Josh Sapan brings disability on screen into his post-AMC chapter
The former AMC Networks chief is backing autistic filmmakers through Marvels of Media while building Sapan Studios.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
Josh Sapan is making disability on screen a central part of life after AMC Networks, with a new Academy Museum event tied to Marvels of Media, the festival he founded with the Museum of the Moving Image.
Sapan, who left AMC Networks in 2021, told Variety he had been thinking about what comes after a long run in the executive suite. During his time at AMC, he helped push a channel known for old movies into the peak-TV spotlight with series including “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead” and “Mad Men.”
His next chapter has mixed film, writing and advocacy. For the past five years, Variety reports, Sapan has put much of his attention into Marvels of Media Festival, which celebrates autistic media makers and gives them a wider stage.
What is Josh Sapan doing after AMC Networks?
On Saturday, Marvels of Media is joining with the Academy Museum for Disabilities, Representation, and Film Sensory Session. According to Variety, the program will feature short films from neurodivergent filmmakers, a panel discussion and adjustments to sound and lighting to make the event more sensory-friendly.
Sapan told Variety the work by the filmmakers is “amazing and uplifting,” adding that he has long been drawn to artists who see the world differently. He connected that view to his own career, saying many of the biggest successes he has been linked to were once considered unlikely.
The subject is personal for Sapan. Variety reports that his son, Nate, is on the spectrum. Sapan said Marvels of Media is designed not only to spotlight autistic filmmakers, but also to support them through workshops and help them gain exposure that can lead to backing for future work.
Since its launch, Marvels of Media has teamed with about ten theaters around the country, according to Variety. Those venues act as satellite partners by screening films and other work from media makers selected for the festival.
What is Marvels of Media?
Marvels of Media is a festival created with the Museum of the Moving Image to honor autistic media makers. Its work includes screenings, workshops and public programming meant to bring more attention to neurodivergent artists.
Sapan has not stepped away from entertainment dealmaking. After exiting AMC, he started Sapan Studios, which has backed independent films including “Ghostlight,” “The Baltimorons” and “The Taste of Things” through a partnership with Independent Film Company, which Variety identifies as owned by AMC.
That partnership was recently extended, Variety reports. Upcoming titles include “Mouse,” from “Ghostlight” filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, which drew strong notices after premiering at the Berlin Film Festival. Sapan also has a television development deal with Warner Bros.
Sapan told Variety the studio work gets him closer to the artistic process, something he said he wanted to do earlier before his career moved onto the executive track.
He is now pitching projects rather than approving them. Speaking about mergers and consolidation in the entertainment business, Sapan told Variety that the loss of legacy studios is “not great,” while saying the disruption can also create creative openings.
Sapan has also been writing. Variety reports that he published the poetry collection “RX” in 2023 and “Third Act: Reinventing Your Next Chapter,” a book about public figures who have reached retirement age, including Gloria Steinem, Rita Moreno and Alan Alda.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.