At the recent Produced By conference, acclaimed producers Jason Blum and James Wan enthusiastically discussed the significant revival of the film industry following the post-COVID period. The duo, leading Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, highlighted the impressive box office achievements of their recent horror releases, Focus Features' 'Obsession' and A24's 'Backrooms', as key indicators of this positive shift.
Blum noted a striking parallel between the current cinematic landscape and the "edgy movies" prevalent in the 1970s, particularly praising a burgeoning generation of young creators whose innovative works are captivating theater audiences. He underscored that many young individuals, unfamiliar with a time when theatrical releases were scarce, are now flocking to see films that resonate with them. He pointed out the remarkable success of 'Obsession', which saw a 20% increase in its box office performance this past weekend, following a 30% rise the previous week, demonstrating a strong and sustained audience interest.
Wan further reinforced this sentiment, asserting that the horror genre consistently "saves our industry." During their session, moderated by PGA president Stephanie Allain, Blum proudly declared that 'Obsession', produced on a modest budget of $750,000, has become Universal's highest-grossing domestic release under its Focus Features label. Both producers lauded the fresh talent emerging from digital platforms like social media and YouTube, citing Curry Barker, director of 'Obsession', and Kane Parsons, director of 'Backrooms', as exemplary figures. Blum remarked on the intriguing phenomenon of creators, who honed their skills on small screens, now aspiring to showcase their work on the grand cinematic stage.
Blum enthusiastically proclaimed, "There's hope in the movie business, and it's exciting, and it's great." He observed that internet stars, accustomed to platforms like Instagram and social media, are increasingly drawn to filmmaking, which he views as a highly beneficial development for the industry. Wan elaborated, stressing their desire to create films "for the big screen." He explained that while these storytellers originate from online communities like TikTok and YouTube, their ultimate goal is to bring their narratives to cinemas, indicating that Generation Z exhibits a genuine inclination to return to theaters.
Blum also highlighted the novelty in these emerging works, referencing 'Backrooms' and its unique take on the horror of liminal spaces. He celebrated its potential to become the biggest original horror opening ever, considering it a significant achievement for everyone involved. Wan provided additional context on 'Backrooms', recalling how he connected with Parsons, then a 16-year-old, earlier in the decade. Wan explained that as a filmmaker, he recognizes the potential in certain content, even if it hasn't gone viral, and believes in nurturing creators with a distinctive vision.
He described his initial engagement with Parsons through Atomic Monster, noting that during their first Zoom call, Parsons' father had to be present for legal consent due to his age. Wan commended Parsons as a highly intelligent and mature young talent. He also mentioned that Atomic Monster wasn't the sole entity pursuing Parsons; filmmaker Shawn Levy was also interested and is now an executive producer on the film. Blum reflected on the evolving nature of film production, stating that the role of a producer has significantly transformed over the past two decades. He emphasized that a core strength of their company lies in their ability to harness the creativity of new generations and translate it into successful theatrical movies, which he described as their current crucial mission.
