the way movies are made, so that everyone invested in the creative work can profit from its success. 

Watrfall’s launch already has Hollywood’s attention with feature articles in Deadline, Variety, and The Wrap. 

Join the revolution alongside Ron Perlman.  Watrfall’s public investment round is now open.

* Joker: Folie a Deux loses millions, Movie flops over the years, Thunderbolts lost millions, Kraven box office bomb 

**  Projected profits are business model estimates and are not guaranteed