Introducing The Horror Section: Eli Roth’s New Venture into the Fearful World of Film
Bloodshed and terror are on the horizon as acclaimed filmmaker Eli Roth unveils The Horror Section, a newly established horror media company. This innovative venture seeks to not only dominate the independent horror film scene but also integrate the horror community in significant ways.
With over 25 years in the industry, Roth is known for his work on cult classics such as Cabin Fever, Hostel, and the recent slasher hit Thanksgiving. In collaboration with Media Capital Technologies (MCT), Roth’s new company will produce and distribute original films, while also branching into horror television, gaming, podcasts, and live events.
Building a Community of Horror Enthusiasts
Roth expressed his vision in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “I’ve done this very successfully in the past, generating profit for many stakeholders. Now it’s time to consolidate these efforts under a single label that champions authentic, visceral horror that resonates with fans.”
He cited his film Thanksgiving as a foundational piece for the company: “I want Thanksgiving to be the benchmark for what we produce; everything else will escalate from there.” In this film, audience members experience thrilling carnage at the hands of the vicious John Carver, who treats his victims like turkey on a serving platter.
Investors Welcome: Horror as a Collaborative Experience
A notable element of The Horror Section’s strategy is its collaboration with the investing platform Republic, which allows both accredited and non-accredited fans to invest. Launching on March 21, fans can acquire up to a 10 percent stake in the company, sharing in potential profits and ownership while enjoying exclusive perks, including a chance to “kill”a fan on camera in one of Roth’s forthcoming projects.
This trend of involving fans as investors is gaining traction within the genre, driven by the unique passion of horror audiences. Recently, renowned filmmaker Robert Rodriguez launched Brass Knuckle Films, another independent production initiative aimed at engaging cinema aficionados.
The Synergy of Fans and Filmmaking
Marc Iserlis, head of film at Republic, highlights the advantages of integrating fan investment: “Bringing fans on board creates a built-in audience from day one, enhancing distribution opportunities. A community of invested supporters will champion the project’s success, boosting its visibility.”
Roth’s excitement around this model was recently captured in a promotional video announcing the company and its fan engagement strategy, further emphasizing the importance of community in horror filmmaking.
MCT will play a pivotal role in financing films under The Horror Section banner, holding a minority stake as they previously did with Roth’s work on The Green Inferno and The Sacrament. According to MCT chairman Christopher Woodrow, “Eli possesses a robust understanding of his brand and its audience, an entrepreneurial spirit that is rare among directors.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Horror
The Horror Section aims to be a holistic media company, with theatrical releases forming a core part of its business model. They have teamed up with Iconic Events, a distribution company known for its success with Terrifier 3, underscoring the importance of theatrical showings in establishing cultural significance in the horror genre.
Roth believes that theatrical releases are essential for creating a lasting impact in pop culture. He reflected, “A theatrical release signals that a film matters, setting it apart from the crowd and affirming its value.”
Following the positive reception of Thanksgiving on a modest budget and the mixed outcomes for other films like Borderlands, Roth has been contemplating his future direction for the next five to ten years. He recognizes that the essence of horror lies in developing compelling intellectual property, which will be a significant focus for The Horror Section.
Innovation Inspired by Fan Engagement
Roth reflected on the success of the Terrifier franchise, which garnered attention for its grassroots marketing approach. With a budget of just $250,000, Terrifier 2 grossed over $10 million, and its sequel, Terrifier 3, saw even greater success, demonstrating the potential for unrated horror films in mainstream theaters.
“The success of Terrifier 3 has shown me that unrated horror is now a viable option,” Roth noted, celebrating the creative freedom it allows filmmakers previously hindered by studio constraints.
Emphasizing the unique connection between horror films and their fervent fanbase, Roth has been actively engaging with horror fans at conventions, observing a surge in enthusiasm that transcends traditional marketing trajectories.
Looking Ahead: Personal and Professional Ventures
Recently embracing fatherhood, Roth initially aimed to shoot a sequel to Thanksgiving this spring. However, scheduling conflicts may delay this project, prompting him to consider developing one of the scripts for The Horror Section instead. He aims to film in Los Angeles to support the local production industry, saying, “With my new responsibilities as a father, it would be beneficial to create job opportunities in our city.”
For those who want a deeper dive into Roth’s vision, more details can be found in his latest announcement video, which highlights how The Horror Section intends to transform the landscape of horror entertainment.