CAA Agent's Praise for YouTuber-Made Films Sparks Studio Backlash
Maha Dakhil, a prominent CAA agent, told a Forbes summit that filmmakers no longer need studios to greenlight projects, citing breakout hits "Obsession" and "Backrooms" as examples, which angered some studio executives. Her comments highlighted tension between traditional Hollywood and a new generation of filmmakers who have found success outside the studio system. The dispute underscores a generational divide in the industry over how to adapt to changing filmmaking models.
At the June 3 Forbes Iconoclast Summit in New York, CAA super-agent Maha Dakhil stated that "we don't even need studios to green-light ideas. We just need talent and courage," referencing the success of YouTuber-made films "Obsession" and "Backrooms." Her remarks prompted criticism from studio executives, who questioned how major-budget films like Warner Bros.' upcoming "Digger" (budgeted at $125-200 million) could be made without studio backing. However, other industry veterans involved with these breakout projects, including producer Jason Blum and executive Peter Chernin, have publicly praised the films and criticized studios' reliance on sequels and IP without facing similar backlash. Some observers attribute the negative reaction to Dakhil's polarizing reputation, including her 2023 Instagram post about Gaza that prompted her resignation from CAA's board. The controversy has also exposed a broader generational divide in Hollywood, with older executives seeking advice from younger staff on how to capitalize on YouTube's influence.
What's missing
The article does not provide details about the actual budgets, production methods, or financial models used for "Obsession" and "Backrooms" to substantiate whether they truly required no studio involvement or funding. Additionally, the specific nature of Dakhil's comments at the summit beyond the quoted statement is unclear.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Agent’s praise for new movies ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’ sparks anger with studios
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