You’ve probably heard the buzz about a Netflix animated movie called K-Pop Demon Hunters.

I was late to the party, but this movie has exploded from Netflix into the theatrical world with a series of sing-along screenings that are selling out nationwide. We’re talking over 1,000 sold-out showtimes and a potential for a multi-million dollar opening weekend for a movie that was already a smash hit on a streaming platform.

This is a weird situation where it feels like Netflix is also pushing people to theaters after they had their success online, which is sort of the reverse way we think of these projects.

So, what can filmmakers learn from this wild success story?

Let’s dive in.

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The Netflix-to-Theatrical Playbook

This isn’t the first time a streaming giant has dabbled in theatrical releases, but the K-Pop Demon Hunters situation is unique for a few reasons.

This wasn’t a limited qualifying run for awards season. This was a full-blown, fan-driven event that tapped into a pre-existing, highly engaged audience.

It’s Netflix basically raking in free money from something they have already done and seen achieve great success on their platform.

The takeaway here is that the lines between streaming and theatrical are becoming increasingly blurred.

The Power of the Niche

Hollywood is often obsessed with the four-quadrant movie, the one that appeals to everyone.

But K-Pop Demon Hunters proves that there is immense power in catering to a specific, passionate audience.

K-pop fans are known for their dedication, and this event was tailor-made for them. After Netflix saw that songs from the movie were taking over the charts, they probably realized that there was a fandom to make money from outside of just streaming the movie.

And it’s sort of ironic, but Netflix knew a limited theatrical run could make them pure profit.

As filmmakers, we should be asking ourselves: who is our niche? Who are the people who will not just watch our film, but champion it?

Find that audience, and they’ll reward you.

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Event-ize Your Film

The sing-along format is genius. It turns a passive viewing experience into an interactive, communal event. And it’s something you can’t really do at home; you want to be surrounded by others doing this stuff with you.

People aren’t just going to see a movie; they’re going to be a part of something. This is what gets people out of their houses and into theaters.

Think about how you can “event-ize” your own film. Could you do a Q&A with the cast and crew? A themed screening? A partnership with a local organization?

What’s your version on a smaller scale?

Summing It All Up

The success of the K-pop Demon Hunters is a reminder that innovative filmmakers ho find their audience are usually rewarded.

So, next time you’re thinking about your release strategy, remember the K-Pop Demon Hunters. The path to success might not be the one you expected.

Let me know what you think in the comments.