Film studio A24 has reversed a series of copyright strikes targeting fan-created content related to "The Backrooms" following significant backlash on social media. The company stated that the takedowns were the result of an "outsourced system error" and not intentional actions by the studio.
The controversy began when fans reported that artwork on print-on-demand sites like Redbubble, based on the original "Backrooms" liminal hallway image, had been removed due to copyright complaints filed on behalf of A24 Films LLC. This was followed by reports from indie developers that their "Backrooms"-themed games were also facing copyright claims on platforms such as the Google Play Store, with at least three other small developers experiencing similar issues.
Kane Parsons, director of A24's upcoming "The Backrooms" film, initially commented on the situation, stating he was investigating and that such actions "should not be happening." Parsons had previously described the "Backrooms" concept as an "open-source, public domain idea" and expressed disinterest in pursuing copyright claims against fans.
The fan response was largely negative, with many accusing A24 of attempting to claim ownership over the "Backrooms" intellectual property. However, Parsons later indicated in a private Discord message that A24 had informed him the takedowns were part of an automated process for removing "camrips," which he believed to be an error. He stated he was "demanding reform and answers" and that the company was working to resolve the issue and planned to issue a statement.
Shortly after, A24's official "Backrooms" Instagram account posted an update, confirming that the initial takedown on Redbubble was an automated claim that they were working to reverse. The company clarified that it "makes no claim of ownership over the yellow wallpaper, the original post referencing it, or any of the community works that have since been built around it," and pledged to continue supporting artists inspired by the concept.
Regarding the issues on the Google Play Store, Davilkus Games, an affected indie developer, later clarified that their problems were believed to be an "automated error on Google's side, not a copyright claim from A24, Kane Parsons or any affiliated parties."
This situation arises as A24 is reportedly in negotiations with Parsons for future projects following the considerable success of his "Backrooms" film, which grossed over $374 million against a $10 million budget. Several other major studios are also reportedly vying for a deal with the director, making it unlikely that A24 would wish to alienate him.
The "Backrooms" copyright incident also occurs amidst recent scrutiny of A24's business practices, including a $75 million deal with Google's AI subsidiary DeepMind. This is particularly notable given the themes in "The Backrooms" film, which some interpret as a critique of generative AI, a technology Parsons has described as "genuinely harmful to creativity."