Net Worth Ranker
What is Jason Blum’s Net Worth?
Jason Blum, the prolific American film producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, has amassed a considerable fortune, with a net worth estimated at $200 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his success in producing highly profitable horror movies and series under the Blumhouse banner.
Blumhouse Productions: A Low-Budget Empire
Blumhouse Productions, founded by Blum, has revolutionized the horror genre by focusing on low-budget films with high creative freedom for directors. This model has resulted in numerous commercially successful franchises, including “Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” and “The Purge.” The “Insidious” franchise, for example, exemplifies this success; the original film, produced on a budget of just $1.5 million, generated over $100 million in global box office revenue. Blumhouse’s average movie budget is around $6 million, while the average global box office gross reaches $60 million. To date, Blumhouse movies have collectively grossed over $5 billion worldwide. These figures showcase the effectiveness of Blum’s business model and its significant contribution to his net worth. Blumhouse specializes in horror movies and series that maximize profit while minimizing risk. By giving directors creative control on a small budget, the company can generate films that earn 10x, 20x, or even 100x their budgets. The studio’s success has come from sticking to a specific budget and genre.
Blumhouse has produced major horror titles like: “Mercy”; “Ouija”; “Sinister”; “Jessabelle”; “The Visit”; “Visions”; “Curve”; “The Gift”; “Ma”; “The Black Phone”; “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”; and “M3GAN.” One of its biggest hits was Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Beyond horror, Blumhouse has produced films like Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash” and Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman.” Other non-horror films include “The Fever”; the comedy “Best Night Ever”; the musical drama “Jem and the Holograms”; the cyberpunk action film “Upgrade”; the black comedy “Vengeance”; and Richard Linklater’s adaptation of the stage musical “Merrily We Roll Along.” These films, while not always commercial blockbusters, contribute to the overall brand and financial health of Blumhouse.
Early Career and Education
Born in Los Angeles in 1969 to Jewish parents Irving and Shirley Blum, Jason Blum’s upbringing was steeped in the arts. His father directed the Ferus Gallery, a contemporary art gallery, while his mother was an art historian and professor. Blum attended Vassar College, graduating in 1991. Notably, he was roommates with future filmmaker Noah Baumbach. After college, Blum began his producing career at Ethan Hawke’s Malaparte theater company before working as an executive at Miramax and Paramount Pictures. In 1995, he financed his first film, “Kicking and Screaming,” written and directed by Noah Baumbach. This early investment marked the beginning of Blum’s journey into the world of film production.
Blumhouse’s Expansion into Television
Blumhouse extended its reach into television production in 2002 with the television film “Hysterical Blindness.” The company ramped up TV production in 2013 with the paranormal investigation reality show “Stranded.” One of Blum’s greatest critical successes came in 2014 with the HBO television film “The Normal Heart,” based on the Larry Kramer stage play. At the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, it won Outstanding Television Movie. Also in 2014, Blum produced the science-fiction mystery miniseries “Ascension.” Blumhouse continued its television success in 2015 with the HBO documentary miniseries “The Jinx,” about Robert Durst. The program won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. Other series produced in 2015 include “Eye Candy,” “South of Hell,” and the game show “Hellevator.” Since then, the company has produced series such as “Ghoul,” “Sharp Objects,” “The Good Lord Bird,” and the horror anthology series “Into the Dark” and “The Purge.” These television ventures provide a steady stream of revenue and contribute to Blum’s overall net worth.
Real Estate Holdings
Jason Blum and his wife, Lauren Schuker, have invested significantly in real estate, with holdings estimated around $40 million in Los Angeles and New York City. In May 2020, Jason paid $14.3 million for a Frank Gehry-designed home in Santa Monica, California. The previous owner bought the property in 2005 for $4.55 million then acquired the home next door for $2.2 million in 2009 to create an incredible 1-acre property. In 2019 Jason paid $9.5 million for a home in LA’s Hancock Park neighborhood and $10 million for a townhouse in Brooklyn Heights. He also owns a $6.5 million penthouse condo at The Ritz Carlton Residences in downtown LA. And finally, the couple own a $10 million townhouse in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. The property holdings represent a substantial portion of Blum’s net worth and reflect his investment strategy.
Philanthropy and Board Memberships
Beyond his film and television ventures, Jason Blum is actively involved in philanthropic activities and serves on the boards of various organizations. He sits on the boards of the Sundance Institute, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Public Theater in New York, and his alma mater Vassar College. He also donated millions of dollars to Vassar in the largest single gift given to the school by a male alumnus. His engagement in these organizations underscores his commitment to the arts and education. Blum’s influence extends beyond his production company, showcasing his wide-ranging impact on the cultural landscape. He leverages his financial success to support institutions that align with his values and interests.
Personal Life
In the summer of 2012, Blum married journalist Lauren Schuker. Together, they have built a life that balances professional success with personal fulfillment. Their real estate investments and philanthropic endeavors reflect their shared values and contribute to their overall financial well-being. Blum’s career has been characterized by his innovative approach to film production, his ability to identify and nurture talent, and his commitment to creating commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. Jason Blum remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to produce films and television shows that resonate with audiences worldwide. His success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of creativity, determination, and a well-executed business strategy.
