Korine had developed the concept over several years prior to production, with fleeting ideas about the plot and what should transpire. His initial desire was to create a "sensory film" that was more about feeling than action; he placed little importance on narrative or plot, the idea for which came later.[11] Once Korine developed the story's backbone, which takes place around the American spring break period, he traveled to Florida to write the screenplay. Production began in 2012, on an estimated budget of $5 million. It is one of Korine's first theatrical works to receive a wide release.[12]
Spring Breakers was released on March 22, 2013, in the United States by A24 and grossed $31 million worldwide, making it a resounding success considering the small budget. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for the acting and Debie's cinematography especially. Some described it as a potential cult classic.[13][14][15][16] The film was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 69th Venice International Film Festival.[17] Critics and scholars have read deeper meaning in the plot, commenting on its reflection of modern superficiality and the younger generation's self-destructive obsession with highly stylized, disposable pop culture media and sensory ephemera.[18] A sequel, Spring Breakers: The Second Coming, is in development. Jonas Åkerlund and Irvine Welsh initially intended to direct and write, respectively. Since development was restarted Korine has been open to directing and writing the sequel.
^Rothkopf, Joshua. "Spring Breakers". Time Out. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2013. Spring Breakers is either an inspired satire of the youth movie or the most irresponsible comedy mainstream Hollywood will never make.