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At its core, New Line’s business was distribution — acting as the middleman between filmmakers and audiences. Shea’s knack for spotting potential in controversial or overlooked films, coupled with his willingness to take risks, paid off. Early successes such as Reefer Madness re-releases and breakthrough horror titles like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre helped solidify the studio’s identity as a haven for horror and exploitation films.
Shea’s definition of his profession as a “vendor of diversion” encapsulated the studio’s mission: providing distraction, challenge, and entertainment outside the mainstream. This free-spirited philosophy set the tone for decades to come.