Producer David Kaplan Talks Risking It All on 'Josephine' and Developing 'It Follows' Sequel

Kaplan discusses the challenges of getting 'Josephine' sold and his plans for an 'It Follows' sequel.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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David Kaplan, the producer of the Sundance prizewinning film 'Josephine,' spoke at the European Film Market about the challenges of getting the film sold and his plans to develop a sequel to the horror hit 'It Follows.' Kaplan revealed that the U.S. distribution deal for 'Josephine' with Sumerian Pictures closed late the previous night in a 'mid-to-high seven figures' agreement, after the film initially faced resistance from much of the market. He hopes the deal will pay off in the long run and allow investors to recoup their investments.

Why it matters

Kaplan's discussion provides insight into the challenges independent filmmakers face in securing distribution deals for their projects, even after winning major awards. His comments also shed light on the continued interest in developing sequels to successful genre films like 'It Follows,' which has become a cult classic since its release.

The details

Kaplan, a New York-based producer, arrived at the European Film Market's fireside chat hosted by Variety after working across different time zones to close the U.S. distribution deal for 'Josephine' with Sumerian Pictures. The film, which won prizes at the Sundance Film Festival, was initially resisted by much of the market before the lucrative deal was reached.

  • The U.S. deal for 'Josephine' closed late the previous night in Berlin.

The players

David Kaplan

A New York-based producer who worked to secure a distribution deal for the Sundance prizewinning film 'Josephine.'

Beth de Araújo

The director of the Sundance prizewinning film 'Josephine,' which Kaplan produced.

Sumerian Pictures

The upstart U.S. distributor that acquired the rights to 'Josephine' in a 'mid-to-high seven figures' deal.

WME Independent

The agency that helped sell the distribution rights for 'Josephine.'

CAA Media Finance

The agency that helped sell the distribution rights for 'Josephine.'

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What they’re saying

“After securing a double prize win at Sundance, the movie was finally sold by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance to upstart U.S. distributor Sumerian in a 'mid-to-high seven figures,' said Kaplan on stage in Berlin, where the film will play in competition.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

Kaplan also discussed his plans to develop a sequel to the horror hit 'It Follows,' which has become a cult classic since its release.

The takeaway

Kaplan's experience with 'Josephine' highlights the challenges independent filmmakers face in securing distribution deals, even after winning major awards. However, his success in landing a lucrative deal with Sumerian Pictures demonstrates the potential for these films to find an audience and recoup investments, especially when producers are willing to take risks and persist in their efforts.