Key facts
- YouTuber Markiplier, real name Mark Fischbach, wrote, directed, and starred in the film "Iron Lung."
- The film "Iron Lung" grossed over $50 million worldwide.
- Fischbach self-funded the movie's low seven-figure budget.
- Fischbach believes creators can enter traditional media by retaining control and taking on financial risk.
- YouTube has become a top destination on US TV screens, reaching over 14% market share.
- Fischbach has nearly 40 million subscribers on YouTube.
YouTuber Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Fischbach, has demonstrated a new path for creators to enter traditional media by writing, directing, and starring in his film "Iron Lung." The movie, which Fischbach self-funded with a low seven-figure budget, grossed over $50 million worldwide. Fischbach believes creators can maintain creative control and take on financial risk, challenging the conventional Hollywood model where control is often relinquished.
Fischbach noted that while many influencers once saw TV or movie deals as the ultimate success, the results of such transitions have been mixed. Projects like Comedy Central's "Broad City" found success, while others, such as Lilly Singh's NBC late-night show, were canceled. This trend is reversing, with platforms like YouTube now commanding a significant market share on US TV screens, surpassing competitors like Netflix and Disney. This shift has empowered top YouTube creators, giving them more leverage in negotiations with Hollywood.
Despite the power shift, distributing a film or selling a TV show requires different skills than creating content for YouTube. Fischbach, however, is confident that creators, accustomed to a DIY culture and mastering new formats, can acquire the necessary knowledge. He acknowledged the complexities, even in digitally distributing "Iron Lung" on YouTube, which involved learning new systems beyond simple video uploads. Fischbach views successfully navigating these challenges as symbolically important, proving that creators can manage projects from start to finish with their own vision. He suggested that opportunities like AMC Theaters' model for independent stars could further facilitate this.
Fischbach emphasized that his objective is not to build an empire but to find purpose in the creative process itself. He stated that his YouTube channel will conclude with him, as his primary motivation is the act of creation.