Parker Finn, the filmmaker behind 2022’s greatest horror hit, Smile, has signed a multi-year, first-look cope with Paramount Photos.
Paramount distributed Smile, which Finn wrote and directed, with the film grossing over $216 million worldwide. Among the many film’s distinctions, apart from creeping individuals out with scary smiles, was being the primary unique horror title to repeat the primary place at home field workplace since 2016.
Lips are sealed so far as deal particulars go, however Parker is predicted to write down, produce and direct options within the horror style. A Smile sequel is among the priorities.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testomony to Parker’s distinctive and contemporary filmmaking, and we’re thrilled that he’ll make Paramount his dwelling,” stated Paramount president & CEO Brian Robbins in a press release.
“Parker is aware of the best way to hold individuals on the sting of their seat and we’re comfortable that we get to maintain scaring audiences collectively,” collectively said Paramount’s movement image group co-presidents Michael Eire and Daria Cercek.
Finn made his function directorial debut with Smile, which he tailored from his 2020 brief movie, Laura Hasn’t Slept. It starred Caitlin Stasey and Lew Temple, and was an official choice of SXSW 2020, the place it was awarded a particular jury recognition.
Smile was initially made for streaming service Paramount+ however a take a look at screening in Burbank three months into post-production modified the film’s trajectory and Finn’s profession.
“The viewers was screaming on the display screen, so it was very clear that the communal setting and nature of it was unimaginable,” Finn informed The Hollywood Reporter in December. “And to Paramount’s credit score, they acknowledged that, and so they obtained behind the movie in such a tremendous means.”
The film was launched in September and, with a price range of solely $17 million, grew to become one of the vital worthwhile films of the yr. Smile was a part of the horror renaissance that took maintain of the theatrical expertise in 2022. It additionally opened the studio’s eyes to construct out a deeper horror bench for its slate. In November, it signed former Warner Bros. government Walter Hamada to an unique deal to provide horror films.
Finn is repped by CAA, Grandview and Jackoway Austen.
