A24's SCP Film Sparks Licensing Dispute with Original Creators
The actual SCP Foundation claims no involvement in the upcoming V/H/S spin-off movie.
1A24's Major Acquisition
A24 secured worldwide rights for 'V/H/S: SCP', planning a global theatrical release. This marks a significant expansion for the studio, following successes like 'Undertone' and 'Civil War'. The V/H/S franchise previously released on Shudder, with 2024's 'Mixtape' being the latest installment. Theatrical performance has varied, with the original 2012 film earning $1.9 million, while sequels had limited runs making tens of thousands.
2SCP's Horror Potential
The SCP universe, a collaborative sci-fi/horror project active since 2008, presents strong cinematic potential. Horror has grown significantly since 2012, with longer theatrical legs. The SCP's established mythology could serve as an accessible entry point for general audiences. This adaptation comes amid success for similar horror properties like 'The Backrooms' in 2024.
3Foundation's Public Statement
The actual SCP Foundation revealed they have no involvement with the film, despite attempts to contact A24 and producers. They clarified Deadline's report about 'worldwide rights' is incorrect under their Creative Commons ShareAlike license. This license requires derivative works to remain DRM-free and non-exclusive in distribution. The Foundation expressed disappointment at the filmmakers' lack of engagement with original creators.
4License Requirements
For legal compliance, the film must be released DRM-free on platforms like YouTube without cost. The ShareAlike license prohibits exclusive distribution deals. These terms fundamentally conflict with A24's planned theatrical release model. The Foundation noted this isn't the first time Hollywood has misunderstood open-source creative licenses.
5Creative Commons Challenges
The situation highlights tensions between commercial filmmaking and collaborative online creations. SCP's wiki-based nature means hundreds of contributors hold moral rights. Past adaptations like 'The Backrooms' worked closely with original creators, setting a precedent. The Foundation remains open to discussions about proper compliance before the 2027 release.
6Industry Implications
This dispute could impact how studios approach internet-born horror properties. Successful adaptations like 'Five Nights at Freddy's' show the genre's profitability. However, legal complexities arise when source material has decentralized ownership. A24's handling may influence future negotiations between Hollywood and online creative communities.
7Production Timeline
With a vague 2027 release window, there's time for resolution. The Foundation emphasizes their preference for collaboration over litigation. Previous V/H/S films had 12-18 month production cycles, suggesting principal photography hasn't begun. This allows room for license compliance adjustments before significant resources are committed.
8Broader Context
The conflict reflects growing pains as niche internet phenomena enter mainstream media. The SCP wiki receives 20 million monthly visits, demonstrating substantial built-in audience potential. How A24 navigates this will set important precedents for derivative works based on collaboratively-licensed content in the streaming era.
Original article: Gizmodo — A24's SCP Film Sparks Licensing Dispute with Original Creators