The ‘Terrifier 3’ Case Study: Turning Low-Budget Horror Into Box Office Hits

Horror films still offer a path to profitability on low budgets that no other genre can claim, which is why even the most squeamish filmmakers should celebrate the remarkable box-office success demonstrated by Damien Leone’s gory saga of the depraved Art the Clown. The “Terrifier” franchise began in 2016 with a $35,000 budget — but the series quickly developed a passionate following for its stomach-churning practical effects and the instantly iconic villain. Eight years later and “Terrifier 3” became the #1 movie in America with a $27 million opening weekend.

Much of the credit goes to Cineverse, the distributor that has steadily expanded the series’ reach. Anyone who wants to learn from the “Terrifier 3” phenomenon won’t want to miss IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking Summit on November 2. On their panel “Turning Low-Budget Horror Into Box-Office Hits,” Cineverse executive director of acquisitions Brandon Hill and Chief Content Officer and head of digital sales Yolanda Macias will join IndieWire for a discussion about the lessons they learned from the franchise’s exponential growth and what it might mean for the future of independent horror movies.

Macias and Hill each have decades of experience in the distribution space and have worked on thousands of titles. They’ll share their insights on the state of the industry and the process that led them to invest in both “Terrifier 2” and “Terrifier 3.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with industry peers, exchange ideas, and spark inspiration throughout the whole summit. With a premium breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception included, this is more than just a day of learning — it’s a chance to form meaningful connections that could shape the future of your next project.

Don’t miss your chance to join this forward-looking conversation and position yourself for success in the ever-changing world of entertainment.   

Buy Your Tickets to the Future of Filmmaking Summit Here 

Panels will include:  

Keynote Chat: Sean Baker

Award-winning auteur Sean Baker will deliver our Future of Filmmaking Summit’s keynote chat. Baker, who recently took home the Palme d’Or at Cannes for his celebrated film “Anora,” a strong contender this awards season, will share his advice to summit attendees and his thoughts about the future of the industry.

Filming Outside Hollywood: Challenges, Opportunities, and Passports  

Runaway production has been atomized as states and countries compete to offer producers the hottest deals. Join Paul Audley, president of FilmLA, producer and 1Community CEO Scott Budnick, Entertainment Partners’ Sarah Westman-Liu as they discuss what that means for the rest of us. 

How to Get Your Film Seen: New Takes on Audience, Funding, and Buyers

This one has it all: Exclusive research, real numbers, and the unexpected opportunities in theaters and at home for filmmakers who have found a world beyond the competitive festival circuit. Keri Putnam (former Sundance Institute CEO) Brian Newman (founder of Sub-Genre), and Tubi head of acquistions Sam Harowitz will share intel on emerging strategies and success stories, providing key insights into how filmmakers can thrive in today’s ever-changing distribution landscape. 

From Indie Films to Pixar: A Career Case Study with Mike Jones

Join us as we explore the unique career of Mike Jones, tracing his early days in the indie film scene to his transition into a full-time role at Pixar. As creator of Pixar’s upcoming series “Dream Productions” and writer on some of the studio’s most acclaimed films, including “Luca” and “Soul”, hear about the Pixar process and how Jones’ background in independent film help inform his current approach as a storyteller. For anyone looking to make their mark in both independent and mainstream cinema, this panel is for you.

Pitching Your Project: Why Producers Now Expect More 

Reby Silverman, senior manager global partnerships at Canva, will take the stage alongside emerging and established filmmakers to showcase how Canva’s platform is transforming the way filmmakers pitch their ideas. Learn directly from the pros and get insider tips to craft a pitch deck that stands out in today’s competitive industry!

How Filmmakers Are — and Aren’t — Using AI   

Every day brings another AI announcement, but our panel will look beyond the money, the controversy, and the hype to discuss the ideas and products most likely to be meaningful for you. AI guru Dave Clark, Erik Weaver, director of adaptive production at ETC, and Diana Williams, CEO of Kinetic Entertainment, will explore how AI tools are already reshaping the creative process, from scriptwriting to post-production, and what the future holds for filmmakers looking to leverage this technology in practical and innovative ways. 

The Future of Film Is Interactive

A panel with the heads of KINO, Austin Worrell, Brit MacRae, and Daril Fannin, who will discuss their company’s cutting-edge technology that offers filmmakers an interactive social streaming platform that provides invaluable data insights and a strategic launchpad to connect with their audience.

Award Season Stories – Disney: “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes“
Discover how “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” uses performance capture to bring complex, emotionally rich characters to life. This panel features the film’s creative team and actors, sharing insights on how cutting-edge technology and powerful performances drive the storytelling in this awards season contender.