The art director who called out the pay rate and working conditions on the set of Obsession has shared an update after being told she’ll be blacklisted from the industry – and she’s doubling down on her position. Obsession is arguably the biggest breakout horror hit of 2026, not least because it was made on a shoestring budget of just $750,000. Thanks to an excellent story, brilliant performances, and genuine scares delivered by director Curry Barker, the film has found huge success through word-of-mouth. Its current box office total is at a whopping $210million. But on Friday, June 5th, Sally Choi – who served as art director on the movie – took to Instagram to drop a bomb on the success. She criticised the fact that she was paid $300 per day, totalling $6741.36 after taxes, and “no mileage.” “I did know the rate beforehand and agreed to it, but atp I was living paycheck to paycheck. This is the reality of most filmmakers especially those who work below the line,” she wrote. “We become a line in the budget sheet to keep as low as possible.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by °•°sally•°•♡ (@kiwisupreez) Sally also said due to the low budget production the crew had to “wear many, many hats”, meaning she also served as a PA, set dresser, graphic designer, and background actor, among other roles. She finished by saying the issue was bigger than Obsession and Curry Barker, urging for other workers in the industry to start a discussion. Her post went viral, sparking a huge conversation all over social media, and while some are defending her for speaking out, many have suggested she’s ruined her career and no other filmmakers will want to work with her in the future. Now Sally’s had time to digest the discourse and she’s not backing down. Taking to Instagram this week, she shared a meme that reads, “Sorry I was so weird, but you invoked a topic I am not capable of being normal about.” Alongside this, she wrote, “I feel no obligation to clear any misunderstandings from my last post. More importantly, I hear your hurt and I will shoulder it with you. “What I posted struck a nerve, not because it was a singular story of being overlooked, but because this happens everyday, in and out of the film industry.” Sally added that she is currently in discussions with Local 800, the Art Directors Guild union, about the issue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by °•°sally•°•♡ (@kiwisupreez) “I encourage you to reach out to your respective union, whether you are a member or not, to discuss a future where we can continue to make the art we love so much for years and years to come,” she said. “And to those not in the industry, I see you too. It is finally time to speak your truth. Do not be afraid; we face the powers that ‘were’ together.” Again, Sally is receiving many angry comments from netizens, with one writing, “Ruined your entire career because you don’t know how career progression works, way to go champ.” “You should take a business law class to learn how contracts work! Would’ve solved all this and saved you the embarrassment,” said another. Others have jumped in to defend her, including this person who commented, “Your work is super incredible, it’s truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see what you’ll work on in the future!” A second chimed in, “Fully support your stance. This pro-capitalistic and pro-status-quo boot-shining in the comments is off-putting, revolting, and sickening.” Curry Barker hasn’t responded to these allegations. For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page. Featured image credit: Focus Features/Instagram/@kiwisupreez Post navigation Next storyPrevious story
