Art director reveals struggles with compensation as film crosses $224.7 million globally
Category: Arts & Culture
Focus Features’ *Obsession* has officially become the studio’s highest grossing film ever, surpassing $224.7 million worldwide as of June 2026. Directed by Curry Barker, this horror romance film broke records after becoming the highest grossing movie for Focus at the domestic box office on May 31, 2026.
With a production budget of just $750,000, *Obsession* has outperformed Focus’ previous global earner, *Downton Abbey*, which grossed $194.6 million. The film has also overtaken other notable titles in the studio's history, including *Traffic*, which, though a past success, does not count under the current administration.
The success of *Obsession* is attributed to its unique marketing strategy, which included screenings at cult festivals like SXSW and creative promotions such as personalized Post-It notes from the character Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette. The film’s ability to draw couples across various age groups has created a buzz, leading to discussions about gender dynamics and romantic obsession among audiences as they leave the theatre.
The film’s box office performance is impressive, with a domestic cumulative total of $152.1 million and an international gross of $72.6 million. In the UK and Ireland, *Obsession* has grossed $13.8 million, surpassing the performance of *Get Out* at the same point. In India, it has reached $4.4 million, ranking as the eighth highest MPA horror film in the market. Australia has also contributed significantly, with a total gross of $8.7 million, outperforming other horror films released at the same time.
Meanwhile, the film has sparked a conversation about the pay of below-the-line crew members in the film industry. Sally Choi, the art director, took to Instagram to express her complicated feelings about her compensation, which was $300 per day, totaling around $6,741.36 after taxes for the entire shoot. Choi wore multiple hats during production, taking on roles such as production assistant, set dresser, graphic designer, background actor, driver, swing, and buyer. She highlighted the challenges faced by many crew members, some of whom volunteered and were compensated only for gas and mileage.
Choi's experience reflects a broader issue in the film industry, particularly within low-budget productions, where crew members often face underpayment. The reality is that many filmmakers and crew members take on multiple roles and work for lower rates in the hopes of gaining valuable experience and credits that can help advance their careers. Choi admitted, "Though my official title is art director, I was also a PA, set dresser, graphic designer, background actor, driver, swing, and buyer." This sentiment resonates with many in the industry who have faced similar circumstances.
Choi’s candid reflection on her pay has gone viral, prompting discussions about the fairness of compensation in the film industry. "I kick myself every single day for not flipping this production," she said, acknowledging that she was encouraged not to negotiate her rate and naively complied. The success of *Obsession* raises questions about how compensation structures might change if the potential for success were more predictable.
As *Obsession* continues to break records, it also highlights the stark contrasts in how different roles within the film industry are valued. The film's phenomenal success is not just a win for Focus Features but also a moment of reckoning for the film industry's treatment of its crew, particularly those working behind the scenes.
Looking ahead, *Obsession* is expected to continue its strong performance at the box office, with analysts predicting it could reach even higher totals in the coming weeks. The film's success could lead to potential sequels or spin-offs, as studios often capitalize on successful franchises. This could provide opportunities for Choi and others involved in the production to negotiate higher rates in future projects.
The film's achievements have already opened doors for many of its cast and crew, including Choi, who may find new opportunities arising from the film's breakout success. The industry has a way of rewarding those who have been part of a hit project, and Choi’s experience on *Obsession* could serve as a valuable asset in her future career.
As conversations about fair pay and working conditions continue, the film community is watching closely to see how *Obsession* influences industry standards. The film industry is known for its unpredictability, and the hope is that the success of *Obsession* will lead to improved conditions for all crew members in future productions. As the box office numbers continue to roll in, the impact of this film will be felt for years to come.
In the meantime, *Obsession* has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon, and its influence will likely extend beyond the box office. As the film continues to perform well, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs faced by those who work behind the scenes in the film industry.