Kevin Cate’s sci-fi short film “Open Door” has secured a six-figure development deal for a feature-length adaptation, per Variety. The short has accumulated nearly 15 million views across YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram.

Cate co-wrote the spec script with Charles Spano, screenwriter of “IO.” Sean Anthony Baker and Mia Matthews will reprise their roles from the original three-minute short, which follows two people on an elevator ride. The feature centers on “the surreal, genre-bending journey of Malcolm Powers,” according to an official statement.

Rick Kearney serves as Executive Producer alongside Cate’s Clinging Vine Films. The production company is also behind Cate’s upcoming debut feature “Unbearable Christmas,” starring Julia Stiles, David Cross, and Stephen Root.

Audience Development

Timed with the announcement, Cate launched a dedicated website, opendoorfilm.com, offering fans clues, theories, and behind-the-scenes content. The budgeting process for the feature is expected to conclude later this month, with the production continuing to raise funds and evaluate additional casting options.

“I literally can’t go a day without someone asking me what our characters saw down there,” Cate said in a statement. “And I really, really can’t wait to show everyone, and give some hints along the way. We are ride or die with our original cast and crew who made this all happen.”

Creator-to-Film Pipeline

The deal arrives as the film industry continues to invest in YouTube creators and younger filmmakers with established audiences, following the success of breakout horror films “Obsession” and “Backrooms.” Other YouTube directors currently attached to feature projects include “Portrait of God” filmmaker Dylan Clark and “Mora” director Sam Evenson.

“And we’ve written some of the most incredible roles to make this a next-level project,” Cate said. “Right now, it’s just a matter of showing the demand and finding our village.”

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Check Out Our Podcast