A24 hops on the YouTube → studio-production train

A24, the production studio behind Ex Machina, Eighth Grade, Moonlight, Uncut Gems, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Warfare, and more, yesterday announced it has greenlit science-fiction horror film The Backrooms, based on the popular YouTube horror series that bears the same name.

• Since its debut in 2022, The Backrooms has amassed 190+ million views on YouTube.
• A24’s version will be directed by Kane Parsons, A24-year-old a 19-year-old who created the YouTube series. He’ll be the youngest director in the studio’s history.

A proven formula

Over the past decade, studios have increasingly trawled YouTube in search of opportunity (like Scooter Braun). HBO's Insecure (formerly Awkward Black Girl), as well as Netflix's karate-centric Cobra Kai and dating show Pop the Balloon, originated as YouTube series’ before being picked up by the Hollywood machine.

It’s about risk reduction: This wait-and-see approach allows studios to be assured there’s demand for the content. For creators, signing on the dotted line ensures they’ll receive money up-front, as opposed to self-financing videos and relying on performance to recoup costs.

If you’ve never seen The Backrooms…Dive in here. Warning: It’s creepy, and addictive enough that you may need to clear your afternoon.