Sci-Fi Thriller 'Imposters' Adds 'Paranormal Activity' Producer to Team

Steven Schneider joins the producing team for the SXSW-premiered film.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:58pm

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An extreme abstract close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of fragmentation and psychological tension.The fragmented psychological state of the characters in the sci-fi thriller 'Imposters' is reflected in this abstract close-up of shattered glass.Austin Today

After its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, the sci-fi thriller 'Imposters' has added Steven Schneider, co-founder of Spooky Pictures and producer of the 'Insidious' and 'Paranormal Activity' franchises, as an executive producer.

Why it matters

Schneider's involvement brings additional genre credibility and production experience to the project, which explores the psychological damage that can occur when people refuse to change. The film's 'Pet Sematary'-inspired premise has also generated early interest.

The details

Directed by Caleb Phillips, 'Imposters' stars Jessica Rothe and Charlie Barnett as a couple whose baby is taken, leading the desperate mother to find a way to bring him back - but her husband begins to suspect that what returned isn't their son. The film's producing team also includes Hell House LLC producer Joe Bandelli.

  • The film held its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in 2026.
  • Schneider co-founded Spooky Pictures in 2020 with Roy Lee.

The players

Steven Schneider

An executive producer on 'Imposters' and co-founder of the indie genre label Spooky Pictures, with credits including the 'Insidious' and 'Paranormal Activity' franchises.

Caleb Phillips

The director of 'Imposters', who said the film is 'inspired by my parents' and 'explores how much damage two people can do to themselves and the world around them when they refuse to change.'

Jessica Rothe

The lead actress in 'Imposters', known for her role in 'Happy Death Day'.

Charlie Barnett

The co-lead actor in 'Imposters', known for his role in 'Russian Doll'.

Joe Bandelli

A producer on 'Imposters' and known for his work on the 'Hell House LLC' franchise.

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What they’re saying

“'Imposters is a mystery thriller inspired by my parents. It explores how much damage two people can do to themselves and the world around them when they refuse to change.'”

— Caleb Phillips, Director

The takeaway

The addition of veteran genre producer Steven Schneider to the 'Imposters' team brings further credibility and experience to this psychological sci-fi thriller, which explores the human cost of refusing to change and adapt. The film's 'Pet Sematary'-inspired premise has also generated early interest, positioning it as a potential breakout genre hit.