YouTube Horror Sensation Sam Evenson's 'Ignore It' Gets Feature Adaptation with 'Smile' Producers
YouTube horror sensation Sam Evenson, known for his popular Grimoire Horror channel, is stepping into the feature film world with an adaptation of his viral short, "Ignore It." Collaborating with "Smile" producers Temple Hill Entertainment and Anton, Evenson will write and direct the film, bringing his unique vision to the big screen. The project has secured Lily Collias in a leading role, a rising star recently seen in "Roofman" and the acclaimed feature "Good One." This move highlights the growing trend of digital content creators transitioning into mainstream cinema, leveraging their established fan bases and innovative storytelling approaches.
"Ignore It" originated as a seven-minute YouTube short in 2021, based on a popular Reddit story titled "You're Going to Notice a Woman in Your Home, You Must Ignore Her" by Jeff Speziale. The narrative revolves around a family's struggle for survival against a terrifying entity, 'The Woman,' who attacks anyone who acknowledges her presence. This simple yet chilling premise captivated millions, with Evenson's short film accumulating over 12 million views and fostering a rapidly growing community across platforms like TikTok's HorrorTok. Speziale and Evenson are now jointly expanding this concept for the feature-length production.
From Viral Short to Feature Film: The Making of 'Ignore It'
Sam Evenson, the creative force behind the widely successful Grimoire Horror YouTube channel, is poised to launch his directorial career in feature films with "Ignore It," an adaptation of his viral horror short. This venture sees him partnering with seasoned producers Temple Hill Entertainment and Anton, known for their work on the hit horror film "Smile." Evenson will helm the project, both writing and directing, ensuring his distinct style and narrative vision are fully realized. Lily Collias, an emerging talent with recent roles in "Roofman" and the critically acclaimed "Good One," has been cast in the lead role, bringing a fresh face to the highly anticipated horror flick. Anton is providing full financing and managing global sales, underscoring the confidence in Evenson's ability to translate his digital success into a compelling cinematic experience.
The concept for "Ignore It" first emerged as a seven-minute short film on YouTube in 2021, quickly gaining traction and amassing over 12 million views. Its foundation lies in a viral r/NoSleep Reddit story by Jeff Speziale, which captivated a passionate online audience. The narrative centers on a family trapped in a terrifying ordeal, living with an entity known only as 'The Woman,' whose presence becomes deadly if acknowledged. This intriguing premise, coupled with Evenson's distinctive storytelling, resonated deeply with horror fans across various social media platforms, particularly within TikTok's HorrorTok ecosystem. The collaboration between Speziale and Evenson for the feature-length adaptation aims to expand upon the original story's chilling elements, promising a deeper exploration of its psychological and supernatural horrors. This project is a testament to the power of viral content in identifying and nurturing new talent for the film industry.
Sam Evenson: A Rising Star in Horror Cinema
Sam Evenson is rapidly making a name for himself as a significant new voice in the horror genre, transitioning from YouTube to feature filmmaking with the support of prominent industry players. His YouTube channel, Grimoire Horror, has garnered immense popularity, attracting over 199,000 subscribers and achieving tens of millions of views for his short films. Beyond his narrative work, Evenson is also an accomplished VFX artist, contributing to major productions such as the Academy Award-winning "Dune: Part Two," HBO's acclaimed series "The Last of Us," and Taika Waititi's "Thor: Love and Thunder." This diverse skill set and proven track record make him a formidable talent, with "Ignore It" positioned to be his breakout directorial debut, potentially paving the way for a new generation of horror storytellers who emerge from digital platforms.
Evenson's journey reflects a growing trend where digital creators, armed with innovative ideas and established fanbases, are being recognized by traditional film studios. "Ignore It" is set to be his first feature to enter production, although he is also developing another viral short, "Mora," into a film with Neon, as recently announced by Variety. Temple Hill Entertainment praised Evenson as a "generational talent" whose work has "delighted and terrified millions," expressing excitement about helping him bring his first feature to life. They anticipate that "Ignore It" will push cinematic boundaries, creating an immersive horror experience. With Lily Collias cast as Becca, the producers are eager to share this "spine-chilling, emotional thrill ride" with a global audience. This project not only marks a significant milestone for Evenson but also underscores the evolving landscape of film production, where talent can be discovered and nurtured through unconventional avenues.
