When was the last time a movie made you smile, laugh, and fall in love all over again? The Limners and Bards Limited, popularly known as The LAB, is on a mission to deliver just that. With two heartwarming romance films on the way, the company is stepping into a whole new world of storytelling, while also reshaping how it earns.
For years, The LAB has been known for its creativity in advertising and marketing. But now, it’s adding a new feather to its cap, film production. And the best part? These movies are not just about entertainment; they’re also about building a sustainable future for the company and its shareholders.
The LAB’s Big Screen Dreams
According to CEO Kimala Bennett, the move into entertainment is a bold step toward revenue diversification. While advertising remains the company’s foundation, she noted that the industry faces ups and downs, especially during uncertain economic times.
That’s where the movies come in. Unlike traditional ad campaigns, films can keep generating revenue long after their release. As Bennett explained:
“This is our intellectual property, and it will continue to earn for us. We’re diversifying the revenue type, not just focusing on work for hire.”
The company’s strategy, dubbed the “Five-in-25 Content Plan”, aims to create five films in a year, expand geographically, and unlock the true value of its creative assets.
Two Romance Flicks Already Wrapped
The LAB has already completed two of its five promised movies. The holiday film Spices of Christmas is set to debut this December, while the sports-themed romance Love Offside is slated for a Valentine’s Day release in February.
“Love Offside” is already making waves. It was chosen from thousands of projects for its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, where it attracted four strong distribution offers. Featuring actor Mike Merrill, known for his role alongside Taraji P. Henson in Tyler Perry’s Straw, the film has all the makings of a global success.
Why These Movies Matter
Movies aren’t just about box office numbers anymore. They open doors to multiple revenue streams:
- Theatrical releases
- Rentals on Apple TV and Amazon
- Video-on-demand through Netflix
- Ad-supported platforms like Tubi
- Product placements and brand partnerships
With the rise of streaming and global content consumption, The LAB’s culturally rich stories have the potential to capture not only local audiences but also the international diaspora craving authentic Caribbean storytelling.
The Numbers Behind the Magic
Even as the company invests heavily in films, The LAB’s financial picture remains strong. In the six months ending April, revenue grew 3.3% to $460.2 million, driven by growth in media and production. Media contributed $240.7 million, production $151.8 million, and agency services $67.5 million.
However, profit dipped to $20.6 million, down from $70 million the year before, reflecting higher investments in new projects like the movie ventures.
What’s Next for The LAB?
By the end of 2025, The LAB expects its movie strategy to pay off in more ways than one. And by 2026, revenue from its films is expected to become a major part of the company’s earnings mix.
Bennett summed it up best: “We have invested heavily in content… strategically budgeted films that appeal to distributors, streamers, and international audiences.”
With romance, culture, and creativity at the heart of its films, The LAB is setting the stage for something truly magical.
FAQs
Q1: What are the two movies The LAB is releasing?
The two films are Spices of Christmas, debuting this December, and Love Offside, releasing on Valentine’s Day.
Q2: Who stars in Love Offside?
Actor Mike Merrill, who appeared alongside Taraji P. Henson in Tyler Perry’s Straw, plays a lead role.
Q3: What is The LAB’s Five-in-25 plan?
It’s a strategic initiative to produce five films in one year, expand globally, and monetize its intellectual property.
Q4: Why is The LAB moving into film production?
The company aims to diversify its income beyond advertising and create long-term earnings from films.
Q5: Where can audiences watch these films?
They are expected to be available in theaters, on streaming platforms like Netflix, and via rental services like Apple TV and Amazon.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is based on publicly available information and should not be considered financial advice.
