Warner Bros. Launches New Label With Sean Baker’s Anora Follow-Up

Let's talk about Warner Bros.' latest attempt to get serious about artsy, director-driven movies. They've just launched a shiny new label called Clockwork, and they're not messing around—they've already locked in director Sean Baker's next film as their first big project. If you've been following Baker since Anora, you know this is not the kind of filmmaker you rope in unless you're planning to get a little wild—or at least a lot more interesting.

What's Clockwork, and Who's Running This Thing?

So, Clockwork is the new Warner Bros. label, officially revealed at CinemaCon by studio bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy (yes, the people with the Oscar campaigns and big plans). The stated goal? Give bold filmmakers the resources and support to make distinctive, memorable stuff—basically, the kind of movies that might need an extra push to find an audience.

Clockwork isn't just a name change and a new logo—Warner Bros. actually brought in people with a track record. The whole thing is headed up by Christian Parkes, fresh from Neon, where he spearheaded award-winning campaigns on films like Parasite and Longlegs. Along for the ride are Jason Wald and Spenser Collantes, both also hopping over from Neon (seriously, it's like they airlifted half that team straight to Warner Bros.).

Sean Baker's Next Movie: Ti Amo!

The centerpiece of this whole launch is Sean Baker's new project, Ti Amo!. Instead of going back to his indie roots at A24 or Neon, Baker is stepping into major studio territory—with the full Warner Bros. machine behind him. That's a first for him, and it could mean some very interesting things for the finished film.

Here's what we know:

• The Project: Ti Amo! is described by Baker as 'my love letter to the Italian sex comedies of the 60s and 70s.' So, expect something colorful, cheeky, and brimming with vintage European chaos.
• Status: Baker will write and direct, keeping his signature level of creative control.
• Behind the Scenes: Baker is teaming up again with producers Alex Coco and Samantha Quan, the same duo who worked with him on the acclaimed Anora.
• The Backstory: In case Anora passed you by, it's a story about a Brooklyn dancer who impulsively marries a rich Russian's son—and, predictably, things spiral. The movie did well with both critics and audiences (IMDb has it at 7.4/10).

What's the Big Picture?

Clockwork is aiming to release around two or three movies a year—nothing overwhelming, just enough to focus on making each film a real event (and give the marketing team time to actually do their jobs). With Baker's project as their opening volley, it's clear the label wants that sweet spot between art-house and attention-grabbing—think Oscar buzz with a bit more edge.

If you're keeping score, this shuffle of creative talent from indie distribution (Neon) into a big studio marks a noticeable shift. Whether it means more daring movies will actually break through—well, we'll have to wait and see. But at the very least, Warner Bros. seems ready to give it a serious shot.

'My love letter to the Italian sex comedies of the 60s and 70s.'

So, if you're curious where the next wave of offbeat, director-led projects is coming from (and who's poaching the indies), Clockwork might just be the label to watch.