Parker Finn, Smile Filmmaker Signs First Look Deal With Paramount – The Hollywood Reporter
Parker Fenn, the filmmaker behind the biggest horror movie of 2022, smilingon a multi-year First Look deal with Paramount Pictures.
Paramount Distribution smiling, which Finn wrote and directed, the film grossed over $216 million worldwide. One of the film’s distinct distinctions, other than turning people away with creepy grins, was the first original horror title to repeat at the top spot at the domestic box office since 2016.
Lips are being sealed as far as deal details go, but Parker is expected to write, produce, and direct features in the horror genre. a smiling The sequel is one of the priorities.
“smiling“s “The massive success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” Paramount President and CEO Brian Robbins said in a statement.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re thrilled that we’re bringing scare audiences together,” said Paramount motion picture group co-chairs Michael Ireland and Daria Sirsik.
Finn made his feature directorial debut with Smile, which he adapted from his 2020 short film, Laura did not sleep. It starred Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple, and was an official selection of SXSW 2020, where it received special recognition from the jury.
smiling It was initially made for the Paramount+ streaming service, but a beta test at Burbank after three months of post-production changed the course of the film and Finn’s career.
“The audience was screaming at the screen, so it was very clear that the community environment and nature was great,” said Finn. Hollywood Reporter in December. “And to Paramount’s credit, they’ve recognized that, and they stand behind the film in such an amazing way.”
The film was released in September, and with a budget of only $17 million, it became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. smiling It was part of the horror renaissance taking over the theatrical experience in 2022. It also opened the studio’s eyes to build a deeper horror bench for its roster. In November, former Warner Bros. executive Walter Hamada signed an exclusive deal to produce horror films.
Finn is represented by CAA, Grandview, and Jackoway Austen.