The original Blair Witch cast is demanding money and creative power

They ask for subsequent financial compensation and creative power a The Blair Witch Project the characters of the horror film Rei Hance, Joshua Leonard and Michael Williams They published their open letter with their specific demands on Facebook. All of this was posted after Jason Bloom announced: Blumhouse is rebooting the Blair Witch series, more films are expected.

THE The Blair Witch Project It was released in 1999 and became a landmark in horror history. Made for just $60,000, it grossed $250 million worldwide and re-introduced the found footage genre. It also owes its success to the Internet, as it was one of the first films to be promoted via the Internet, and in addition, successful viral marketing was built around the film: they played on the fact that it was a real story, during which the characters disappeared.

The three protagonists have now formulated very specific demands:

• retroactive and future financial compensation. They mention that in 1999 they were not members of the actors’ guild (SAG-AFTRA), there was no interest protection organization behind them, accordingly, for example, they do not receive a share of the reenactments either
• a consultation opportunity regarding all future Blair Witch projects, meaning not just the movies, but everything that comes under the franchise: toys, attractions, gadgets, escape rooms. All of this is justified by the fact that in the two sequels following the 1999 film, the original crew was not consulted for creative advice, and this was evident in the extremely disappointing works. This could have been avoided if they were asked, because – as written in the letter – they really know what the fans need. They add that if the characters of the three actors appear in these, they expect additional compensation
• a so-called Blair Witch Creation Aid: the $60,000 donation would be distributed annually by Lionsgate to unknown talents who want to make their first film. Their important stipulation is that it be a donation, not a financial fund thanks to which Lionsgate acquires the rights to the film.

By the way, the actors are also supported by the director and production staff of the original film, following the open letter Eduardo Sánchez, Dan Myrick, Gregg Hole, Robin Cowie and Michael Monello also issued a statement assuring them of their support.