YouTube-Bred Horror Directors Storm Italian Theaters
Italian cinemas are currently showcasing two horror films directed by YouTube creators: "Obsession" by Curry Barker (26) and "Backrooms" by Kane Parsons (20). Released on May 14, Barker's "Obsession" has earned over $80 million globally, despite a budget of less than $1 million. The film explores the unsettling outcomes of a man's desire for love. Barker previously drew attention with his short film "The Chair," which has amassed nearly 10 million views. He has a deal with producer Jason Blum for his next project and was chosen by A24 for the reboot of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Meanwhile, Parsons, who started his YouTube channel in 2015, is A24's youngest director at 20, with a film featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve.
Key facts
- Curry Barker's 'Obsession' grossed over $80 million worldwide against a budget under $1 million.
- Kane Parsons, at 20, is the youngest director in A24's history.
- Barker's short 'The Chair' has nearly 10 million views on YouTube.
- Parsons' backrooms videos started in January 2022 when he was 16.
- Jason Blum signed to produce Barker's second film before 'Obsession' released.
- A24 chose Barker to direct the reboot of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'.
- Mark Fischbach's 'Iron Lung' grossed over $40 million from 4,000 theaters.
- Chris Stuckmann's 'Shelby Oaks' raised nearly $1.4 million on Kickstarter.
Entities
Artists
- Curry Barker
- Kane Parsons
- Cooper Tomlinson
- James Wan
- Shawn Levy
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Renate Reinsve
- Danny Philippou
- Michael Philippou
- Kyle Edward Ball
- David F. Sandberg
- Mark Fischbach
- Chris Stuckmann
- Mike Flanagan
Institutions
- A24
- Blumhouse
- Neon
- Kickstarter
- YouTube
- 4chan
- TikTok
- The New Yorker
- Sydney Morning Herald
- Il Post
Locations
- Italy
- Australia
- Canada
- Sweden
- United States