NBC News profiled Curry Barker, the YouTuber-turned-filmmaker who directed the horror hit Obsession:
This quote from him stood out to me: “We’re finally getting to the point where people are like, OK, fine, I’ll put my film on YouTube. Versus when I was in film school, that was kind of like a last resort. People didn’t want to put their stuff on YouTube. They wanted to go the festival route. I was like, screw it. You know, just put it on YouTube and see what happens.”
This reinforces a point I’ve returned to again and again in my newsletter: YouTube is essentially becoming a training ground for the next generation of Hollywood filmmakers. Many start out making short films and comedy sketches, formats that let them quickly experiment, refine their craft, and learn the fundamentals while simultaneously building their personal brands.
For now, they’re still mostly selling their feature-length films to traditional Hollywood studios, but it’s only a matter of time before they become more comfortable with direct distribution. In fact, the YouTuber Markiplier already proved this model out after he pulled in over $50 million in theatrical ticket sales for his film Iron Lung.
https://t.co/ndVhD9IvNI
A few months ago, we hosted a red carpet premiere in Yosemite w/75 creators & partnered with @Rivian to power the screening with the R1.
Can 100% confirm the interest in film. In the past few weeks alone, we've had a few brands/start-ups approach us looking to sponsor a film
Most are interested in the theatrical angle - and creating experiential moments/events that break through the noise.
Excited for the next wave of bold brand-funded entertainment. Soap operas were started by P&G after all...
On Jan 23, our movie will be in 500 theaters across the world
Goal: $1M box office.
Problem: we’re trying to do it with a $0 marketing budget.
The plan?
Give away a % of box office to anyone crazy enough to join our team for the next 5 weeks…
Dm me if this gets you excited.