The YouTube-to-horror feature filmmaker pipeline is a fascinating phenomenon, and it's no wonder Hollywood is taking notice. The success of Curry Barker's 'Obsession' and Kane Parson's 'Backrooms' has opened the door for a new generation of directors to make the leap from online fame to box office gold. But who are the next big names in this emerging trend? Let's take a closer look at some of the YouTubers with the potential to make the jump.
The YouTube Stars with a Horror Angle
Dylan Clark
Dylan Clark is a master of high-concept, low-budget horror. His YouTube channel showcases short films that pack a punch despite their modest means. With over 10 million views on his most popular short, 'Portrait of God', Clark has already caught the attention of industry heavyweights like Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi. The fact that these established producers are now attached to produce a feature film adaptation of his story is a testament to his talent and potential. Clark's ability to create engaging, thought-provoking horror content on a small scale is impressive, and it's no surprise that he's attracting Hollywood interest.
Nicolas Curcio
Curcio's journey to the top of the horror world is a bit different. He's built his reputation not through short films, but through his podcast 'Hollywood Hang', where he's gotten to know the players in the genre. His TikTok following of 140,000, where he dishes out storytelling advice, is also impressive. Curcio's understanding of the industry and his ability to connect with people have helped him secure a feature film deal with M3GAN producers Divide/Conquer. While he may not have the same online following as some of his peers, his industry connections and unique approach to storytelling make him a director to watch.
Sam Evenson
Evenson's YouTube channel, Grimoire Horror, has earned him a dedicated following of 196,000 subscribers. His short films, which often earn millions of views, showcase his talent for creating suspense and atmosphere. Evenson's recent collaboration with Neon, the indie studio behind 'Longlegs', marks his feature directorial debut. With producers like Roy Lee and Steven Schneider on board, Evenson is poised to make a significant impact in the horror genre. His work as a VFX artist on films like 'Dune: Part Two' and 'The Last of Us' also adds a layer of expertise to his directorial skills.
Spencer Lackey
Lackey's horror short-form content is both ingenious and entertaining. With a massive following across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, he has mastered the art of engaging his audience. His videos, which often feature a humorous twist on horror tropes, have earned him a dedicated fan base. Lackey's ability to blend creativity and humor in his content is a unique strength, and it's no wonder industry folks are taking digital creators more seriously. His star is rising, and it will be exciting to see what he does next.
Caleb Phillips
Phillips' journey to the top of the horror world began with his short film 'Other Side of the Box', which amassed over 30 million views on YouTube. His follow-up, 'Play Me', further solidified his talent. Phillips' genre-bending feature 'Imposters' made its debut at South by Southwest, and his association with Underground, the management company behind 'Obsession' filmmaker Curry Barker, suggests a promising future. Phillips' ability to create compelling and unique horror content is evident, and his growing success in the industry is well-deserved.
Heidi Wong
Wong's horror content creation has earned her a massive following across multiple platforms. Her movie reviews, original videos based on creepy internet stories, and self-produced scary content have captivated audiences. While she's already tapped by studios to promote their biggest genre projects, Wong's true passion lies in filmmaking. Her deceptively simple TikTok videos, under the series 'A Heidi Wong Horror Story', showcase her talent for storytelling and her ability to engage viewers. With her growing influence and clear passion for the craft, Wong is a director who could make a significant impact in the future.
The Future of Horror
The rise of these YouTubers in the horror genre is an exciting development for the industry. Their ability to create engaging, low-budget content that resonates with audiences is a testament to the power of online platforms. As these directors continue to refine their craft and secure Hollywood deals, we can expect to see more diverse and innovative horror films. The question remains: who will be the next Curry Barker or Kane Parson? Only time will tell, but these YouTubers are certainly in the running.
