Two low-budget horror films directed by YouTubers topped the domestic box office this weekend. These productions outperformed several major studio franchises.
Kane Parsons’ debut film Backrooms is projected to earn $90 million in its debut. This total shatters records for studio A24. The director is 20 years old. He produced the film on a budget of less than $10 million.
The second-place film Obsession is approaching $100 million in domestic earnings. Blumhouse produced the film for distribution through Universal’s Focus Features.
Director Curry Barker is 26 years old. These results validate online video platforms as a profitable talent pipeline for Hollywood.