Writer-director Bouzidi praised Madsen. He told Variety“Working with Michael Madsen was one of the greatest privileges of making Concessions. He was the last of his kind, owning the camera and commanding the audience with nothing but a squint and a sly grin.” The filmmaker also recalled, “I still remember the joy I’d get from watching him through the eye-piece.”

The film weaves multiple plotlines of tired employees, eccentric customers, and an unhinged boss dealing with their last shift. Bouzidi cites Richard Linklater’s dialogue-driven approach as an influence for the film, besides Jacques Demy’s luminous colours and Robert Altman’s ensemble features.

“Concessions is about the universal experience of going to the movies,” said Bouzidi. He emphasised the people behind the scenes. “It’s about the people working the concession stands, running the projection booth, taking your tickets, cleaning the bathrooms, and changing the marquees.”