YouTubers Make Mark on Hollywood with Horror Films

The box office is abuzz with the unexpected success of two horror movies directed by YouTubers: "Backrooms" and "Obsession." Both films have broken records and left industry insiders stunned.

"Backrooms," directed by Kane Parsons, is a feature film expansion of his YouTube series featuring eerie found footage of a mysterious office space. The film has taken the number one spot at the box office, bringing in an estimated $81 million in its first weekend alone. This is the biggest opening for indie studio A24, surpassing their previous record of $25.7 million.

• The film's success is a testament to Parsons' loyal audience, which has followed him since his YouTube days.
• Parsons' longevity on the platform has allowed him to develop a devoted fan base that is eager to support his projects.
• "Backrooms" is not the only horror movie to make waves at the box office. "Obsession," directed by Curry Barker, is another indie horror film that has pulled off an impressive feat: growing its audience by 10 percent in its third weekend. This is a rare achievement in the film industry, with most wide releases falling by 50 to 70 percent in their second weekend.

"Obsession" is a romantic wish gone nightmarishly wrong, and Barker's YouTube background has given him a unique perspective on the horror genre. His ability to craft a compelling narrative and build tension has resonated with audiences.

• Barker's success is not an isolated incident. Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier on YouTube, directed the video game adaptation "Iron Lung," which grossed nearly $41 million domestically.
• The success of these YouTubers-turned-filmmakers has sparked a new wave of interest in the "YouTube-to-filmmaker boomlet." Rutgers Cinema general manager Mark DelVecchio notes that longevity is the key to success, allowing creators to develop a loyal audience that will follow them.

A New Era for YouTubers in Hollywood

The success of these horror movies marks a new era for YouTubers in Hollywood. With their loyal audiences and unique perspectives, they are changing the way films are made and consumed. While it remains to be seen how this trend will continue, one thing is certain: the box office will never be the same again.