‘Smile’ Producers Temple Hill and Anton Team With YouTube Horror Star Sam Evenson for ‘Ignore It,’ Lily Collias to Lead Feature Adaptation of Viral Short

Temple Hill Entertainment and Anton, the production powerhouses behind the critically and commercially successful 2022 horror film 'Smile,' have joined forces with Sam Evenson, a prominent figure in online horror content, to bring his viral short film 'Ignore It' to the big screen as a feature-length adaptation. This significant collaboration marks Evenson's highly anticipated directorial debut in feature filmmaking, leveraging his established reputation and dedicated fanbase cultivated through his popular YouTube channel, Grimoire Horror. Evenson is not only set to direct but will also pen the screenplay for the adaptation, promising a faithful yet expanded exploration of his original concept.

The narrative of 'Ignore It' revolves around a family grappling with the terrifying reality of coexisting with an unseen, malevolent entity that infiltrates their lives. The original short film achieved considerable viral success, captivating a global audience with its masterful blend of suspense, psychological dread, and a deeply unsettling premise that resonated within the digital horror community. The feature adaptation aims to translate this potent online appeal into a more immersive and expansive cinematic experience, delving deeper into the psychological torment and escalating physical dangers the family endures as they confront this pervasive supernatural threat.

Lily Collias has been secured for a leading role in the film, although specific details regarding her character and her place within the family's struggle remain under wraps. The project is poised to capitalize on the distinctive creative vision and storytelling techniques that propelled Evenson's short to prominence. This venture underscores a burgeoning trend within the film industry: established production companies actively seeking out and nurturing emerging talent from digital platforms, recognizing the potential for fresh perspectives and built-in audience engagement. Temple Hill Entertainment, known for its significant contributions to the horror genre, and Anton, a global content company with a diverse portfolio, are making a strategic investment in Evenson's ability to translate his compelling short-form horror storytelling to the broader canvas of feature filmmaking. The Grimoire Horror channel boasts a substantial and engaged following, suggesting a pre-existing audience eager to experience Evenson's work in a new format. The adaptation is expected to enrich the mythology of the original short, providing deeper insights into the entity's nature and the family's backstory, thereby offering a more comprehensive and terrifying exploration of the horror elements that made the short so impactful. Further casting announcements and production timelines are anticipated as the project progresses.