In a bold move, the stars of The Blair Witch Project have come together to address Lionsgate after the studio announced a partnership with Blumhouse for a reboot. Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams have released a joint statement outlining their demands for retroactive and future residual payments, meaningful consultation on any future Blair Witch projects, and the creation of a grant for aspiring filmmakers.
The trio is requesting residuals for their acting services rendered in the original Blair Witch Project, equivalent to what would have been allotted through SAG-AFTRA, if they had proper union or legal representation at the time of filming. This demand highlights the importance of fair compensation for their contributions to the iconic film.
Donahue, Leonard, and Williams also want to be consulted on any future Blair Witch projects, ensuring that their names and likenesses are associated with any promotional materials. They emphasize the disappointment of the previous reboots, stating that they were made without significant creative input from the original team. This call for consultation highlights the desire for authenticity and respect for the original vision of the filmmakers.
In addition to residual payments and creative input, the trio is proposing the creation of “The Blair Witch Grant.” This grant would award a $60k prize, equivalent to the original film’s budget, to an unknown or aspiring genre filmmaker to assist in making their first feature film. This initiative aims to support new talent in the industry and provide opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their creativity without relinquishing ownership of their work to a studio.
The statement from Eduardo Sánchez, Dan Myrick, Gregg Hole, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello, the directors and producers of The Blair Witch Project, also underscores the significance of the original cast’s contributions to the franchise. They acknowledge the unique impact of Donahue, Leonard, and Williams on the film’s authenticity and its enduring appeal to audiences worldwide. This endorsement adds further weight to the stars’ demands for recognition and involvement in future projects.
The collective voice of the Blair Witch Project stars represents an important stance on the need for fair compensation, creative input, and support for emerging filmmakers in the industry. Their demands reflect a commitment to preserving the legacy of the original film and ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued. As the conversation around creative ownership and representation continues to evolve in the entertainment industry, the collective action taken by Donahue, Leonard, and Williams serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting the voices and contributions of all involved in a collaborative work.