Paranormal Activity Producer Steven Schneider Joins SXSW Sci-Fi Thriller 'Imposters'

Schneider's Spooky Pictures label will executive produce the film, which centers on a couple whose baby mysteriously disappears.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass and glittering shards, reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the unsettling mystery at the heart of the sci-fi thriller.The shattered, reflective textures of 'Imposters' hint at the film's unsettling genre-blending premise.Austin Today

Steven Schneider, the producer behind the 'Paranormal Activity' franchise, has joined the sci-fi thriller 'Imposters' as an executive producer under his indie genre label Spooky Pictures. The film, which premiered at this year's SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, follows a couple whose baby boy disappears, with the mother eventually finding a way to bring him back - though her husband grows increasingly convinced that what returned is not their child.

Why it matters

Schneider's involvement as an executive producer on 'Imposters' is significant, as his Spooky Pictures label has a track record of backing emerging genre talent and helping to elevate projects with international appeal. The film's genre-blending premise and strong performances have already generated buzz among horror fans, and Schneider's expertise in the space could help propel the project to new heights.

The details

Directed by Caleb Phillips in his feature debut, 'Imposters' stars Jessica Rothe, Charlie Barnett, and Yul Vazquez. The screenplay was also written by Phillips, who previously won awards for his short film 'Other Side of the Box.' The film was produced by Thomas Bond and Sara Seligman of Broken Pig Productions, alongside Joe Bandelli of Marylous' Boys, known for the 'Hell House LLC' franchise. Blue Finch Films is handling global sales.

  • The film premiered at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas in March 2026.
  • Schneider's Spooky Pictures label was co-founded in 2020 with Roy Lee.

The players

Steven Schneider

A veteran producer known for his work on the 'Paranormal Activity' franchise, Schneider has now joined 'Imposters' as an executive producer under his Spooky Pictures label.

Caleb Phillips

The director and screenwriter of 'Imposters,' making his feature film debut after winning awards for his short film 'Other Side of the Box.'

Jessica Rothe

The lead actress in 'Imposters,' known for her roles in films like 'Happy Death Day.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When I came across 'Imposters' at SXSW this year, the project's international potential was immediately evident – its genre-bending storyline, anchored by stellar performances, make it a relentlessly gripping experience that is already captivating horror fans.”

— Steven Schneider, Executive Producer, Spooky Pictures

What’s next

Schneider and his Spooky Pictures team will work to help promote and distribute 'Imposters' to international audiences, leveraging their expertise in the genre space.

The takeaway

Schneider's involvement in 'Imposters' is a significant boost for the film, as his Spooky Pictures label has a track record of supporting emerging genre talent and helping to elevate projects with global appeal. The film's unique premise and strong performances have already generated buzz, and Schneider's expertise could help propel it to new heights.