Full Breakdown
Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Acquire "V/H/S" Franchise Rights
1/30/2026, 8:38:05 PM
Acquisition of the "V/H/S" Franchise
Los Angeles-based genre label Spooky Pictures and Image Nation Abu Dhabi have acquired the rights to the found-footage horror anthology series "V/H/S" from Studio71. This deal aims to jointly produce future titles within the franchise, marking a significant development in their six-year partnership. The franchise, which debuted at Sundance in 2012, has served as a platform for emerging filmmakers, featuring contributions from notable directors such as Adam Wingard and Ti West.
Background of the "V/H/S" Franchise
The "V/H/S" series began in 2012 and has since evolved through various installments, including "V/H/S/2" (2013), "V/H/S: Viral" (2014), "V/H/S/94" (2021), "V/H/S/99" (2022), "V/H/S/85" (2023), and "V/H/S/Beyond" (2024). The franchise is characterized by its anthology format, which allows for diverse storytelling styles and themes. Additionally, two feature-length films, "SiREN" (2016) and "Kids vs. Aliens" (2022), have been adapted from the shorts within the series.
Strategic Vision and Future Projects
Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "This is a piece of IP that we all were very fond of that became available." He emphasized the opportunity to work with emerging talent globally, particularly from the Arab region. Steven Schneider, co-head of Spooky Pictures, noted the franchise's resilience and growth, attributing its success to consistent quality control. He remarked, "Horror anthologies are generally difficult to mount... the fact that the 'V/H/S' brand... continues to grow in popularity was an amazing opportunity for us."
The upcoming slate from Spooky Pictures and Image Nation includes several projects, such as "Hokum," directed by Damian McCarthy, and "The Shepherd," directed by John Hyams. Other titles in development include "Menace" by Randall Okita and "Archangel" by Bryan Edward Hill.
Criticism and Industry Challenges
While the acquisition has been met with excitement, the horror anthology format is often viewed as challenging to execute successfully. Critics may point to the difficulties in maintaining quality across multiple entries, which can lead to uneven reception among audiences. However, the "V/H/S" franchise has managed to maintain a dedicated fanbase, suggesting a strong foundation for future projects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a natural evolution,” — Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation
- “the shorts created for the ‘V/H/S’ franchise can be like a proof-of-concept that could potentially turn these shorts into feature films.” — Roy Lee, Co-head of Spooky Pictures
The acquisition of the "V/H/S" franchise by Spooky Pictures and Image Nation signifies a strategic move to leverage a successful horror brand while fostering new talent in the genre. As the partnership progresses, the industry will be watching closely for the next wave of innovative horror storytelling.
