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Viral Short 'Open Door' Gets Six‑Figure Feature Development Deal

The agreement moves the creator-written project toward financing and a wider release by converting online buzz into measurable audience demand.

Overview

  • In mid-June 2026 the project entered formal development after a six-figure deal with Kevin Cate’s Clinging Vine Films and executive producer Rick Kearney.
  • Cate and screenwriter Charles Spano have written a spec feature script that expands the short into a surreal, genre‑bending journey centered on a character named Malcolm Powers.
  • Original performers Sean Anthony Baker and Mia Matthews are set to reprise their roles while the team finalizes a budget later this month and raises additional funds for production.
  • Cate has launched an interactive website to share clues and measure fan interest as the producers consider further casting and seek financing and distribution.
  • The deal follows a recent pattern of studios and financiers turning viral shorts into low‑budget, high‑return features after films like Backrooms and Obsession proved the model can succeed.