James Wan says YouTube filmmakers no longer need traditional system
Director and producer James Wan says the path to making a movie no longer requires navigating the old Hollywood machine. Per Variety, the filmmaker behind franchises like 'The Conjuring' and 'Aquaman' argues that platforms like YouTube have completely changed the game.
Wan points to the origins of his own production company, Atomic Monster, as an early example. He notes that the very first film they made there was the hit horror movie 'Lights Out', which was based on a short film by director David F. Sandberg that originally gained attention online.
According to the director, this demonstrated a new model decades ago. He believes creators can now build an audience and prove their talent directly through digital platforms without needing traditional gatekeepers.
Wan's comments highlight a continuing shift in how Hollywood discovers talent, with online content becoming a legitimate and powerful launching pad for feature film careers.
