Jason Blum figured out something that Hollywood hadn't: you can make horror movies for almost nothing and they'll make a fortune. That sounds reductive, but it's basically the Blumhouse model and it's worked absurdly well.
He grew up in LA and started his career at Miramax before founding Blumhouse Productions. The big breakthrough was Paranormal Activity in 2009. Made for about $15,000 and it grossed over $190 million worldwide. That wasn't a fluke either. Blumhouse went on to produce Insidious, The Purge, Get Out, and a ton of other horror hits. The formula is low budgets, high concepts, and giving directors creative freedom. It keeps working.
But Blum isn't just a horror guy. Whiplash was a Blumhouse film and that won three Academy Awards. Get Out was nominated for four, and Jordan Peele took home Best Original Screenplay. The company has expanded into TV, documentaries, and other genres. Blumhouse has basically become its own brand at this point. You see the name on a poster and you have certain expectations.
On Shark Tank he brings an entertainment industry perspective that's rare on the panel. He understands creative businesses, IP, content production, and how to make something commercial without spending a fortune. That low-budget high-return mindset translates really well to evaluating startups.
Some highlights:
- Founded Blumhouse Productions, one of the most profitable production companies in Hollywood
- Produced Paranormal Activity ($15,000 budget, $190 million+ gross)
- Get Out earned four Academy Award nominations including Best Picture
- Whiplash won three Academy Awards