They say there are no more original ideas in Hollywood, but filmmakers Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar want to give something new a try. At least as far as independent film financing is concerned.

The duo have directed, written and produced two films — Sing Sing, out this weekend via A24, and 2021’s Jockey — using a model that sees everyone who works on the film, from the PAs to the director to the star at the top of the call sheet, paid the same wage. Additionally, everyone involved in the production above and below the line received equity. Now, they are starting a company, Ethos, with the goal of using their model to help other independent filmmakers do the same.

“When I came into the business, one thing I was very aware of was just the lack of transparency and therefore, a growing mistrust on behalf of all the people involved in making the film,...