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From the internet to Hollywood: The rise of young fillmmakers

Hollywood studios are increasingly scouting viral digital creators for directorial roles, leveraging platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to find filmmakers with built-in audiences.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chair Mike De Luca said these creators are "in a dialogue with their audience from the word 'Go'," conducting what amounts to "a billion test screenings" before theatrical release.
Curry Barker's "Obsession" is expected to pass $300 million worldwide, while Mark Fischbach's "Iron Lung" grossed more than $50 million, demonstrating the commercial viability of creator-led features.
Other creators are securing major deals: Sam Evenson is directing a "Mora" adaptation for Neon, Jordan Firstman debuted "Club Kid" at the Cannes Film Festival, and Dylan Clark partners with Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi on "Portrait of God."
Studios are entrusting digital-native directors with established franchises: Barker is developing "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" for A24, while Clark is tapped by Lionsgate and Blumhouse for a new "The Blair Witch Project.

Insights by Ground AI