Biography
Samuel Zimmerman is a highly respected American film executive, producer, and curator recognized as one of the leading voices in modern horror and genre entertainment. For over a decade, Zimmerman served as a foundational creative architect for Shudder, AMC Networks' premier genre streaming service. Joining the platform in its earliest developmental stages, he climbed the ranks to become the Senior Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions. Known for his calculating yet passionate approach to film curation, Zimmerman’s taste heavily influenced the modern horror landscape, championing boundary-pushing independent filmmakers and establishing Shudder as a dominant brand in the targeted streaming space.
Zimmerman's deep roots in the horror community began long before his executive tenure. He spent six years as an editor and writer for Fangoria Magazine, the world's most iconic horror film publication, where he deeply immersed himself in alternative cinema and built crucial relationships with underground filmmakers. His editorial background provided him with an unparalleled eye for talent, which he seamlessly transitioned into his work at AMC Networks. At Shudder, he was personally involved in almost every aspect of the streamer's content, overseeing teams tasked with acquiring, developing, and shepherding feature films and series through production, casting, and script development.
Throughout his career, Zimmerman has been an instrumental champion for a diverse slate of acclaimed international and independent filmmakers. He has collaborated with and elevated the work of visionary directors such as Coralie Fargeat, Demián Rugna, Issa López, David Bruckner, Chloe Okuno, and Jayro Bustamante. His curatorial instincts helped guide breakout indie hits to massive audiences, including the viral screenlife sensation Host, the terrifying Argentinian breakout When Evil Lurks, and the critical darling Oddity. In recognition of his massive impact on the television and streaming landscape, Zimmerman was named to the NYC TV Week "40 Under 40" class in 2022.
In early 2026, Zimmerman transitioned into a major new chapter of his career when he was appointed by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster as Senior Vice President of Development and Acquisitions. In this highly coveted role, he serves as a vital creative liaison between the two freshly merged genre powerhouses. Based out of New York City, Zimmerman leads a focused slate of feature films, specializing in filmmaker relationships, creative incubation, and long-term collaboration with emerging directorial voices.
Alongside his executive leadership, Zimmerman is an accomplished producer with a prolific track record of supporting unique cinematic projects. His extensive credits as a producer or executive producer include the hit ongoing Shudder series The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, the Shudder original documentary series Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror, and acclaimed feature films such as Perpetrator, Suitable Flesh, Blood Relatives, and The Rule of Jenny Pen starring John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush.
