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Rod Blackhurst to Direct Witchcraft’s “Alone Time” Film

6/16/2026

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Summary

Rod Blackhurst Directs Adaptation

Witchcraft Motion Picture Company announced it will adapt the 2012 viral short “Alone Time” into a feature film.
Director Rod Blackhurst, who co-created the short with writer David Ebeltoft, will direct and produce the movie.
The film follows New York professional Ann Saunders, whose friend disappears on an Adirondack camping trip, leading her to suspect a hidden stalker.

Summary

Hollywood Courts Creators

Hollywood is courting YouTube creators for big-budget films after “Obsession,” “Backrooms,” and Kevin Cate’s “Open Door.”
Kevin Cate launched opendoorfilm.com to give fans clues, behind-the-scenes content, and a demand-sign-up.
A six-figure development deal funds the project, with budgeting ending this month while financing and casting remain under review.
Executive producer Rick Kearney and Clinging Vine Films lead the effort, with filming slated for 2026 and a 2027 release.

History

Historical Context

YouTube launched in February 2005 and was bought by Google in November 2006, sparking rapid growth that gave it about 43 % of the online video market and more than 14 billion video views by 2010. That scale led studios to scout viral creators, a practice now continued by Witchcraft Motion Picture Company, Rick Kearney and Clinging Vine Films turning 2012’s ‘Alone Time’ and Kevin Cate’s series into movies.

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Rod Blackhurst Directs Adaptation

Witchcraft Motion Picture Company announced it will adapt the 2012 viral short “Alone Time” into a feature film.
Director Rod Blackhurst, who co-created the short with writer David Ebeltoft, will direct and produce the movie.
The film follows New York professional Ann Saunders, whose friend disappears on an Adirondack camping trip, leading her to suspect a hidden stalker.

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