Indie horror hit Obsession is one in every of 2026’s largest field workplace surprises, however its success has sparked a brand new debate about crew pay. Artwork director Sally Choi revealed she earned simply $6,741.36 after taxes for her work on the movie, even because it nears $175 million-$250 million worldwide on a $750,000 finances.
What the Obsession Artwork Director Mentioned
Choi, credited as Sally Choi on IMDb, posted on Instagram that she was paid $300/day as an artwork director for about 20 days of labor. With no mileage reimbursement, her take-home was $6,741.36.
“Obsession was made for $750K and is projected to make $250M. How a lot I made: $300/day as Artwork Director. This got here out to $6741.36 after taxes. No mileage”.
Choi stated she knew the speed and agreed to it as a result of she was “dwelling paycheck to paycheck”. However she argues the state of affairs displays a wider drawback for below-the-line employees.
Extra Than Simply Artwork Path
Choi described carrying “many hats” on the micro-budget shoot: PA, set dresser, graphic designer, background actor, driver, swing, and purchaser. She additionally claimed some crew had been volunteers “paid in fuel and mileage” that “wasn’t even paid on time”, which means individuals lined prices out of pocket to work on set.
“I kick myself each single day for not flipping this manufacturing. I used to be inspired to not and I naively listened,” she wrote.
Concerning the Movie _Obsession_
Directed by YouTuber Curry Barker, Obsession stars Michael Johnston and Indi Navarrette. The plot follows shy music retailer worker Bear who makes use of a magical “One Want Willow” to make his crush Nikki obsessively love him, with violent outcomes.
Made for $750K, it is turn out to be Focus Options’ high film of all time, grossing $175M+ globally with projections as much as $250M. The viral success has prolonged its theatrical run.
Why This Is Sparking Business Debate
Feast or Famine: Director Joseph Kahn famous the “feast or famine” nature of Hollywood, the place crew pay typically doesn’t scale with field workplace wins.
Under-the-Line Strain: Choi stated crew grew to become “a line within the finances sheet to maintain as little as doable” on indie movies.
AI & Job Safety: Her put up went viral as below-the-line roles face new threats from AI effectivity instruments that would exchange people.
Choi says she’s talking out to push for reform and encourage others to share their experiences. “I hope that higher dialogue may ultimately assist deliver reform”.
The Larger Image: Hollywood Pay Disparities
Obsession is not alone. Forbes yearly tracks “overpaid actors” vs. crew wages. Whereas stars like Robert Downey Jr. made $75M for Avengers: Endgame with backend offers, many crew work day charges with no revenue participation.
The controversy highlights ongoing labor tensions, just like the 2024 Forbes Union walkout demanding a $75K wage flooring and higher circumstances.
Backside Line: Obsession proves a micro-budget movie can turn out to be a world hit. However for a lot of crew, the payday stays micro — even when the gross hits 9 figures. Choi’s story has reignited requires transparency and honest compensation in unbiased filmmaking.
