Producing : Eli Roth Launches The Horror Section Production Studio, Invites Fans to Become Investors by Richard "RB" Botto

This is a great concept and everyone seems to be moving slowly and slowly outside of the system.

This is inspiring on so many levels and is good business on just as many. Involving fans at inception, doing specific work for lower budgets and full control, pacing the now proven unrated theatrical release market, having an organic base to market the film because they are literally invested and knowing what the audience wants going in. Steve Jobs didn't invent much but he packaged inventions in a way that created speific products that changed everything. Seems like Roth is packaging exising elements, as you point out Richard "RB" Botto, in such a specific and smart way. I am rooting for his success here and for more independent models to succeed - what a great pathway for filmmakers and so many members of this community.

I'm excited about it, Richard "RB" Botto! I plan on getting involved with Eli Roth's The Horror Section and Robert Rodriguez's Brass Knuckle Films. I didn't know Mark Duplass was doing this too until now.

I think more indie filmmakers and producers will do this. I think it's a smart option. Like you said, "taking matters into their own hands - controlling what they control as far down the pipeline as possible." And like Marc Iserlis said in the article: “When your fans come in as investors, you build an audience from the very start, which gives you more leverage when you’re looking for distribution. You now have a whole community who will organically promote the project, because they have a financial stake in its success.”

Well said all around, Sam Sokolow. It's been great to see those taking the risk on the indie side reap the rewards over this last year or so. Going to be extremely interesting to see what the mindset and vibe is at Cannes this year. I believe it's going to be markedly different than last.

Agree on all fronts, Maurice Vaughan (and Mark Films!). However, this is just one approach of "controlling what they control as far down the pipeline as possible". There are many others. All part of the pendulum snapping back.

I applaud the can-do attitude, interfacing directly with the fans. This is what all indie filmmakers should be doing. I remember contributing to a Zack Braff movie on Kickstarter. Anyone remember Veronica Mars doing crowdfunding as well? I’ve put into campaigns for indie animated features and horror films. And those are all technically donations, not investments.

However, it does rub me the wrong way to see established star directors do this. I feel like saying “get out of our pool!”

They’re established, they can work with studio money, we can’t. What if they take all the attention away from no-name indies, or worse, sour the market if something goes wrong with their productions?

Is it a zero sum game? Or is there room for both A-listers and up-and-coming filmmakers in this investment space?

It's so weird that you think fans will pay for your production upfront. I think there's little money in these constructions, though every bit helps and in the end what is the effort you have to make.

This is inspiring Richard "RB" Botto - I think it was last week that we saw Robert Rodriguez taking investment opportunity to the fans as well. I see the concerns that others have but I can't blame these folks for smartly wanting to take back their creative freedom.

Richard "RB" Botto, the move toward reclaiming control, building vertically integrated pipelines, and opening the door to fan investors reflects just how tired creators are of waiting for a greenlight that may never come.

It reminds me that in today’s climate, innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about mindset. The tools and platforms are there, and filmmakers who lean into community, transparency, and ownership are reshaping the industry from the ground up. It’s an exciting time.

All good points, Mike Boas, and it will be intriguing to see how it plays out. Roth has been shooting out updates and clarifications almost daily. The transparency seems to be there.

I was speaking not so much to this individual initiative than to filmmakers and producers continuing to find new and innovative ways to bypass the traditional "hurry up and wait" methods of putting a project together. The opportunities are out there and many are taking advantage.

Your last sentence is where the rubber hits the road, Leonardo Ramirez. Whether it's the model Roth is presenting or simply an exploration of other avenues, more and more are keeping the power in their own hands for as long as humanly possible.

@RB - Good model. Eli doesn't need the crowdfunding, it's an added bonus for audience building and promotion imho. A good friend is behind this. Will be very successful.

That's exactly right, Jack Binder. Great perspective. Best wishes to your friend. A rising tide lifts all boats.