Studios Snap Up 2 Internet Horror IPs After 'Backrooms' Grosses $330 Million
Updated
Updated · InvenGlobal · Jul 3
Studios Snap Up 2 Internet Horror IPs After 'Backrooms' Grosses $330 Million
3 articles · Updated · InvenGlobal · Jul 3
Summary
Amblin and Amazon MGM secured film rights to YouTube series "The Mandela Catalogue," while Warner Bros. also won "Siren Head" in separate bidding wars as studios chase the next internet-born horror hit.
"The Backrooms" drove that rush after turning a sub-$10 million budget into more than $330 million worldwide, including an $80 million North American opening and a record debut for A24.
"The Mandela Catalogue" brings more than 100 million cumulative views and will keep creator Alex Kister in the director's chair, echoing the creator-led model used on "The Backrooms."
Warner Bros.' "Siren Head" bet also reflects demand for horror with built-in online fandoms, with Zach Cregger's involvement adding momentum to a project already fueled by viral popularity.
Studios are increasingly mining YouTube, memes and even Reddit for low-cost IP as aging franchise formulas lose pull with younger audiences.