Kane Parsons Brings Viral Backrooms Horror Series to A24

Twenty-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons is transitioning from YouTube creator to Hollywood director with the upcoming release of Backrooms, a horror thriller produced by A24 [1]. The film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on May 29, adapts the internet folklore and Parsons’ own DIY series into a feature-length project [1].

Key takeaways

• The Backrooms film is based on a 22-part YouTube series created by Parsons that has accumulated 216 million total views [2].
• The project is backed by a $10 million budget from A24 [2].
• The source material originated from a 2019 4chan post featuring a photograph of an empty, yellow-walled room [2].
• Parsons, who began his career making video game fan art, utilized 3D software like Blender to create the series’ distinct aesthetic [1].

From Internet Folklore to the Big Screen

The concept of the "Backrooms" began as an anonymous 4chan post in 2019, which featured a photograph of a vacant clothing store characterized by fluorescent lights and yellow walls [2]. The internet community expanded this into a form of open-source folklore, describing a liminal space where individuals can "no-clip" or phase through reality into a beige, labyrinthine dimension [1]. Parsons, a California native, began his 22-part YouTube adaptation in 2022, filming the series to resemble "lost footage" and utilizing VHS-style filters to establish a 1990s aesthetic [1].

Despite his lack of experience in producing blockbuster films, A24 selected Parsons to helm the adaptation [2]. The director, who taught himself visual effects using free online software, credits his creative development to his early interest in video games like Portal and Half-Life [1]. His transition to Hollywood is considered unusual in an industry where top-grossing films are frequently produced by a small, established group of directors [2].

Why it matters

The success of the Backrooms film could serve as a turning point for the film industry, potentially signaling a shift in how studios value independent creators [2]. By investing in a project led by a young, self-taught director with a proven online following, A24 is testing whether original, internet-born concepts can translate into mainstream box office success [2]. If the film performs well, it may encourage studios to look beyond traditional industry connections and prioritize creators who demonstrate clear talent and passion through independent digital media [2].