Blythe Hall and the Horror of Being an Influencer

When you picture influencers from content houses, Blythe Hall probably comes to mind. Since moving to Sway House in January 2020, she’s seen her social media presence skyrocket, amassing millions of followers on both Instagram and TikTok. But what happens when an influencer’s true opinion is put to the test? Hall is tackling that question in her latest project, Skill House, a horror film due in theaters on July 11th.

This new movie revolves around Carter (played by Hall), a well-known influencer whose sisters, portrayed by Hanna Stockings, are horrifically murdered while live streaming for viewers. Fast forward two years post-tragedy, and Carter, along with a group of influencers, find themselves ensnared by the same killer who traps them in a skill house designed for maximum views.

The film recently gained viral attention due to a controversy involving 50 Cent, who allegedly attempted to block its release over financial disputes. “I really can’t comprehend his motives,” Hall shared. “He tried to hold the film hostage for $5 million.” In a chat with Decider, Hall opened up about the controversy and her thoughts regarding Skill House and internet culture.

Transitioning to Acting

Hall’s first big acting role follows a minor cameo in Netflix’s He’s All That. How did she feel stepping into this new realm of acting? “I can’t really say I have prior acting experience; my last role was just a brief appearance. But I found this opportunity really exciting,” Hall said. “It felt a bit like shooting a lengthy YouTube video, which made the experience enjoyable.”

Collaboration with Ryan Kavanaugh

She described how producer Ryan Kavanaugh introduced her to writer Josh Stolberg. Initially, Hall found it hard to envision the film’s concept when Kavanaugh explained it, but after Stolberg elaborated, she was eager to sign on.

Working with Hannah Stocking

Her co-star, Hannah Stocking, plays her sister early in the film. “That was cool for me. Despite having interacted online for ages, we’ve never worked on anything together. So it was interesting yet felt quite natural,” Hall reflected.

The Nostalgia of Sway House

Returning to the original Sway House, where she first became famous, added a layer of comfort for Hall during filming. “I think it’s nice for the audience to get nostalgic vibes from the setting. For me personally, it felt good to be back; my dressing room was my old bedroom, which was pretty awesome,” she noted.

Unexpected Moments on Set

During the shoot, a crew member fainted while filming a gory scene, which startled Hall. “Honestly, I was shocked. The effects looked so realistic that it caught everyone off guard. It was surreal to see how unprepared we were for such an intense moment,” she expressed.

Special Effects Budget

Hall also mentioned the surprising costs involved in creating special effects. “Some of the scenes were really intricate, using green screens to make things look realistic. When I saw the final cut, I was stunned by how well everything turned out,” she said.

Controversy with 50 Cent

Regarding the legal disputes involving 50 Cent, Hall admitted she didn’t understand his reasoning. “He seemed to be caught up in financial matters, and while I can’t speak for him, I found it surprising. We actually won in court recently, so that’s a relief. He was great during filming, so it was unexpected,” she remarked.

Pressure as an Influencer

Portraying Carter, who feels immense pressure, led Hall to reflect on her own experiences. “When I started on TikTok, I did some outrageous things just to get views. Thankfully, I found a good support group to keep me grounded. In the beginning, I was a bit controversial,” she admitted.

The Movie’s Message

As for what she hopes audiences take away from the film regarding social media, Hall emphasized, “I appreciate that there’s a deeper meaning behind this film. It’s not just about seeking attention; rather, it’s crucial to consider how you attract it. Some morally questionable actions stem from a desire for attention, and that’s something we need to reflect on.”

Don’t miss Skill House, now playing in theaters. Tickets can be found at participating locations.