Courtney Kensington: “We're mostly known for the action, adventure, sci-fi genre”

As one of the world’s leading independent film and television studios, The Asylum continues to bolster its strong presence in the global market with a focus on high-impact, genre-driven content. During MIPCOM, the company showcased several key titles that reflect its trademark approach to entertainment.

Among its latest releases is “President Down,” a co-production with Tubi that follows a tense political conspiracy after the U.S. President’s life is threatened. The studio is also launching “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas” and pitching upcoming features including “Pandora: Fire and Ice,” “Predator Wastelands,” and “The Anacondas,” all set to premiere before the end of the year. The Asylum is currently filming the second season of its action-thriller series “Disaster Strike Force,” which portrays a global response team tackling catastrophic natural events.

Speaking about what makes The Asylum stand out internationally, Kensington explained: “You know what you’re going to get with The Asylum. We follow a very strict guideline — the genre film. If you’ve seen one of our titles, you know the quality and what to expect. We stick to what works.” She added that while the studio is mainly recognized for action, adventure, and sci-fi, its catalog also includes Christmas and Female Thriller productions, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

In recent years, co-productions have become a core part of the studio’s activity, with Tubi serving as one of its main partners. However, Kensington acknowledged that these collaborations come with particular challenges: “One of the biggest challenges is the demand for larger casts while keeping the same limited budgets. We often work with the same actors because they know our style and how we make our movies.”

Regarding the use of artificial intelligence, The Asylum approaches it as an opportunity rather than a threat. “You can fight it and be replaced by it, or you can learn and grow with it,” Kensington said. “We’ve experimented with AI in artwork and visual effects, but it’s never 100%. It helps speed up the process, but we still rely on our artists to refine it. We see AI as a tool, not a replacement.” Looking ahead, she emphasized that AI-assisted dubbing could become a game-changer for the studio’s international rollout, enabling faster delivery of localized versions.

Finally, The Asylum is preparing for American Film Market, where it will unveil its upcoming slate. “At MIPCOM, we meet mostly with U.S. platforms and international networks, but AFM is where we announce our new titles for the coming year,” Kensington explained. “What sets us apart is that we ask our long-term buyers what they want us to make. We’re flexible, and we listen — that’s how we keep growing.”