As horror streaming platform Shudder celebrates its 10-year anniversary, AMC Networks has announced a promotion in their ranks.
Sam Zimmerman, who was formerly VP of Programming has been named Senior Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions. In his new role, Sam will continue to curate and lead Shudder’s programming, something he has excelled at since Shudder’s conception. In fact, he spoke to 1428 Elm about his history with Shudder when we interviewed him in October of 2023.
Sam will report to Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group Scott Shooman, and work directly with Emily Gotto, who is Senior VP of acquisitions and Productions. AMC’s Film group includes RLJE Films, IFC Films, and Shudder’s own film division.
Shooman had high praise for Sam, saying it was fitting that as part of the 10-year celebration of Shudder they also “celebrate Sam Zimmerman’s incredible contributions to the service and to the horror genre.” Shooman described those contributions as Sam’s “expert curatorial approach and passion for bringing audiences engaging and unexpected experiences.”
A true fan of horror, Zimmerman performs a lot of jobs within Shudder, including incredibly detailed curation, moderating and hosting Shudder Showcases at AMC’s IFC Center Theater, and manning the Halloween Hotline each year in October. For the Halloween Hotline, he takes calls and gives Shudder subscribers personalized recommendations for films that can be watched on the platform.
Zimmerman himself said it is a continued thrill to be able to play a part in Shudder’s evolution, and that he is grateful for its “passionate” fans and “the immeasurably talented filmmakers and producers who have trusted us to share their stories.”
Rather than just offering tried and true horror movies, Shudder also acquires exclusives and produces originals. Over the last ten years, Zimmerman has had the opportunity to work with filmmakers such as Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Heart Eyes), Coralie Fargeat (Revenge, The Substance). Demian Rugna (Terrified, When Evil Lurks) and Jennifer Reeder (V/H/S/94, Perpetrator).
Shudder releases that have hit big over the past year (even receiving theatrical releases) include The Ugly Stepsister, The Rule of Jenny Penn and Late Night with the Devil. Still to come are slasher/shark mashup Dangerous Animals and Clown in a Cornfield, which opens in theaters May 9.
When Shudder announced its Shudder10 celebration, part of that announcement was the Shudder 10 Screening Series, which is a handpicked list of Shudder films curated by Sam himself.
Shudder and Sam Zimmerman both deserve pats on the back for claiming a staggering seven titles in Rotten Tomatoes top 10 2024 horror list. The number one spot went to Late Night with the Devil. Also on the list: Infested, MadS, Stop Motion, The Devil’s Bath and Oddity.