A young filmmaker made a horror movie for next to nothing, and now Hollywood is throwing millions at him.

Curry Barker spent just $750,000 to make 'Obsession,' which is now on track to make $300 million globally.

Imagine working at a coffee shop, dreaming of making movies, and then waking up to find your life has changed forever. That is the reality for one young director who just shook the film world.

WHAT HAPPENED

Curry Barker, a 26-year-old from Alabama, moved to Los Angeles when he was 18. He spent years posting short comedy videos and scary clips online while serving coffee.

Then he wrote and directed a horror film called Obsession for just $750,000. Focus Features bought it, and the movie became a massive hit, heading toward $300 million worldwide.

Last week, Barker walked into a surprise meeting where 250 employees cheered him. The studio head handed him a golden prop from his movie to celebrate the success.

WHAT THE MONEY/EVIDENCE SHOWS

The movie Obsession cost only $750,000 to make.

• Focus Features bought the film for $15 million.
• The film made $17 million in its first weekend.
• In its second weekend, ticket sales rose to $27 million, tying a growth record set by E.T. in 1982.
• One company offered Barker $10 million just to pitch his next idea.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Success like this used to require years of working inside major film studios. Now, young creators are finding fame by sharing their own work directly online first.

Should major studios feel worried that cheap, indie films are beating their big-budget films? This success proves that audiences want fresh ideas more than expensive special effects.

THE OTHER SIDE

Skeptics might say this is a rare stroke of luck that most filmmakers will never see. Many cheap films get made every year and never find an audience.

But the ticket sales show that this film has real staying power with regular people.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

This success means regular filmgoers will get to see more unique, low-budget horror movies in theaters. Barker is already working on his next film, Anything But Ghosts, and a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Will Barker's next film be able to match the massive success of his first hit?

• How will his sudden fame change the way he writes and directs movies?
• Will other big studios start taking more risks on young, unknown filmmakers?