Kevin Cato’s viral sci-fi short “Open Door,” which has been viewed nearly 15 million times on YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram, is being turned into a feature film through a six-figure development deal.
The news follows the success of blockbuster horror films “Obsession” and “Backrooms,” as the industry invests in YouTube creators and young filmmakers with established audiences.
Kate wrote a spec script based on a short story with “IO” screenwriter Charles Spano. Sean Anthony Baker and Mia Matthews will reprise their roles from the original three-minute short, and Open Door will follow “the surreal, genre-bending journey of Malcolm Powers,” according to an official statement. This short story depicts two people riding an elevator from hell.
The film is being developed in collaboration with executive producer Rick Carney and Kate’s Klinging Vine Films, the same indie production venture that produced Kate’s debut feature, Unbearable Christmas, starring Julia Stiles, David Cross and Stephen Root.
Kate said in a statement: “I literally can’t go a day without someone asking me what the characters saw there.” “And we really, really can’t wait to show you guys, and give you some tips along the way…We’re ride-or-die along with the original cast and crew that made this all happen.”
In conjunction with news of the development, Kate launched a website to provide clues and updates for fans of the short film, along with theories and behind-the-scenes content. Kate said the film’s budgeting process is expected to be completed later this month, as staff continues to raise funds and consider additional casting options.
“And to take this to the next level, we wrote some of the most amazing roles,” Kate concluded. “For now, we just need to show demand and find our village.”
Upcoming YouTube creators will be at the helm of the production, including Portrait of God director Dylan Clark and Mora director Sam Evenson.
