Jason Blum and the Evolution of Horror Filmmaking

Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, has significantly influenced the landscape of horror filmmaking since the company's inception in 2000. Blumhouse gained notoriety with the release of *Paranormal Activity*, a low-budget film that grossed $193 million worldwide. This success established Blum's strategy of producing films with modest budgets while offering a share of profits to creators, minimizing financial risks. Over the years, Blumhouse has produced numerous successful horror films, including *The Purge*, *Get Out*, and *Split*, contributing to what many consider a new golden age of horror.

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In a recent interview, Blum discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered audience preferences and the types of films that succeed in theaters. He noted that intellectual property (IP) has become increasingly important, with audiences favoring films connected to existing franchises or familiar stories. Original films, while still capable of success, face greater challenges in gaining traction. Blum highlighted that only two original horror films, *Sinners* and *Weapons*, achieved significant success in the current landscape, contrasting with previous years when multiple originals would thrive.

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Blum also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the filmmaking process. He acknowledged that A.I. is here to stay and emphasized the importance of embracing it as a tool for filmmakers. Blum stated, “I think to put your head in the sand and say, ‘We're never using A.I. in our movies’ is insane—because other people are going to use A.I. in their movies, and their movies are going to be better.” He believes A.I. can enhance various aspects of production, from pre-visualization to special effects, while maintaining ethical standards.

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Looking ahead, Blum expressed optimism about the future of horror, particularly regarding the influx of new talent inspired by films like *Get Out*. He noted that young filmmakers are increasingly drawn to the genre, creating innovative works that reflect contemporary societal fears. Blum stated, “What’s going on in the world is extremely terrifying, and they’re making their versions of movies about that.” This trend suggests that horror will continue to evolve, addressing current issues while exploring new creative avenues.

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In response to his recognition by the Producers Guild of America, where he will receive the Milestone Award in 2026, Blum remarked, “I’m moved to be recognized by my peers… the journey here is thanks to our small but mighty team of talented weirdos at Blumhouse.” This acknowledgment underscores Blum's commitment to fostering new voices in the industry and his belief in the power of collaborative storytelling.

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• “We spent the first 15 years kind of establishing the brand,” — Jason Blum, CEO of Blumhouse Productions

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• “is going to be an incredible tool for filmmakers to tell their stories.” — Jason Blum

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• “The kinds of movies that are working in theaters are very different than the ones before COVID.” — Jason Blum

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• “No artist I’ve ever met talks that directly about it, but they're edging around those feelings, for sure.” — Jason Blum

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Through his innovative approach and adaptability, Jason Blum continues to shape the future of horror filmmaking, navigating the complexities of a changing industry while inspiring a new generation of filmmakers.

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