A new generation of filmmakers is making a name for themselves in Hollywood, thanks to their online presence and viral content. Directors like Kane Parsons, Curry Barker, and Markiplier are among those who have successfully transitioned from creating content on platforms like YouTube to making feature films.

From Online to Big Screen

Kane Parsons, also known as Kane Pixels, is a 20-year-old director who 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. The film, titled Backrooms, has made $250 million worldwide at the box office, and a sequel is already in development.

Curry Barker, a 26-year-old director from Mobile, Alabama, attended film school in Los Angeles for a year before making videos for a YouTube sketch series. His horror short, The Chair, caught the attention of Tea Shop Productions, which financed his $750,000 production of Obsession. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by Focus Features for $15 million.

Markiplier, a 36-year-old YouTube personality, became popular for his playthrough videos of indie video games. He made his directorial debut earlier this year with the sci-fi horror film Iron Lung, which grossed over $50 million despite being made for less than $5 million.

A New Path to Success

These young filmmakers are part of a growing trend of online creators making the transition to traditional filmmaking. Hollywood executives are taking notice, scouring platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to find the next big talent. According to Mike De Luca, co-chair of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, these filmmakers have a unique advantage: they are in a dialogue with their audience from the start, allowing them to test and refine their ideas before bringing them to the big screen.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.