Paramount Pictures has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Area 51, director and writer Oren Peli’s follow-up to the low budget hugely successful indie Paranormal Activity, which has become the most profitable independent film ever made.

I really enjoyed Paranormal Activity, it didn’t scare me particularly, probably due to me being desensitized by watching so many horror films, yet at the press screening everyone else seemed to be sh*tting themselves, there were loads of gasps and I had noticed there was a record number of people going to the toilet, the woman sitting next to me screamed at the last scene, Hollywood damsel in distress style, I was embarrassed for her.

Oren Peli filmed Area 51 last month in Utah with three virtually unknown actors - Reid Warner, Darrin Bragg and Ben Rovner. The film was shot for just under $5 million. Area 51 which has been described as a “claustrophobic terror”, centers around “three teenagers whose curiosity leads them to the legendary and mysterious Area 51 Air Force base deep in the Nevada desert.”

Area 51 is due for release in 2010