Lionsgate and 3 Arts Entertainment Launch New Horror Banner Render Road

Lionsgate and 3 Arts Entertainment have united forces to establish a fresh production banner named Render Road. This venture aims to develop content for various platforms, encompassing film, television series, digital storytelling, and more. Render Road intends to work alongside both fresh and experienced talents, both independently and in tandem with other studios and production entities.

The goal is to enable Lionsgate and 3 Arts to connect with audiences in the locations where they consume and interact with the horror genre.

Luke Maxwell and Will Rowbotham will lead the initiative for 3 Arts. Notably, 3 Arts has nurtured a new wave of horror storytellers, including Kane Parsons, Ian Tuason, and Dylan Clark. Parsons is behind "Backrooms," Tuason has worked on "Undertone" and the upcoming "Paranormal Activity," and Clark is directing the new "Blair Witch" for Lionsgate and Blumhouse Atomic, as well as "Portrait of God" for Lionsgate and producers Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele.

Lionsgate has a storied past in the horror genre, from "The Blair Witch Project" (part of their Artisan acquisition) to Eli Roth's "Hostel" and the enduring "Saw" franchise. They are currently spearheading a remake of the 1978 classic "Magic," directed by Raimi and written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon. Additionally, they are developing "Portrait of God" and the upcoming "Blair Witch," alongside a new "Saw" directed by Mike P. Nelson.

The year 2026 has been marked by the rise of horror sensations, like A24's "Backrooms" and Focus Features' "Obsession," which not only performed well at the global box office but also re-engaged younger moviegoers to return to theaters. This aligns with the strategy of other studios to target the same audience and level of engagement.