'Obsession' art director reveals shocking salary despite film’s massive success

Obsession art director Sally Choi is calling out the film industry after receiving less than $7,000 in paycheck after working on the horror hit.

The low-budget movie, directed by Curry Barker, has become one of the year’s biggest box office success stories, reportedly earning close to $175 million worldwide from a production budget of around $750,000.

The film follows music store employee Bear, whose magical wish causes terrifying consequences after he asks for co-worker Nikki, played by Indie Navarrette, to love him more than anyone else.

As the movie’s popularity continues to grow, Choi shared a lengthy social media statement detailing the realities faced by many behind-the-scenes crew members.

“Obsession was made for $750K and is projected to make $250M,” she wrote. “How much I made: $300 a day as Art Director.”

Choi said her total earnings after tax amounted to $6,741.36, with no mileage compensation included.

While she acknowledged that she agreed to the rate before filming began, Choi explained she had been living paycheck to paycheck at the time and said the situation is telling of the wider problems within the entertainment industry.

She added, “I did know the rate beforehand and agreed to it, but at the time, I was living paycheck to paycheck. This is the reality of most filmmakers, especially those who work below the line. We become a line in the budget sheet to keep as low as possible.”

Choi also alleged that some crew members worked as volunteers and were only promised gas or mileage expenses, which she claimed were not always paid on time.

She added, “I kick myself every single day for not flipping this production. I was encouraged not to, and I naively listened.”

Despite her official role as art director, she said she also handled multiple additional responsibilities during production, including set dressing, graphic design, driving and production assistant duties.

Although critical of the system, Choi clarified that her frustration was not directed at Barker personally, but said the issue extends beyond one production and reflects larger industry-wide problems.