Top Dawg Entertainment is expanding beyond music with the launch of the company’s new film division, TDE Films.
According to Deadline, the first movie up is an urban action horror film titled The Zone in collaboration with 20th Century Studios. X-Men writer David Hayter penned the script, while Dallas Jackson has been tapped to direct.
AD LOADING...
No details on the plot have been released as of yet, other than it has a “high concept sci-fi twist.”
In a statement, TDE founder Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith said: “This partnership with 20th Century Fox aligns strongly with our mission at Top Dawg Entertainment—to innovate, elevate and expand the cultural conversation. Together, we’re building a bridge between music and film that will leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.”
AD LOADING...
Outside of the new beginnings, there are also new endings over at TDE, with Reason having recently left the fold to go independent.
In an interview with Audiomack co-founder Brian Zisook last month, the Los Angeles native opened up about his frustrations with the label and why he wanted to walk away.
AD LOADING...
“I contemplated giving up music for a year and a half. I was updating my resume, ready to walk away,” he said. “At the time, it was a fair deal for a new artist with no name. But the length of the contract was tough [for me].”
Zisook explained that Reason’s deal included a multi-album product commitment as well as a 50/50 revenue split post-recoupment.
AD LOADING...
“I came in with an album ready to drop. It still took over a year to [release]. That’s when I realized the delays weren’t just about development—it was [how] the label operated,” Reason added. “I couldn’t drop music when I wanted. I couldn’t feed my fans. I even updated my resume to go back to my old job [as a tech recruiter].”
Eventually, he left TDE after seven years with the label in 2024. He has since partnered with a distributor to drop his new music in a one-album deal where he has full ownership of his masters.
“Independence let me fall back in love with music,” he said. “Now, I own my work … and I have the freedom to move how I want.”
He also chose not to take an advance.
AD LOADING...
“I didn’t want to be in that position again. Now, I see royalties immediately instead of waiting to recoup debt.”
