Parker Finn, the renowned filmmaker behind the horror hit “Smile,” has recently launched Bad Feeling, a film and television production company. Joining him as the head of development is Jonathan Fass. The company has decided to base its operations at Paramount, the studio that released “Smile” and with whom Finn signed a first-look deal earlier this year.
As Bad Feeling enters the scary movie space, it has a clear mission statement. The company aims to produce distinct, high-end genre films that satisfy the audiences’ craving for bold and boundary-pushing experiences. Their goal is to create unique and event-like movies while bringing a personalized and craft-focused approach to commercial genre storytelling.
“Smile,” directed by Finn, was a huge success both critically and commercially. The film grossed over $216 million worldwide, making it the biggest horror hit of 2022. It also became the first original horror film in six years to hold the number one position at the domestic box office for two consecutive weeks. Due to this success, Paramount and Finn are already collaborating on a sequel, set to be released on October 18, 2024.
The partnership between Finn and Fass marks a reunion that has been years in the making. Fass previously served as a producer on “Laura Hasn’t Slept,” the original short film that inspired “Smile.” For the past four years, Fass has been working at Sister, an independent production studio founded by Stacey Snider and Elisabeth Murdoch.
In a statement, Finn expressed his excitement for launching Bad Feeling together with Fass, noting Fass’s impeccable taste and razor-sharp approach to genre storytelling. Fass, in turn, shared his enthusiasm for partnering with Finn and building Bad Feeling into a premier home for modern genre filmmakers.
Horror movies continue to be a reliable genre for delivering success at the box office. Additionally, they often have more modest budgets compared to other studio films, which increases their potential upside. Recent examples include “The Nun II,” which grossed over $233 million worldwide since its release in September, and “Saw X,” which opened to almost $20 million domestically and received positive reviews from critics, a first for the franchise.
Paramount has showcased its commitment to the horror genre with the release of “Scream VI” earlier this year. Streaming platforms like Hulu have also seen success with sci-fi horror movies like “No One Will Save You,” while Amazon has surprised audiences with the indie acquisition “Black Demon.”
Bad Feeling and Finn are represented by CAA, Grandview, and Jeff Hynick at Jackoway Austen, ensuring their projects are in good hands.
In conclusion, Bad Feeling, led by Parker Finn and Jonathan Fass, aims to make a mark in the horror genre by producing unique and boundary-pushing films. The success of “Smile” and the subsequent collaboration with Paramount demonstrates their potential for creating thrilling and commercially successful movies. With the growing popularity and profitability of horror films, Bad Feeling is poised to become a prominent player in the industry.