Some of the most promising young filmmakers in the movie business are arriving in Hollywood already experts at entertaining audiences and going viral. The twin sensations of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” — both by 20-something YouTubers-turned-filmmakers — has put a new spotlight on an increasingly well-trod path to the director’s chair.
From YouTube to Hollywood
Hollywood executives are scouring platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to find the next Steven Spielberg. There, young aspiring filmmakers are not only working on their craft but building a relationship with audiences that can transfer to the box office.
“These filmmakers are in a dialogue with their audience from the word ‘Go’. Their subscribers have direct input in each iteration of these things,” Mike De Luca, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chair, said at a conference last month. “By the time you get to the movie, they’ve had a billion test screenings.”
Kane Parsons, known online as “Kane Pixels,” is the director of the A24 horror hit “Backrooms.” The Petaluma, California, native began publishing videos online at the age of 9. His video series based on the creepypasta Backrooms meme led to his feature film debut, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. It’s made $250 million worldwide at the box office. A sequel is already in development.
Other digital creators who have already broken through include Curry Barker, Markiplier, Jordan Firstman, Dylan Clark, and Sam Evenson. They are making their mark in the movie business, bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the big screen.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
