Young director's nightmare: building a world from internet folklore
Kane Parsons, a 20-year-old filmmaker, is unleashing a terrifying descent into the digital abyss with his debut horror film, Backrooms, a project born from a teenage obsession with internet creepypastas and video game aesthetics.
From youtube glitch to hollywood horror
Parsons’ journey began with a simple desire to emulate the visual style of games like Portal and Half-Life, using free software tools to craft unsettling short films. What started as a personal passion quickly spiraled into a viral phenomenon, attracting the attention of A24 and propelling him into the heart of Hollywood.
The uncanny valley of the internet
Backrooms taps into the unsettling allure of the ‘Backrooms’ legend—a sprawling, ever-shifting maze of rooms and corridors originating from a 2002 photograph. Parsons masterfully translates this internet folklore into a visceral cinematic experience, driven by a fascination with liminal spaces and the feeling of being trapped in an unfamiliar, decaying environment. He describes the experience as ‘a comedically bleak death,’ a concept deeply rooted in his childhood anxieties.
A mind shaped by pixels
Raised on a diet of video games and online content, Parsons’ unique perspective is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and his willingness to embrace the bizarre. He credits Valve’s influence as a formative force, shaping his creative preferences and fueling his imagination. His recurring dreams, featuring solitary explorations of Aperture Science, highlight the profound impact of these digital worlds on his subconscious.
Building a nightmare, brick by brick
The film’s production mirrors Parsons’ own process—a blend of technical skill and intuitive experimentation. He relies on his free software expertise, honed over years of online tinkering, to create borderline photorealistic visuals. The challenges of working within a major studio, navigating a disorienting set, and adapting his vision to a larger audience underscore the remarkable transition of this young auteur.
A director's dilemma
Parsons admits to constantly second-guessing himself, weighing every decision against the scrutiny of online communities. He’s acutely aware that any slip-up could be immediately dissected and criticized. Yet, he remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity, refusing to compromise his artistic vision – a sentiment echoed by his determination to further explore the depths of the Backrooms lore. “There’s absolutely more in the chamber and that’s always been the plan,” he stated.
Beyond the screen
Despite the pressures of Hollywood, Parsons intends to continue making films independently, leveraging his online following and embracing the collaborative spirit of the internet. He views filmmaking as his own form of higher education, a constant learning process fueled by his passion and his unique perspective. As he aptly puts it, ‘There's a lot more with Backrooms that I'm very optimistic we'll get to explore.’