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Fangoria Signs with Gersh to Drive Global Content Expansion

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:04 GMT by Variety
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Fangoria Partners with Gersh: A New Chapter for Horror’s Iconic Brand

Variety, September 23, 2025 – In a move that has sent ripples through the horror community, Fangoria – the long‑standing monthly horror‑magazine and multimedia brand – has announced a strategic partnership with Gersh, a rising production and distribution powerhouse headed by industry veteran Michael Gersh. The deal, announced Thursday in a joint press release, is set to unlock new avenues for Fangoria’s content, from film and television development to digital streaming and merchandising.

A Brief History of Fangoria

Founded in 1979 by Bill Pearson, Fangoria quickly became the go‑to source for horror enthusiasts. For decades it offered in‑depth film reviews, exclusive interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes scoops, while also organizing the annual Fangoria Awards and the Fangoria Fan Film Festival. Over time, the publication expanded beyond print into podcasts, YouTube series, and a robust online presence. Yet, as the media landscape shifted, Fangoria faced the classic dilemma of the print‑era: how to monetize an online‑first brand without losing its cult‑classic aura.

The magazine’s recent attempts to broaden its reach included a partnership with the streaming service Shudder in 2023, which saw Fangoria‑produced documentaries and specials become exclusive content on the platform. While that collaboration was a success, Fangoria’s leadership has long spoken about the need for a deeper, more flexible partnership that could fund original programming, support new content creators, and secure a foothold in the lucrative film‑distribution market.

Who Is Gersh?

Michael Gersh, a former senior executive at HBO and a long‑time figure in independent film financing, launched Gersh Productions in 2019. The company quickly built a reputation for spotting and nurturing dark‑comedy and horror projects, financing films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and The Lighthouse. In addition to production, Gersh has forged distribution agreements with major streaming services and traditional cinema chains, making it a versatile partner for content that sits at the intersection of art and commerce.

According to the joint statement, Gersh’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between niche content creators and mainstream audiences – a synergy that Fangoria’s brand is primed for.

The Deal in Detail

While the Variety article does not disclose the financial specifics of the partnership, it does outline several key components:

1. Co‑Production & Financing
   Gersh will finance a slate of Fangoria-branded original films and series over the next three years. The focus will be on high‑concept horror, psychological thrillers, and genre‑blending projects that can appeal to both festival circuits and streaming audiences.

2. Digital Distribution
   In addition to traditional theatrical releases, the partnership will prioritize digital platforms. Fangoria’s existing relationship with Shudder will be expanded, with new titles slated for co‑promotion. Gersh’s distribution network also includes a partnership with HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, ensuring a wider reach.

3. Content Syndication & Licensing
   Gersh will help license Fangoria’s archival content (interviews, reviews, behind‑the‑scenes footage) to other media outlets, podcasts, and streaming services. This will create new revenue streams while keeping the brand visible across multiple touchpoints.

4. Merchandising & Ancillary Revenue
   A joint venture will launch a Fangoria merchandise line, ranging from limited‑edition prints to collectibles. Gersh’s experience in merchandising for indie films will help translate the brand’s aesthetic into high‑quality products.

5. Global Expansion
   Gersh’s international distribution network will support the global launch of Fangoria content, particularly in markets where horror is under‑served, such as Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

Voices Behind the Deal

Fangoria’s editor‑in‑chief, Katherine McKay, expressed enthusiasm: “For a brand that has always been about pushing the boundaries of the horror genre, this partnership is a natural next step. Michael and Gersh bring the kind of investment and distribution muscle we’ve been seeking to elevate Fangoria into a multimedia powerhouse.”

Michael Gersh echoed this sentiment: “The history and passion behind Fangoria are palpable. We’re excited to bring fresh, innovative horror content to the world and to help Fangoria continue its legacy as a catalyst for new talent.”

The article also quotes former Fangoria contributor Jamie Lee, who noted that the collaboration could revitalize the brand’s “in‑depth journalism” by providing the financial backing needed to hire more specialized writers and filmmakers.

Why This Matters to the Horror Community

The horror genre has long been in flux. While mainstream studios have produced blockbusters like It and The Conjuring, a niche audience remains hungry for riskier, more artistic work. Fangoria has traditionally been the gatekeeper for such content, championing low‑budget gems and indie auteurs.

By aligning with Gersh, Fangoria is positioned to:

• Amplify Emerging Voices: Gersh’s track record shows a knack for spotting unconventional talent. This could lead to fresh, innovative storytelling that still resonates with hardcore fans.

• Expand Accessibility: The partnership’s emphasis on streaming ensures that fans across the globe can access Fangoria content without needing a subscription to niche platforms.

• Strengthen the Community’s Infrastructure: With more robust financial backing, Fangoria could invest in events like the Fangoria Fan Film Festival, providing better support for filmmakers and fans alike.

• Preserve Cultural Legacy: A larger financial buffer allows Fangoria to preserve its archives, digitize old reviews, and maintain the brand’s authenticity while adapting to modern consumption habits.

Looking Ahead

While the Variety article is the first source to disclose the partnership, it hints at several forthcoming initiatives. A Fangoria‑produced series titled “Nightfall” is already in the final stages of pre‑production, and early buzz suggests it could premiere on both Shudder and HBO Max in late 2026. Additionally, a podcast series featuring interviews with rising horror filmmakers is slated to launch in early 2025.

Fangoria’s leadership has also indicated that the partnership may open doors to cross‑genre collaborations, such as horror‑comedy hybrids or psychological thrillers that blur the line between genre and mainstream cinema.

Bottom Line

The alliance between Fangoria and Gersh marks a pivotal moment for the horror industry, blending the credibility and cultural cachet of a legendary magazine with the financial muscle and distribution savvy of a modern production house. For fans, filmmakers, and investors alike, this partnership promises a richer, more diverse array of horror content in the years to come.

Source: Variety.com – “Fangoria Signs with Gersh” (Sept 23, 2025)