Warner Bros.

Motion Picture Co-Chair Michael De Luca recently offered insights into the surprising box office success of films like A24’s *Backrooms* and Focus Features’ *Obsession*.

Speaking at a Produced By panel, De Luca emphasized that these films, created by YouTube personalities Kane Parsons and Curry Barker respectively, are thriving due to their unique development process.

De Luca explained that creators like Parsons, who spent five years developing *Backrooms*, engage in continuous dialogue with their online audience.

This ongoing interaction allows subscribers to provide direct input throughout the creative process, essentially serving as an extensive series of test screenings.

This approach contrasts with traditional filmmaking, where directors might be reluctant to engage with focus groups.

According to De Luca, this method ensures that by the time a movie reaches theaters, it is "calibrated to please that audience." This direct engagement with a pre-existing fanbase has led to significant box office achievements, with *Backrooms* reportedly securing A24’s largest North American opening ever, estimated between $85M-$88M, and *Obsession* becoming Focus Features' record stateside hit, clearing $106M.

The studio executive also touched upon the importance of digital and online advertising in modern movie marketing, particularly when creators are involved.

He cited examples such as Leonardo DiCaprio's participation in TikTok for Chase Infiniti and the creator community's embrace of *Barbie* social content.

De Luca also credited Tom Cruise for contributing to the "Barbenheimer" effect by posting about seeing both *Oppenheimer* and *Barbie*.

De Luca also reflected on Warner Bros.' "popcorn experiment" with *Oppenheimer*, which he noted cost the studio director Chris Nolan, suggesting Warner Bros.

could have been an Oscar contender with both *Oppenheimer* and *Barbie*.

He underscored the value of filmmaker relationships, considering them the true intellectual property, rather than just the content itself.

He also praised Warner Bros.' label strategy, aiming to offer diverse content for all audiences.

Ultimately, De Luca concluded that there is no single algorithm or crystal ball for predicting box office success.

He stated that buying a movie ticket is an active decision, and studios must strive to get enough films in front of people.