Paranormal Activity Gets Expanded Release

A couple of weeks ago we posted the trailer for the new supernatural, super low-budget horror film called Paranormal Activity, which has been generating a lot of great word of mouth and reviews (including from our own Kofi Outlaw). The end of the trailer let you know that if  Paranormal Activity wasn’t playing in YOUR city, that you could go to the official website and “Demand It” to come to a theater near you.

On the surface the “You Demand It!” campaign looked like one of those neat ideas that would never really work in practice. Well, think again guys! It appears the “Demand It” feature has worked very well, as evidenced by the fact that Paramount will be opening Paranormal Activity in 20 additional cities than it was showing in before. Along with the list of new cities, here’s a quick message from the film’s writer, director, producer and editor, Oren Peli:

“Hi everyone,

I just got some good news from the studio. Because of the high demand it numbers, and the fact that the weekend screenings sold out, Paramount agreed to expand the movie to more cities this weekend.

We will be in 20 new cities!

Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
DC/Baltimore, MD
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Miami, FL
Minneapolis, MN
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento, CA
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Tampa, FL

Thank you for demanding the movie in your home town.

Please continue the support and keep demanding it, because it’s working!

Thanks!

Oren”

The reason for Paranormal Activity’s theatrical expansion is, as Peli said, because it did so well last weekend, apparently selling out its weekend screenings (with lines going round the block for it!). It’s already made more than seven times its shooting budget – costing just $11,000 to make, it’s already pulled in almost $78,000. Impressive for a film of its small size/budget.

I’ve not yet had the privilege of being scared by Paranormal Activity, as I live in the UK (Scotland) and I imagine the demand for the film will start off heavily in the U.S. before making its way overseas. No matter, the “Demand It” feature is evidently working as planned, so I guess it’s only a matter of time before it plays in my neck of the woods.

Is Paranormal Activity playing in YOUR city yet? If not, remember to head over to the film’s official website to “Demand It” be brought to where you are. If it IS showing near you, check your local theaters for showtimes and tickets.

I really do wish this film continues to do well – quality small flicks like this deserve every bit of recognition as the big stuff.