tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55907803382137701642024-02-06T23:45:10.793-08:00Horror Film Festivals and AwardsBy Thomas M. Sipos, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786449721/communistvampire">Horror Film Aesthetics</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-79655746025706909942018-10-16T15:27:00.001-07:002018-10-16T15:46:45.495-07:00BloodPool Wants Short Films with Strong Characters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Located in Liverpool, UK, <a href="https://www.bloodpoolfestival.com/">BloodPool</a>
will hold its debut screening this October 27th.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a shorts
only festival. Altogether, ten shorts will be screened, to be followed by "interactive attractions" (e.g., a haunted house) and a party.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Festival director (and former film
student) Junior Davies wants films that "grab your attention
from the go, are unique, and hang on suspense leading to an
unforeseeable scare. A horror filmmaker should have the skill
to hang on a shot and build tension. This leads to your audience
guessing what's going to happen. The more cine-literate audience
might be more aware, but a great director can use this as a pre-jump
to try and catch them out."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Character Is King</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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"I think the biggest mistake
filmmakers make with a short film is not developing a character,"
says Davies. "The more your audience <a href="https://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/2010/12/writing-horror-characters-are-car-in.html">feels for a character</a>, the
more they will be drawn in to what's about to happen."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like almost all horror festivals,
BloodPool accepts all subgenres, but "paranormal is a favorite
of mine, being able to see how filmmakers use different camera tricks
and effects to confuse and scare the audience. In our first year,
we've accumulated a lot of killer based thrillers which is also
scary, as it's more believable."</div>
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-61717563357052989222018-10-12T13:42:00.000-07:002018-10-12T13:42:04.512-07:00Upstate New York Horror to Screen in Rochester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Founded in 2014, the <a href="https://filmfreeway.com/NYHorror">Upstate NY Horror Film Festival</a> will hold its 5th screening this October 12 and 13 at The Cinema Theater, in Rochester N.Y.<br />
<br />
Festival director Joseph
Kelly is himself a 15-year filmmaking veteran. Based on his experience, he advises
filmmakers to do diligent <i>pre-production</i>. "If your film is
five minutes, 30 minutes, or a feature, <i>plan it out</i>. When you
first start making films, you are so eager to get out there. But know
your budget. Do your research.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Great video and sound is a good
start, but there are so many other factors that go into a film. I
prefer <a href="https://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/2014/09/clockwatchers-demonstrates-poor-acting.html">good acting</a> over boobies any day. It's good to see a
nice rack, yes, but in the long run, you want the best picture
possible."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After the <i>first edit</i>, Kelly
advises filmmakers to get <i>audience feedback</i> before submitting
to festivals. "Have a few friends watch the film when complete.
Take their notes. Some films drag too much. I saw a 30 minute film
that was shot great, sounds great, with great effects, but that
film could have easily been <span style="font-style: normal;">edited
</span>into 15 minutes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Get your point across to your
audience before they fall asleep in their popcorn. I personally
had this problem until I realized, it's not what <i>you</i> want,
it's what <i>your audience</i> wants."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Post-production is not only about
editing. After you review your first edit, your film might require
additional production. "If you need ADR, go get it," says
Kelly. "If you need to take a week and do pickup shots, do
them. You will always have mistakes. Even the greats have mistakes,
which they might not realize until the 50th time they watch their
films. It's going to happen. Just do the best
you can."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Upstate NY Horror welcomes all
subgenres, Kelly says that "we are starting to pull in more
sci-fi films as well. No <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01H2UG4WS/communistvampire">Sharknados</a>. Just some good alien films."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
This year Kelly will be screening his own film -- <i>Clown Motel: Spirit's Arise</i> -- at his festival: <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
"Each year submissions pile in
more and more, and we are still giving everyone an equal chance. We had films
play in our theater that were on a shoestring budget to multi-million
dollars." A theater that, Kelly adds, "is considered one of the five oldest movie theaters in the
United States."<br />
<br />
================</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-63749963779079820862018-10-10T16:30:00.000-07:002018-10-10T16:30:01.156-07:00Slice of Fright Is a Festival for Short Shorts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nic White is a film festival veteran.
"I've directed various short film festivals in the last five
years," he says, referring to the Bump in the Night Film Festival
and Spring Shorts Film Festival.<br />
<br />
His latest venture, the <a href="http://cinemaslice.com/frightfest/">Slice of Fright Film Festival</a> in Bay City, Michigan, will hold its first screening this October 13.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Slice of Fright seeks <i>short</i>
short horror films. "Five minutes or less. The more <i>bizarre</i>
the better. Films that create a strong tension from start to finish.
Strong stories.<br />
<br />
"The <i>biggest mistake</i> I've
come across is lack of story. Some filmmakers create beautiful
visuals, but neglect the story. If you want an audience to sit
through your film, reward them with an interesting, amazing,
blood-curdling story.<br />
<br />
"Focus on <i>story first</i>. What is
your film trying to say? If you keep that in mind as you dress the
set, select costumes and makeup, adjust lighting, etc, it helps tie
everything together. When your message is clear, it bleeds into the
theme."<br />
<br />
White also advises filmmakers to avoid
the "obvious mistakes. Poor audio quality and lighting. It's
hard to watch a film if you <i>struggle to follow the story</i>.
Lighting and audio play a major factor here."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What makes for a great horror story? White offers two tips. "A great horror film always has a <i>unique killer</i>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001DJLD1W/communistvampire">Freddy</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00KDU8HQQ/communistvampire">Michael</a>,
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01N2TQDMT/communistvampire">Jason</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01FYKBEMI/communistvampire">Art the Clown</a>. And great horror always makes you <i>think</i>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which is not to say that Slice of Freight requires a psycho killer. "We're open to all subgenres,"
says White. "Personally, I'd like to see more <i>creature</i>
films."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YHHvxDOuGyo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YHHvxDOuGyo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Slice of Fright will be presenting
festival attendees with "door prizes" and their award-winning filmmakers with
"one-of-a-kind trophies."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There is a great deal of support
for independent films within Bay City, which has a
talented community of DIY filmmakers. And it's the home of one of
Michigan's best independent film festivals, Hell's Half Mile.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Directing a festival in Bay City
is special for me. I grew up in Bay City. It's great to go back
home."<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-52032602531795499732018-10-08T11:19:00.000-07:002018-10-08T11:20:26.599-07:00Vancouver Horror Show Seeks Shorts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The <a href="https://freshdaisyfilms.com/vhs/">Vancouver Horror Show</a> will hold its
first annual screening this October 23, at the Cinematheque Theatre
in downtown Vancouver. Twelve shorts, no features.<br />
<br />
Yes, that's right. VHS is a "shorts only" festival.<br />
<br />
"A
short film is a delicate balance," say Team VHS (David Taylor
and Meghan Hemingway). "It's challenging to strike the chord of
simple, effective storytelling with enough twists and turns to keep
us interested."<br />
<br />
To keep them interested, horror shorts should have "a compelling story, a specific vision,
engaging characters, attention to detail, and a unique voice/point of
view. The film must evoke fear, dread, or unease, using
tropes recognizable to an audience as something that one would want
to escape if encountered in real life.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We are open to any subgenre of
horror, but are not <i>as fond</i> of horror intended to shock
through gore and viscera at the expense of a good story. That being
said, when gore and viscera enhance a story, the result
can be moving, scary, and memorable."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They also advise <i>tight
editing</i>. "I can't tell you how many films could have been
exponentially better if they'd had more ruthless editing. Sometimes
it is clear that a filmmaker loved a particular scene or performance,
but it ultimately took away from the overall story.<br />
<br />
"A good filmmaker
needs to be highly self-reflective, and be willing to let go of
things they might love, but ultimately do not serve their project.
Bringing in a trusted, outside editing eye that is less personally
invested about the material can be a huge benefit."<br />
<br />
Team VHS also warn
against <i>vagueness</i>. "There is a fine line between
letting the audience come to their own conclusions, and not
telling the story. Sometimes a little bit of fog is mysterious, but
if it's too foggy the story suffers and the viewer is left dissatisfied and frustrated. Filmmakers should remember the
story they set out to tell, and be sure that on that final cut, the
narrative integrity is sound."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In addition to having a "great
editor," Team VHS also advises filmmakers to obtain a "great
cinematographer."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"At Vancouver Horror, we focus on
a 'good film,' before a 'horror film', which lends itself to a
freedom when curating. Each member of the team is encouraged to fight
for their favorites. The only rule is that each film must have 'an
element of horror.'
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We believe in the universality of
fear and want to bring together artists from all over the world to
bolster our global community and get inspired by each others' work.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-19631914034724600912018-10-05T16:29:00.000-07:002018-10-05T16:31:31.835-07:00Hotlanta Wants Fast-Paced, Exciting Horror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSBuSfi6nBeNkr9k_BO98oOReWZzcqA2NBy9ATS1HJtzmNaHGJu0EJiwaaMNyVnDSRX9mwadqlckD3wzJOeKtbLCoOYUE8d2ekAec8pJ1WzX5XsS4v_5tzHXQ6IN64dcyVlDZO2GAUzGs/s1600/Hotlanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSBuSfi6nBeNkr9k_BO98oOReWZzcqA2NBy9ATS1HJtzmNaHGJu0EJiwaaMNyVnDSRX9mwadqlckD3wzJOeKtbLCoOYUE8d2ekAec8pJ1WzX5XsS4v_5tzHXQ6IN64dcyVlDZO2GAUzGs/s200/Hotlanta.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://ninefilmfestivals.com/horrorfilmsinhotlanta/">Horror Films in Hotlanta</a> will hold
their second annual screening this October 25 - 26, in Atlanta, Ga.
It's a film festival that emphasizes "exciting horror."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
According to festival director Caroline
King, Hotlanta seeks horror films that are "Action packed and
scary. The last thing we want for our audience is boredom. Our films
really need to be exciting."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Toward that end, there are a few things
to avoid. "<i>Slow editing</i> is a deal breaker. If your film is a
long, teary-eyed drama, where someone gets stabbed <i>at the end of
the film</i>, then submit it to a drama film festival.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Great horror films scare the crap
out of people. They make people jump, cover their mouths, hide their
eyes and cringe. We like antagonists, villains, monsters,
scary situations or circumstances that <i>wake people up!</i>"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
She also advises filmmakers to avoid
"Long, slow, time-wasting, rolling credits. And production company
logos that never end. They kill the momentum at the event and slow
everything down. Make <i>festival
cut</i> with credits that are 60 seconds or less. It keeps the audience
pumped up, ready for the next film."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Although Hotlanta wants exciting scares, there's also room for laughs. "We like to select a few comedic
horror films that can bring some great laughs to the event, if they
are really clever. But they must still be <i>horror</i> films."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some filmmakers worry that their films
will only get a cursory peek at festivals, before being unfairly rejected. King assures
that's not the case at Hotlanta. "We have twelve judges that
watch every film, and read every screenplay, before final judgment is
passed."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, that's right. Hotlanta also has a
screenplay contest.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-90079247405519874252018-09-30T21:31:00.000-07:002018-09-30T21:31:35.478-07:00Northeast Wisconsin Horror Recommends You Keep It Short<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrAA4UWlyg-KeXzrS7qSAwghT4yeoNWsd82Wi3aVUTXUngBb3ha6oK4s52VIpRmS-tJg-IqlmYFNWJk2sQWqsmMcXHMS77E8AwUUjv_abpopiPaboEXi7pIRJgsMndtbUsH2e0Bomk_ru/s1600/Northeast+Wisconsin+Horror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrAA4UWlyg-KeXzrS7qSAwghT4yeoNWsd82Wi3aVUTXUngBb3ha6oK4s52VIpRmS-tJg-IqlmYFNWJk2sQWqsmMcXHMS77E8AwUUjv_abpopiPaboEXi7pIRJgsMndtbUsH2e0Bomk_ru/s200/Northeast+Wisconsin+Horror.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="https://www.newhorrorfest.com/">Northeast Wisconsin Horror Film Festival</a> will hold its third annual screening this
October 13th and 14th.</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's too late to submit for 2018, but co-founder Paul Salzer offers the following tips to filmmakers who plan to submit for their 2019 season:
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Keep It Short</b></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When submitting to
smaller festivals, keep your films as short as possible. Smaller
festivals have far less minutes than you might realize for showing
films. They are more likely to select multiple short films in place
of one feature length film of equal selection rating. Larger
festivals have multiple screens and a better chance of showing
multiple longer films."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Read the Rules</b></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Avoid submitting a film
without reading the festival’s submission guidelines first. We, for
example, want complete films. Therefore, we don’t select film
trailers, no matter how good. We also note in our guidelines that
non-English speaking films need English subtitles for our audience."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Maintain Interest</b></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Our selection committee
is composed of several film bloggers and reviewers. These judges'
look at over 100 submissions in a few short weeks. As such, their
interest can be difficult to hold. You need to keep the judges
motivated from the beginning of your film to the end, otherwise it
might not stand out enough to be selected."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Salzer adds that these
judges' "tastes range from splatter gore, to supernatural
terror, to dark comedies. Because of this, we get a diverse
selection of films at the screenings.<br />
<br />
"It's amazing how tastes
change from year to year. Last year, we had quite a few zombie and
clown films. This year, the focus seemed to be on imaginary friends."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Salzer is onto something. It had been a while since I saw <i>any</i> "imaginary friends horror." Then just last week, Rafael De Leon
Jr's <i>Goodbye Old Friend</i> won an
Honorable Mention at the 2018 <a href="http://www.hollywoodinvestigator.com/2018/horrorfilm2018.html">Tabloid Witch Awards</a>.
</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We don’t give out
awards," Salzer continues. "Instead, we offer filmmakers an
opportunity to speak to the audience directly between our film
segments. We also hold a social during the first evening for
filmmakers and our judges."<br />
<br />
As do other festival directors, Salzer recommends that you "go to the festivals if
you can. Meet other filmmakers, fans, and reviewers. Talk to
them and share your love the genre."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Northeast Wisconsin Horror
screens at "the historic Time Theater of Oshkosh," which receives
all the proceeds from the event "so that it can continue giving
the community a unique theater experience."</div>
<div lang="en" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-28897848593119753582018-09-14T22:03:00.000-07:002018-09-14T22:03:30.908-07:00Requiem Fear Fest: Keep It Short<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4k6Gqwk7uYHCN5XqcslG4HIinDkxU3pH-cuyse84bsujD_Z9dcJMuHTas9a_4GT8qySrpoW681esAQ1dN5GLYvNlMlPPgZiu2f57wpNuhbb8tdnE000gPA6E6hN99uKfgqiwGAup7Mae/s1600/Requiem+Fear+Fest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4k6Gqwk7uYHCN5XqcslG4HIinDkxU3pH-cuyse84bsujD_Z9dcJMuHTas9a_4GT8qySrpoW681esAQ1dN5GLYvNlMlPPgZiu2f57wpNuhbb8tdnE000gPA6E6hN99uKfgqiwGAup7Mae/s200/Requiem+Fear+Fest.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many horror film festivals die after
one screening. Some last only two years. But a film festival that
reaches its third anniversary is likely in it for the long haul.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="https://filmfreeway.com/RequiemFearFest">Requiem Fear Fest</a> will hold its
third annual screening this September 22, in Montreal Canada. If you plan
on entering for their 4th event, festival director and co-founder Steve
Villeneuve offers this advice:</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Keep short films short.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"If you are doing a short film,
try to make it around seven minutes. If you go over that, be sure
your film is rock solid. Every festival will take three 'okay' 10
minute films over an 'okay' 25 minute film."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Hook 'em early.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Timing is important. For feature
films, you have about 15 minutes to catch the attention of the
judges. If he's not hooked after 15 minutes, it's strike one. After
20 minutes, strike two. Twenty-five minutes and they are still not
hooked, strike three [and you're out!].</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Sound is important.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bad sound is just bad. If your
film has bad sound, you start with two strikes."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Requiem isn't <i>solely</i> about catering to filmmakers. Requiem also cares about its audience. "I'm all for the
public," says Villeneuve. "Bring me some fun film that
people will find epic. On our first year, we screened <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B072ZPJ2G6/communistvampire">Night of Something Strange</a>. It was amazing. This year we are screening <i>Camp
Death III in 2D!</i>"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What distinguishes Requiem from other
horror film festivals? For one thing, "We're doing a horror flea
market," says Villeneuve. "Fans shop for a while. Then they
stop to watch a film. Then they go shop again. That's the beauty."<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-3426693370604520562018-08-31T15:57:00.000-07:002018-08-31T15:57:03.485-07:00Halloween Horror Fest Tienen Seeks Short Films<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK_-zLhQ9cwcoi4zn5TdtotUOnlu_qc-zLBRV38ZmW5JSAe20Sf5DtNolKZ0amjUDQRkdI29x_VCk4MVIRdPOrt2EdOBXd1ku8b9lGMIdAdDONOWW_EBnO1kU4AqXZqz74POl8KdmRDD7/s1600/Halloween+Horror+Fest+Tienen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK_-zLhQ9cwcoi4zn5TdtotUOnlu_qc-zLBRV38ZmW5JSAe20Sf5DtNolKZ0amjUDQRkdI29x_VCk4MVIRdPOrt2EdOBXd1ku8b9lGMIdAdDONOWW_EBnO1kU4AqXZqz74POl8KdmRDD7/s200/Halloween+Horror+Fest+Tienen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Tienen is in Belgium -- and the
<a href="https://hhftienen.wixsite.com/hhft">Halloween Horror Fest Tienen</a> is the first horror <i>short film</i> festival
in that European nation. As the name implies, they screen on
Halloween night. This year marks their second annual event.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Festival organizer Ray Kermani offers
these tips to filmmakers:<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Be <i>original</i>. Give the audience
something they haven't seen yet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Choose <i>one location</i> for your
film.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Work with a <i>small crew</i>. The smaller,
the better -- and faster.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Limit the amount of dialog.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Use the right <i>lighting</i> on set.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Never forget the importance of a
great <i>sound design</i> for your horror film. Sound is as important as
your images.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Listen to what the audience has to
say and wants to see. You want your movie to be seen [and enjoyed, and talked about] by horror fans
out there.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Stay away from the zombie genre.
We've seen way too many zombie flicks. If your name is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0806533315/communistvampire">George A. Romero</a>, then go for it. Otherwise, make something else.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-47387017107583818762018-08-28T14:08:00.000-07:002018-08-28T14:08:22.829-07:00Gorst Underground Is Northwest Noir<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUyOhMN_NTp4heo6-Wog9UXqVJ8YIaE5C3Rq-_QEGFdYNR17LK_5yBgacbs4GFFoUhsFBLvDW2ZXkqoWC6gwEoVWGhueS21P2Ax0J_gMUTRLXy_pWE25fc4H3EWpd8yH1iGeW7O3Dk6PE/s1600/Gorst+Underground+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUyOhMN_NTp4heo6-Wog9UXqVJ8YIaE5C3Rq-_QEGFdYNR17LK_5yBgacbs4GFFoUhsFBLvDW2ZXkqoWC6gwEoVWGhueS21P2Ax0J_gMUTRLXy_pWE25fc4H3EWpd8yH1iGeW7O3Dk6PE/s200/Gorst+Underground+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.gorstundergroundfilmfestival.com/">Gorst Underground Film Festival</a>
debuts this year, backed by experience. "Our organizers
have been involved in other film festivals, both horror and
underground," says festival director Kelly Hughes.<br />
<br />
"We
created Gorst to incorporate local artists and musicians into the
event. To make it more multimedia, while still exploring darker
themes and alternative approaches to filmmaking."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* What They're Seeking</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We love the <i>underdog</i>,"
says Hughes. "It’s very satisfying to showcase films that
aren’t getting the attention they deserve.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I would love to see more
<i>real-life</i> horror. <i>Documentaries</i> on scary individuals or
happenings. Documentaries about horror films and people associated
with horror (e.g., actors, composers, writers, directors, SFX
artists, etc). "Documentaries such as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00G6TPQ1C/communistvampire">Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy</a>. There’s room for docus like that, but which cover even
more obscure aspects of horror and underground film.<br />
<br />
"<i>Non-linear</i>, <i>abstract</i>,
and <i>experimental</i> narratives are appreciated.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We’re open to
<i>ultra-low-budget/no-budget</i> works. Films that are rough around
the edges."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Tips to
Improve Your Craft</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hughes recommends that you "Put
the fantasy back into dark fantasy. Take advantage of the freedom
horror gives you. Get surreal. Go hallucinogenic.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Re-watch all the movies that
inspired you. Remind yourself about all the elements that got you
excited about these films. Use those elements, but put your personal
spin on it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* What to Avoid</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. <i>Long Opening Credits</i>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Just dive into your film. Save
the credits for the end."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. <i>Excessive Running Time</i>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Be brutal with editing. Maybe
your two hour feature can be 90 minutes? Maybe your feature
would be stronger as a short? Even then, shave off a few
seconds from every cut? Maybe you can delete entire scenes? Or cut to
the middle of a scene?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We don’t need to see people
opening and closing car doors. We don’t need to see their every
step from the bedroom to the bathroom. Audiences are aware of the
basics of day-to-day living. Get to the point. Move your story
along."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3. <i>Static Shots</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Many beginning filmmakers pose
their actors in shots like it's a still photo. If you're drawing
attention to a 'cool' shot, you probably aren't advancing
the story. Make your action so compelling that we don't even notice
your beautiful lighting, production design, whatever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Get over the fact that you can
create a workable image. Get back to telling a story that is
constantly progressing and offering new information. Think in terms
of a series of useful connecting shots, not a slide show of money
shots."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4. <i>Slow Burn</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Some filmmakers use it as an
excuse for lazy filmmaking. Don't. If you achieve a sense of
dread with gradually building suspense, more power to you. But don't
defend your slow-moving story with the <i>'it’s a slow burn'</i> excuse.
It's not a slow burn. It's just slow. And boring."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5. <i>Lovecraft</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Why do Lovecraft inspired films
always end up unintentionally silly? It's not the
filmmaker's fault. Lovecraft is a big tease. His literary 'payoffs'
don't translate well to screen. If you want to adapt his work, go
ahead. Maybe you'll be the exception. Maybe you'll crack the
Lovecraft code."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6. <i>Retro Synth Soundtracks</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Go ahead. Use 'em. But they're
approaching cliché status through overuse. Sorry. Try shocking us
with piano music. Or bagpipes. Or xylophone, even."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
7. <i>The Graffiti Wall Shot</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"If you have access to a wall
covered in colorful graffiti, resist the urge to shoot a random shot
of your actor walking past the gratified wall. It's self-indulgent.
It adds nothing to your story.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
8. <i>Giant Head-Covering Masks</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"To achieve a sinister, horrific,
kinky vibe, resist the urge to cover your actor's head with a big
bunny head, or a big pig head, or even a slick black gas mask. These
have all lost their shock value. Show us a villain with pantyhose
pulled over his face. Or just give him crooked teeth and a wonky eye.
The fetish dungeon look is so cliché."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
9. <i>Alarm Clock</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Never start your film with an
alarm clock going off. Not even ironically."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Gorst Is Northwest Noir</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why makes Gorst unique among the many
horror film festivals out there? "Gorst is true <span style="font-weight: normal;">Northwest
Noir," Hughes answers. "</span>It's a small community at
the edge of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01BK7UP2E/communistvampire">Bremerton</a>, near the Naval shipyard. A working-class town
with steelworkers and an authentic blue-collar sensibility.<br />
<br />
"Seattle
is just across the water, but it feels like it's a thousand miles
away. Gorst has that authentic <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01GRU59XE/communistvampire">Twin Peaks</a> vibe. There is nothing
ironic or self-conscious about it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We'll be screening our films in
the warehouse workshop of metal artist Ray Hammar. It's a remote
location. The space has an industrial feel. The audience will be
surrounded by iron rods, steel beams and scrap metal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We'll have an art show, musical
performance, reading of the winning screenplay from our writing
contest, and a welding demonstration. But the films themselves will
take center stage on a specially-built screen/set-piece created by
local metal artists.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"This warehouse would make a good
setting for a horror film. As the sun sets, the later screenings will
take on a more immediate, spooky tone. Every little sound will make you think there's a killer hiding in the shadows behind the
clusters of rusty metal. And since there's a women's prison not too
far away, who knows? Maybe we’ll get a surprise visit from an
escaped murderer."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-41260798863045596272018-08-25T16:17:00.002-07:002018-08-25T16:17:47.287-07:00The Haunted Saloon Welcomes "Dark Westerns"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrXvaFr8mb6O_Rrtf5Nu5wXd2eSDvQ5hfxOK8N1mEAOzwuUn0bSq8kddKKxg5u9rEz2Hs-ozw5VQexIxZa6iFzTrMOdZOGH5L3OO3HXirg-EYY0Dp7us97GbrK_qB5sH5f4Gc9PQhgGBl/s1600/Haunted+Saloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrXvaFr8mb6O_Rrtf5Nu5wXd2eSDvQ5hfxOK8N1mEAOzwuUn0bSq8kddKKxg5u9rEz2Hs-ozw5VQexIxZa6iFzTrMOdZOGH5L3OO3HXirg-EYY0Dp7us97GbrK_qB5sH5f4Gc9PQhgGBl/s320/Haunted+Saloon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://filmfreeway.com/EastVanShowcaseHalloween">The Haunted Saloon</a> will hold its 3rd annual screening on October 21, 2018, in Vancouver, Canada.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We want horror <i>with a brain</i>,"
says James Kingstone. So make it smart. And while he welcomes all subgenres, some might have an easier time getting in.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We see a lot of 'monster in the
house' movies. We get that it's easy to shoot, but it certainly is over-saturated at this point." One subgenre that's
especially welcome is the Dark Western. "We are the Haunted
Saloon, after all."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kingstone offers filmmakers the
following tips:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Nerd it up. Learn what is
going on in horror.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Be mindful of <i>maintaining
suspense.</i></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Don't show the
monster too much.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
* Get the right
<i>sound design</i>. Sound is a great worker. Without it, that
"horror feeling" is tricky to create.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Haunted Saloon
offers winning filmmakers a Halloween party atmosphere -- and
trophies!</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">"Our
trophies are terrifying and custom made every year," said
Kingstone. "The Rio Theatre is a classic location, complete with
alcohol. It holds over 400 people, so we can really pack the
house. A lot of people dress up in costume. We even have a contest at
intermission. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">"East
Vancouver does Halloween right. We are a bunch of horror loving
cinephiles."</span></div>
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-78703547357024259952018-08-23T15:16:00.000-07:002018-08-23T15:16:19.912-07:00Lucid Dream Fantastic Seeks the Surreal and "Non-Standard"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ASo2JK0pQnNqRmqxQ1iTd_bfeAj7dldWgGt3gq1sNnhw3EyVlQouA3WD_htRrEgFwegN1bSmBbiRtmKrpdjZDVOBK7oFuFYrWwD3bCjrZpSB8X_LzK32LWiNXcyz2ngOVu_vP658pnmt/s1600/Lucid+Dream+Fantastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ASo2JK0pQnNqRmqxQ1iTd_bfeAj7dldWgGt3gq1sNnhw3EyVlQouA3WD_htRrEgFwegN1bSmBbiRtmKrpdjZDVOBK7oFuFYrWwD3bCjrZpSB8X_LzK32LWiNXcyz2ngOVu_vP658pnmt/s200/Lucid+Dream+Fantastic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Another film festival making its debut -- October 26th through 28th this year! -- is <a href="https://www.smaskerando.it/filmfestival/">Lucid Dream Fantastic</a>.<br />
<br />
The event's founder and artistic director,
Stefano Cosimini, says the film festival "is part of a
bigger project of cultural promotion, regarding not only cinema, but
also music and theater."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Lucid Dream Fantastic Film Festival
sounds like it leans toward fantasy, but Cosimini says it actually
has four categories: fantasy, sci-fi, horror and animation.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We're looking for <i>innovative</i>
films," said Cosimini "We're against the visual and
conceptual standardization of the mainstream cinema. But we're <i>not</i>
looking for niche experimental films. We want something that the
common audience could enjoy. Something that can help them to get
familiar with <i>non-standard narrative styles</i>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, innovative and non-standard, but audience friendly. Not too experimental. I interpret that to
mean, not so artsy-fartsy that it ceases to entertain.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
"Of course," Cosimini adds, "we'll
have special consideration for films with <i>oneiric</i> atmosphere."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had to look that up. <i>Oneiric</i>
means <i>"Of, relating to, or suggestive of dreams." </i>Which
makes sense, that a festival called Lucid <i>Dream</i>
Fantastic would welcome the oneiric. I assume they'd just love <a href="http://www.hollywoodinvestigator.com/2011/lynch2.html">David Lynch</a> style
surrealism.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cosimini offers the following advice to
entrants: "Being myself a filmmaker who has been selected in a
few festivals, I think the key is never settle for your ideas. Always
go further. If an idea seems to work, ask yourself what is the
<i>craziest plot twist</i> that could happen, and then start working
on that. I think the best stories come from the <i>craziest</i>
ideas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The main mistake is being
predictable. Independent films have the chance to be 'different.' Why
not take an advantage of this?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lucid Dream Fantastic will screen in
Tuscany, Italy, which Cosimini considers a big plus. "The LDFFF
is set in Garfagnana, a magical place north of Tuscany. And when I
say 'magical,' it's not just figurative. Our territory is full of
legends and old tales, both dreamy and horror. This is the perfect
location for a fantastic film festival."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Despite Lucid Dream Fantastic's bent
toward fantasy, Cosimini describes himself as "a professional
filmmaker, specializing in horror films."<br />
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-49691555301828575982018-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:002018-08-22T09:33:54.531-07:00Death's Parade Film Fest to Debut in San Jose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1t3qg02A4hYy5vhVAhn5Enn3kwVJeMUSs9E3uxMGT2KjzVVomrrAx60jENc3zTo8jpvuQxGqEE9UdvFR4EyEz5XzjO-GdbIErn-RkzJRmIdYW7D3A6VUVBuAEZemEBMswikMLD0dLOAA/s1600/Death%2527s+Parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1t3qg02A4hYy5vhVAhn5Enn3kwVJeMUSs9E3uxMGT2KjzVVomrrAx60jENc3zTo8jpvuQxGqEE9UdvFR4EyEz5XzjO-GdbIErn-RkzJRmIdYW7D3A6VUVBuAEZemEBMswikMLD0dLOAA/s1600/Death%2527s+Parade.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
New horror film festivals are always
debuting. One of these is
<a href="https://www.deathparadefilmfest.com/">Death's Parade</a> in San Jose, which will hold its first even on October 4th and 5th, 2019. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's over a year from now, but the Early Bird Deadline is January 1, 2019 (Last Chance, June 30th), so it's not too early to enter.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Because this is our inaugural run,"
says founder Anthony DeRouen, "the theme will be <i>inspiration</i>. This will be reflected in our selected filmmakers' bios."
DeRouen wants filmmakers to explain "What excites you? Show us what drives you to create that wonderful,
terrifying, insidious art you make."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Death's Parade welcomes every horror
subgenre. Just be scary. "We want to scare the audience --and I
mean <i>scare</i> them. We want to get under their skin, get those
beads of sweat going, subvert their expectations, show them something
fresh and original. We want to expose the audience to creators and
voices <i>outside the norm</i>. If we receive a submission <i>completely out of
left field</i> that gets our palms sweaty, we will give it
serious consideration."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But though DeRouen wants "fresh and original" horror (don't we all?), he doesn't want to discourage anyone. "Don’t be afraid to make a film
which has elements done before. If you have a fresh spin on a
well-worn trope, explore it, probe it, expand it. Combine elements not usually seen in
horror and flip it upside down. What happens when you do? We
have no idea, but we’d love to see."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even so, Death's Parade has some limits. "No adult films, please."<br />
<br />
DeRouen stresses the importance of
finding <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0804105227/communistvampire">talented actors</a>, willing to commit to the material. "It
doesn’t matter if the actor has ten credits to their name or none. The audience is not going to judge their IMDB page. They are
going to judge the actor's performance on screen and nothing else.
Find actors willing to embody the characters you created and lift
their emotional levels to heights you couldn’t imagine."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Post-production is also important. In
the editing room "pay close attention the film’s <i>pacing</i>.
Don't rush the final cut, or the music composition. Sound mixing and
color grading are also important steps in delivering a worthwhile
film."<br />
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-2580842869044959832017-12-21T04:42:00.000-08:002017-12-21T04:57:25.227-08:00Terror Film Festival Is Keeping It Real<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIjU1zy9oUBc3opnunNDeG_UN3BHO8DVmtXHnFL_jkVuGEUxKjZB4KNDrOMZpQDIFWJrT7ZoAxEfUl_K2tW7nPoRiD7-c2VuteW8VwIhh4Zr2px5v1zORpV0YmsJDzz3KYuXZl4UaRxc/s1600/Terror+Film+Festival.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="490" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eIjU1zy9oUBc3opnunNDeG_UN3BHO8DVmtXHnFL_jkVuGEUxKjZB4KNDrOMZpQDIFWJrT7ZoAxEfUl_K2tW7nPoRiD7-c2VuteW8VwIhh4Zr2px5v1zORpV0YmsJDzz3KYuXZl4UaRxc/s400/Terror+Film+Festival.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Horror film festivals are not known for
their staying power. Every year new film festivals are founded to
much fanfare. Many disappear within a year or three. Longevity
confers legitimacy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Entering its 12th year (having been
founded in 2006), the Philadelphia based <a href="http://www.terrorfilmfestival.net/">Terror Film Festival</a> is
among America's longest running horror film festivals. It's also run
by one of the more enigmatic of festival directors, preferring to be
known only as Claw.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Claw welcomes films and scripts (TFF
also hosts a screenplay contest) that contain horror, fantasy,
science fiction, thriller, or dark drama. "We watch every film, every
frame, and have <i>long</i> discussions about it. If there are great
moments, we love it."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Be Real, Not Clever</b> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While he remains open to any subgenre, Claw says, "It would be nice to see a few
<i>character driven</i> movies. Or some actual heroes taken from the
news. Be <i>honest</i> with your movie. Don't try to be clever, or
original, or fresh. Don't try too hard. Just tell a story that has no
holes.<br />
<br />
"Be plausible. I mean, within reason. After all, you're making
a movie with monsters. But, still, make sure there's a reason for
everything that happens."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Write Tight and Edit Tight</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Avoid a weak story or scenes that
drag. Nothing hurts more than a scene than goes on and on, with
mostly dialog. Make your point, then move on. Three minute
scenes <i>max</i>. Focus on that script. Make it lean. Make it move.
We love films that don't limp along.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Bad editing can kill a film. One
mark of an amateur filmmaker is a shot that should have been cut much sooner. Mechanics and software are important.<i> But a genius who knows when to cut, and why, is the reason your film will
flop or fly.</i> Hire your editor based on their demo reel and <i>your
gut.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">"</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Keep Music in Its Place</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The other
mark of an amateur filmmaker is when music is too prominent or gets too
much screen time. When the music is the star of the shot, then let's
hear it. But when the faucet dripping is the star of the shot ...
<i>lower the music!</i> Too many times, I've seen music ruin a really
well done film."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Free Your Actors</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"When you cast the project, put
your auditioning actors to the test. Push them respectfully. An actor
is a delicate instrument. You must only urge and instruct, and then
let them show you what they can do.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Sometimes stars help a film.
Sometimes they hurt it. Don't use stars to make up for weak
filmmaking."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Film Before Food</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Use your money wisely. Lunch is
important. Feed your people right. But don't make it a banquet. No
one signed on for the food. <i>Get the shot</i> before you interrupt
the set mentality with food."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Ask Questions</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Remember this from Terror Film
Festival -- the professional filmmaker asks a lot of questions, and
<i>gets</i> the answers. And they apply those answers to make the
best film they can."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Princess Horror</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Terror Film Festival is especially
proud of its official hostess, Princess Horror. According to Claw,
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span>Princess Horror is the
love of Terror Film Festival. Without her, we're just trying to sell
tickets."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymvFprYjHiVUp-QJcftKjPfrgfxb-rws-etsEEGTPwQN3PMlU23z49-frGHfBnFlY7NbBiKZUrdIPNnEktrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* What You Get </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Claw believes the TFF offers much to
entrants. "We've helped our submitters get agents and screenings
in other fests. We've helped actors gain a following or move from one
coast to another. We sponsored a filmmaker's first trip to America
from France, based on the quality of their film. We've helped writers
get work and given endless critiques. Some of the stuff we've done is
downright shady <i>to me!</i> But it's all done to get that filmmaker
or screenwriter a real shot at success. We treat every Claw Award
like it's an Oscar.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I remember <i>MovieMaker Magazine</i>
did an article on <i>"the top 50 film festivals that are worth
the fee."</i> Then, it turned out they selected the fests based
on how much advertising they did in the magazine. What a scam.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Oh, and we don't charge an
admission fee to the audience. We want the world to see these films
and to become die-hard fans of these filmmakers."<br />
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-30169347055502197622017-11-22T03:55:00.001-08:002017-11-22T08:21:20.989-08:00Phoenix FearCON Offers Distribution to Winning Films<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpvOg8FjXeoqobH3WGdUtXwJLGf2-XAkyFCNbHMeAaXVfNN_hqOpN_Cte60RhtMWsLEY1bbAhoNXVDF1ucifrHgOeb1hF4yx2iC2ABzv2z6V_4cUs-os1zsQe-JTfQaxMuDPrRtp3yDIN/s1600/Phoenix+Fearcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="895" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpvOg8FjXeoqobH3WGdUtXwJLGf2-XAkyFCNbHMeAaXVfNN_hqOpN_Cte60RhtMWsLEY1bbAhoNXVDF1ucifrHgOeb1hF4yx2iC2ABzv2z6V_4cUs-os1zsQe-JTfQaxMuDPrRtp3yDIN/s400/Phoenix+Fearcon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://phoenixfearcon.com/">Phoenix FearCON</a> is an oddity among horror film
festivals in that its first venue (in 2006) was "in a very small
art gallery." It's since "grown and expanded into a film
festival & horror convention," says founder and
director, Chris McLennan.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Apart from the film festival, FearCON
offers "celebrity guests, panel discussions, flash mobs, special
effects workshops, vendors, and many sideline entertainments and
activities."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Quality Over Variety</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
FearCON's most recent screening featured a glut of zombie films. While McLennan says she welcomes diversity in
horror, she doesn't mind any particular subgenre dominating the
event, provided the films are of high quality. In this she
differs from some festival directors who, for the sake of variety,
will screen one great and one decent film of two different
subgenres, rather than two great films of the same subgenre.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"If the film is good," says
McLennan, "it doesn't matter if it's been done in quantity. We
always search for quality no matter what."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* What Is Quality?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What makes for a quality horror film?<br />
<br />
McLennen seeks "A film that is solid. A great story, with a
twist or two. A character study, with believable characters. Good
locations. And great cinematography. With all the technology now
available, that should be easier than it used to be. Our award
winners all have those qualities.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_870pinEBpw4hUX5MYaM8gCrlhILGcOPl8Sr_TxNLsDJ28A5E5n3wV1SZaVL31hiwUsY1Rv635LOtxNpQx5u11IOGE5l7L3JZs0m6lqvyWsbTknU1DoKV01ii3XhZjvUOeEyUuOU73X_H/s1600/Fearcon+trophies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_870pinEBpw4hUX5MYaM8gCrlhILGcOPl8Sr_TxNLsDJ28A5E5n3wV1SZaVL31hiwUsY1Rv635LOtxNpQx5u11IOGE5l7L3JZs0m6lqvyWsbTknU1DoKV01ii3XhZjvUOeEyUuOU73X_H/s200/Fearcon+trophies.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
"Filmmakers who win receive a
one-of-a-kind awesome trophy, made by me. [See right.]<br />
<br />
"And a bag of swag.<br />
<br />
"And the
best part -- a contract offer from one of two major film distribution
companies for domestic and international distribution of their film."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
McLennan offers some additional tips on
how to win one of her cool trophies.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Horror Is International</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keep in mind that horror serves an
international audience.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We get submissions from many
countries. We hope they express horror in a way that everyone can
appreciate it.<br />
<br />
"We got a film from a country that could
have been great, except the filmmaker used very colloquial language,
and scenes specific to that area. Anyone outside this country became
lost in the film translation, and couldn't appreciate what the
filmmaker was trying to express."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Avoid Shaky Cams</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"My opinion, but the hand-held,
shaky cam is old and worn out. I can't watch shaky cam at all
anymore. I'd stay away from that, if possible."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Continuity Matters</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I am a complete anal critic of
continuity. Once there's a break in continuity (e.g., clothing,
location, food, etc.) I tune out the rest of the film, looking for
more faults. It's a small thing, but, in my past experience as a
filmmaker and producer, I took great care to make sure the continuity was
spot on. Sometimes it can be nearly impossible to do, depending on
the scenes. But I like to see filmmakers try hard to keep it flowing
continually."</div>
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-12918005268580340312017-11-18T12:42:00.002-08:002017-11-18T12:44:33.790-08:00The Void Welcomes Smart Horror/Sci-Fi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6Kp1GboJF0R4KcQKzDemy3WNzQjUE0_BnPCSGWIeleUXxDVIKTXxp8GQm4l2JvV2yO0YjPubWNN0dSMhyw7fTfUDPL0J9Eh8_oNENL0XZj3BCvOuBj_00xiVS8s4AHG2rEriujTap73I/s1600/The+Zone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="1560" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6Kp1GboJF0R4KcQKzDemy3WNzQjUE0_BnPCSGWIeleUXxDVIKTXxp8GQm4l2JvV2yO0YjPubWNN0dSMhyw7fTfUDPL0J9Eh8_oNENL0XZj3BCvOuBj_00xiVS8s4AHG2rEriujTap73I/s200/The+Zone.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thezonescifan.com/">The Zone SciFan International Film Festival</a> screens at Comicpalooza, a Houston comic convention.
Entering its fourth year, The Zone is both a film festival and a film
<i>race</i>. It accepts entries of completed films, but also runs a
filmmaking contest at the convention.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Initially, The Zone was a sci-fi only.
"But this year we ventured into sci-fi <i>horror</i> with our
newest film race, The Void," said J'Nathan Gwynn, who is both a
festival director and filmmaker. "The Void has the same rules as
The Zone, but with an additional challenge -- no blood. We want to
<i>challenge</i> filmmakers and expand their talents."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Science fiction has been called a genre
of ideas, a philosophy embraced by Gwynn's events. "We look for
the best sci-fi ideas and concepts. Sci-fi is at its best when it
addresses current issues in a unique way. It's a genre that lets you
explore morality and ethics in way that no other genre can. Plus,
it's one of the few genres that can combine with others to create
something unique. Some of the best horror films are sci-fi."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Avoid Clichés</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Many filmmakers just go for the
cliché, because it's what they've seen," Gwynn laments. "They
don't ask <i>why</i> it should be there. Don't just drop it in. Give
it a reason. Otherwise, clichés take your audience out of the film
and makes them roll their eyes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The days of the slasher
are dead. We've seen everything we can. In the 1980s, slashers were
fresh and new. For a brief period in the late 1990s, they became
fresh again with Wes Crazen's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005CFBYW6/communistvampire">Scream</a>. But since then they've
become cliché.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We have an annual event at a
local theater, called Horrorthon. The creator, Damir Catic, gets
horror directors to come and screen one of their films. This year he
had the director of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B012BYDJZK/communistvampire">Jason Goes to Hell</a> premiere <i>Secret Santa</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> -- a hilarious horror film
that also made me jump. It </span>used clichés in a way I hadn't
seen. He <i>made the clichés work</i>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Monsters Should Be Scary</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I love zombies," said
Gwynn, "but not only have they become cliché, few movies or
TV shows use them in a fun, scary way. Everyone wants to make
them cool.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And I'm
sick of beautiful, sexy vampires.
Enough already. They aren't fabulous creatures. They're
monsters who feast on our blood. They don't fucking sparkle and have
perfect jaw bones. They are to be feared.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"If anything in current horror
annoys me, it's making monsters cool and sexy. Keep them frightening.
Make me want to run from them, not fuck them."</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Keep the Monster Offscreen</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The best tip is an old tip: <i>What
you don't see is always more terrifying than what you do see</i>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I miss 1970s horror. The <i>smart
horror</i> that made you think. That terrified you by showing
nothing. The mindfuck horror. Tension is the best horror aphrodisiac.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's started to make a slow
comeback with films like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00S4YGV6Q/communistvampire"><i>The Babadook</i></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00VAVNN5W/communistvampire"><i>It Follows</i></a>.
Those films scared me and made me anxious. What made <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00VAVNN5W/communistvampire"><i>It Follows</i></a>
scary wasn't what you saw, but what your imagination created. Fuck
with the mind more. Be less visceral. We've seen just about
everything. Now scare us with what we can't see."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Despite all this, Gwynn admits that he
"personally loves gore porn."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Future Growth</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like <a href="https://horrorfilmfestivals.blogspot.com/2017/10/crypticon-seatttle-welcomes-northwest.html">Crypticon</a>, The Zone and The Void
screen at a convention. "Presenting at Comicpalooza has been a
great success. It provides us with a built in audience.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We've reached out to the
Hollywood indie scene for judges. They've been spreading the word.
Some of our films have garnered international attention. Our mayor
has a new initiative to bring films to Houston. We are working with
him on that. But currently the city is still trying to rebuild itself
after <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1597257621/communistvampire"><span style="font-style: normal;">Harvey</span></a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We canceled The Void this year
because it was to take place a week or two after that disaster, and
we know no one could afford to spend money on it. Nor were they in
the mood. We'll try again next year."<br />
<br />
================<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-44582906359360485642017-11-11T10:27:00.002-08:002017-11-11T10:27:49.972-08:00Horrific Film Fest Encourages Newer, Indie Filmmakers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtF3yeaaYjm37yHUcgi_oG72huCXZWlcRiqOkefSZCG0N03VPnMxOn3Zh70flCjdysCsbl_Ilz6N_lTLU1rkyRzRYqmH_-nkHYvNKCtxPy9GsG_XOpxWx87mdiqiWVB_MfnIy1u21gteM/s1600/Horrific+Film+Fest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtF3yeaaYjm37yHUcgi_oG72huCXZWlcRiqOkefSZCG0N03VPnMxOn3Zh70flCjdysCsbl_Ilz6N_lTLU1rkyRzRYqmH_-nkHYvNKCtxPy9GsG_XOpxWx87mdiqiWVB_MfnIy1u21gteM/s320/Horrific+Film+Fest.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="http://www.horrificfilmfest.com/">Horrific Film Fest</a> in San Antonio,
Texas held its 10th anniversary screening last October. That's an
important milestone. Many horror film festivals arrive with a big
promotional splash, only to disappear after their first year. To
survive beyond two or three years is noteworthy. To attain a full
decade shows admirable staying power.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the Horrific Film Fest accepts
"all kinds of horror films," shorts and features, its
emphasis is on indie horror. "Our festival was created to help
independent filmmakers show their films, and help them get
distribution," said HFF owner George Ortiz. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He adds that "X
rated" films are <i>not</i> welcome.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ortiz, who is also a filmmaker, offers
the following tips to indie horror filmmakers:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Budget for Marketing</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Many filmmakers only budget for their
movies. They don't consider the marketing
side and film festivals." Many film festivals charge hefty
admissions fees. Make sure you've raised the money to pay for it, because Ortiz advises to "submit to as many festivals as you can"
-- with the following two caveats ...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Some Festivals Are Too Big</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Many filmmakers want to submit to
bigger festivals. Nine out of ten times, they don't get in. You need
to submit to the smaller festivals. Get your name out there first,
before you try the big ones. That's just my personal opinion. No
disrespect to anybody."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Some Festivals Are Too Small</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Be careful with those online
festivals. They are not real. They just want your money. You get
nothing in return."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Avoid YouTube</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Don't show all of your movie on
YouTube. Only the trailer. You want to take your film to a festival. If it's on YouTube, nobody will come to see it at the
festival."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Meet Other Filmmakers</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Every year, I see filmmakers who
just come to see their own film, and then they leave. You should want
to see all the films, so you can see who you going against, and to
cross promote, make friends, and ask questions of other filmmakers.
Ask what kind of camera they used. Bond with actors and filmmakers,
often from another country. Filmmakers who have won in past festivals
have a greater understanding of film festivals, and how to take
advantage of them. They know to bring posters, promotional materials,
their cast. Newer filmmakers can learn from them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ortiz encourages newer filmmakers, and
film students, to submit their works. "<a href="http://www.horrificfilmfest.com/">The Horrific Film Fest</a>
was created to help filmmakers showcase their talent and get
distribution. Eight movies have been distributed from my film
festival."</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-31387656092123137142017-10-17T22:02:00.000-07:002017-10-17T22:02:27.055-07:00Wreak Havoc Wants Entertaining Horror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4Cu7sJJ6qBsPWZwFgtrXznc8CBFqp0H0MvG9J5wErxL9yihBUiW8ipvI7AQPWQOwsQkB_BBYgRt5WRygnDFVIj6YG4xQl1FGaFAgRTIWtdeM2NQ5zo4GtDdhyphenhypheniqEGSgrMXNV5lddNljR/s1600/Wreak+Havoc+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="598" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4Cu7sJJ6qBsPWZwFgtrXznc8CBFqp0H0MvG9J5wErxL9yihBUiW8ipvI7AQPWQOwsQkB_BBYgRt5WRygnDFVIj6YG4xQl1FGaFAgRTIWtdeM2NQ5zo4GtDdhyphenhypheniqEGSgrMXNV5lddNljR/s200/Wreak+Havoc+2.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="http://www.wreakhavochorrorfilmfest.com/">Wreak Havoc Horror Film Festival</a>
screened its third edition this past September, at the
Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, North Carolina.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Festival director Dan Sellers has a
simple rule for filmmakers looking to screen at Wreak Havoc: <i>Be entertaining.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"There is no particular subgenre
we look for or favor," said Sellers. "The best advice I can give to filmmakers
is to simply be entertaining! We will not pick a well made film if
it's boring. Don't be boring. We are willing to take very low budget
films, with poor production value, if there's entertainment value."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Entertainment value</i> is a broad and subjective criterion. However, Sellers does have some additional advice. "Have something you want to say. Or at least do something
original and different."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sellers also emphasizes the need for
high quality sound. "Sound quality is often an issue with small
microbudget productions. If a film looks visually interesting, but
our audience can't hear what's being said, then we're not going to go
with it. We're willing to forgive a lot of technical problems if a
film is simply fun to watch and entertaining." But not,
apparently, if the audience must strain to hear the dialog.<br />
<br />
<b>* Tip: Record Quality Sound.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many film festival directors I've
interviewed over the years have complained about poor sound quality
among their submissions. Apparently, all too many filmmakers devote much
effort toward obtaining beautiful visuals, leaving sound as a mere afterthought. Cinematographers are honored on set, while sound recordists and engineers are treated like second class
citizens.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're planning to enter the film
festival circuit, find a talented sound engineer, and treat him or
her like gold. It'll give your film a winning edge.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-12186934752915773392017-10-17T02:40:00.001-07:002017-10-17T21:48:47.332-07:00Crypticon Seattle Welcomes Northwest Horror Filmmakers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="line-height: 138%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jm8iib4UBoTOXnU0Mk0FzyIhhx8nQ0ozKeqD0rl0GJRVSBQy1ClJYYEyttgPsWXQvuEZig2rr7pMcc0F5DrUPfn-kMnBoL-h1-BXr3XKvhzE2apQ5fdiMe1bvZKleao3bxch0mBVd_yY/s1600/Crytpicon+Seattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Jm8iib4UBoTOXnU0Mk0FzyIhhx8nQ0ozKeqD0rl0GJRVSBQy1ClJYYEyttgPsWXQvuEZig2rr7pMcc0F5DrUPfn-kMnBoL-h1-BXr3XKvhzE2apQ5fdiMe1bvZKleao3bxch0mBVd_yY/s1600/Crytpicon+Seattle.jpg" /></a></div>
Eric Morgret founded and managed the
Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival in Seattle, which ran
for three years before folding. Today he runs the film festival at
<a href="http://www.crypticonseattle.com/">Crypticon Seattle</a>, a horror convention.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I asked Morgret what lessons he learned
from Maelstrom that proved useful in running <a href="http://www.crypticonseattle.com/film-festival-entries/entryyear/2017/">Crypticon's film festival</a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"The main lesson was how to sift
through and present films the judges liked and we felt would appeal
to our festival growers," said Morgret. "A theatrical
festival is a ton of work, but we had a projectionist that I could
pass the work off to, allowing me to focus on the filmmakers and
festival goers.<br />
<br />
"A convention is different. The level of work that
goes into finding the films and working with the filmmakers is
similar, but most conventions do not have a theater. You have to
create a "theater" in the hotel. You also need to get the
gear to screen the films. So for the tech side, it can be a pain."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Morgret was with Crypticon even before he founded Maelstrom. "Crypticon started about 11 years
ago. I've been with the convention from year one. We were showing
films on an irregular basis for the first few years. Then in 2012, I
started an official film festival for Crypticon. I am the festival
director.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"It's hard to say why Maelstrom
folded. We did not lose money, but the festival did not grow. Due to
this lack of growth, one of our top contributors left the festival.
This led to us closing our doors."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like most horror film festivals,
Crypticon accepts all subgenres and styles of horror. But as it's
located in Seattle, it's an especially welcoming venue for filmmakers
from the region. "We love our Northwest filmmakers," said
Morgret. "We have a special block dedicated to them. We had
films from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Since they are local, most
all of them were able to attend the convention. It creates a sense of
community."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Morgret offers the following advice to
filmmakers:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Learn your voice.</b> There are hundreds
of resources to learn how to make movies and tell stories. Use them.
Once you understand the language of film, you can twist and turn it.
You can save that cat in your own way.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Don't automatically follow the "rules."</b> Learn them and use them in a way that makes your movie
better. Do not feel the need to make sure this plot point happens on
this page. That is a sure way to get lost and trapped in a cliché.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Don't think you have it all figured
out.</b> Don't ignore all the help you can find in the world now. Film is
the greatest collaborative art. To do it at it’s best, you need to
work with a team. Find a team that you can work with but will
challenge you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Avoid ass-kissers.</b> Avoid people who only tell you how amazing you are. If someone
reads your script and says "it's perfect" -- probably not
someone you should work with.<br />
<br />
<b>* Avoid grinches.</b> But on the other hand, if all they have is criticism, with
no ideas on how to improve things, they may not be who you want to work with either.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Make the sound good.</b> Technically the
biggest problem is bad sound. Your eyes can process and forgive lots
of strange things, but your ears are not discerning.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
================<br />
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-7031831059110535552017-07-20T03:54:00.001-07:002017-07-20T03:54:38.998-07:00San Sebastian Advises Filmmakers to be True to Their Vision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtCkTGFRH4kBVojY_xip0hOZfRQOpmpNYawEN7-5OpiYsuxhXwX1orYmNGEjwaqyl7Esj-Gwpbf3oA_1CEZnt-y4tKqgiETJ2dk13V3t5WOwJWlvv-qhrAV-LBjQ053bZOPrM9MCt5uHN/s1600/San+Sebastian+horror+film+festival+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtCkTGFRH4kBVojY_xip0hOZfRQOpmpNYawEN7-5OpiYsuxhXwX1orYmNGEjwaqyl7Esj-Gwpbf3oA_1CEZnt-y4tKqgiETJ2dk13V3t5WOwJWlvv-qhrAV-LBjQ053bZOPrM9MCt5uHN/s320/San+Sebastian+horror+film+festival+2017.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The <a href="http://www.sansebastianhorrorfestival.eus/">San Sebastian Horror and Fantasy Film Festival</a> is one of Europe's oldest genre film festivals. Its 28th edition will screen from October 28th through November 3rd of
this year.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We are mainly focused on hardcore genre," reports festival director Josemi Beltran, "but sometimes we also include a wider
concept of fantasy or art house movies. Extreme horror, horror
mixing with comedy, the <i>experience</i> of watching the movie with the
audience is very important for us when we select a movie for the
festival."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So <i>audience reaction</i>
is a consideration in selecting films for screening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Beltran welcomes almost any horror
subgenre, provided the film "has quality. You can say that everything
is already invented, but when you find a zombie movie so entertaining
as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01N0Z68DI/communistvampire">Train to Busan</a>, you forget that you're tired of zombies. Of course, we must confess that horror '<a href="http://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-problem-with-found-footage-films.html">found footage</a>' is a sort of
plague."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thus does Beltran join a growing list
of festival directors who have tired of found footage horror films.
(Or at least until filmmakers put a new spin on what has become a slavishly unoriginal subgenre.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
San Sebastian welcomes films with an <i>authentic voice</i>. "You must be honest with
your style and your idea," Beltran advises. "Don't try to
make everyone happy. Don't think about a festival's criteria or
commercial criteria. Then your movie will at least be <i>sincere</i>
and <i>authentic</i>, no matter what kind of fantastique film you
have created. Production values and money are not the most important
things to be successful. If you've created what you were aiming for,
there will always be somebody who will value it. No rules. Please, we
need more original and independent movies."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Although San Sebastian is held in
Spain, English soundtracks or subtitles are acceptable for
submissions. "We'll do the Spanish or Basque subtitling if your
film is accepted for screening."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
=================<br />
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-24729326533651616402017-07-18T12:13:00.000-07:002017-07-18T12:13:29.927-07:00Horror-on-Sea Wants Endings that Make Sense<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8phTvSeV5SQMT3fMJ3J_pK3xkhJAHNn5Y44zUCw8jvZvqJzKjr-NcyVWjuO4VjDV5gkJgyf8qMHpYnXok4X1ikc5IWzM5ea4GwDfW6srFrWsuaKda8O-58Chsx-43iJtOLGcyr8iet9M/s1600/Horror+on+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8phTvSeV5SQMT3fMJ3J_pK3xkhJAHNn5Y44zUCw8jvZvqJzKjr-NcyVWjuO4VjDV5gkJgyf8qMHpYnXok4X1ikc5IWzM5ea4GwDfW6srFrWsuaKda8O-58Chsx-43iJtOLGcyr8iet9M/s320/Horror+on+Sea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Debuting in January 2013, Britain's
<a href="https://www.horror-on-sea.co.uk/">Horror-on-Sea Film Festival</a> most recently screened on January 29,
2017.<br />
<br />
Festival director Paul Cotgrove considers his event to be a big
supporter of indie horror films, adding, "We are always on the
lookout for new grindhouse and cult titles, such as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004CYVZ68/communistvampire">Zombie Women of Satan 2</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B072ZPJ2G6/communistvampire">Night of Something Strange</a>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His advice to horror filmmakers:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. Try and keep the film's running time
down to 80 minutes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. Finish with a good ending. A good
ending to a feature or a short, that ideally makes sense, is crucial,
especially with low budget films. Many films that we view have such
disappointing endings, or just leave us wondering what the film was
all about."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3. The only subgenre that we are
getting a bit tired of is <a href="http://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-problem-with-found-footage-films.html">found footage films</a>. We are really getting
<i>fed up</i> with films that contain shaky camerawork.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like some other horror film festivals,
Horror-on-Sea offers year-round screenings in addition to their
annual festival. "We run a monthly cult/horror double bill in
our small 40-seat cinema. The last double bill that we screened at
our Cult Film Night was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00BM4Q4H6/communistvampire">Texas Chainsaw</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00VU2KZN4/communistvampire">The Town That Dreaded Sundown</a>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
=================<br />
<br />
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-3797686699208986262017-06-21T04:10:00.000-07:002017-06-22T03:18:47.661-07:00Knoxville Horror Film Fest Seeks More Animation Films<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcooLOI3iicvXOIjD1bQVXYVtOa87bqYbCvzn5YbYW7zAQibsOxUH88vH6ZN8_yEfI1DcCu3SAqWWHr370tCLcxoGAIoHmU4Q5koMen0YNuNiE9NgrliZxPS4RTLHoTH7d2aldT_AaTyS/s1600/Knoxville+Horror+Film+Fest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="400" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcooLOI3iicvXOIjD1bQVXYVtOa87bqYbCvzn5YbYW7zAQibsOxUH88vH6ZN8_yEfI1DcCu3SAqWWHr370tCLcxoGAIoHmU4Q5koMen0YNuNiE9NgrliZxPS4RTLHoTH7d2aldT_AaTyS/s320/Knoxville+Horror+Film+Fest+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://www.knoxvillehorrorfest.com/">Knoxville Horror Film Fest</a>, founded in 2009, screens every October, coinciding with the Halloween season.<br />
<br />
Film Programmer & Festival Director William Mahaffey shares some
tips on what to takes to be accepted into Knoxville.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Tight, Original Stories Rule</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Tightness</i> and <i>originality</i>
are two key elements in determining whether a film is good enough to
screen at Knoxville. No padding. No <span style="font-weight: normal;">clichés.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Work on your script and make sure
it's tight," says Mahaffey. "Don't be overly attached to
things you shot. The films that perform the best at festivals are
usually around five minutes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Try to be as original and
inventive as you can. If you look at your story and see things that
have been done before, come up with something different. Or at least
take a different approach. If you recognize that it's something
<span style="font-weight: normal;">clichéd </span>or overused, then I
guarantee the people screening your film will."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Production Tips</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Naturally, your film should look and sound its best. Many indie filmmakers seem especially prone to neglect sound. Poor sounding films is a widespread complaint among festival directors.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Take your time and make sure you
get <i>sound</i> and <i>lighting</i> right," said Mahaffey.
"Sometimes your film might have an amazing script and acting,
but it's hindered by poor production values. Bad sound is super
common. Sound is a pretty hard thing to deal with, but if you take
the time to get it right, or hire someone that knows what they're
doing, it will make your film better."<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
* <b>Shortage of Horror Animation</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
There seems to be a festival-wide shortage of animated horror. As with <a href="http://horrorfilmfestivals.blogspot.com/2017/06/crimson-screen-encourages-filmmakers-to.html">Crimson Screen</a>, Knoxville
welcomes all subgenres but is short on animation.<br />
<br />
"We <i>used</i>
to get more animated films," said Mahaffey. "I would love
it if we <i>got</i> more of them."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Zombies Okay, Torture Porn Not So
Much</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The zombie glut continues, making for
an overdone, overtired subgenre. But don't despair. <i>Your</i> zombie film
might still get admitted into Knoxville -- provided you've breathed some
originality into it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I <i>personally</i> am pretty
tired of zombies," said Mahaffey. "But I am occasionally
surprised with how people can still bring something fresh to that
genre.<br />
<br />
"I do still get torture porn films, and for the most part, I
don't want to watch another one of those."</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Not <i>Just</i>
an Annual Event</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In addition to their big annual screenings, some horror film festivals present smaller screenings
throughout the year. Knoxville is one of those.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We do monthly screenings," said Mahaffey. "Our last screening was on June 12th. It
was an annual event we do called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/446501152369868/">Terror in the Woods</a>. It takes
place at Ijams Nature Center. We showed <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000IHY9TS/communistvampire">The Descent</a> and had a local
haunted house create a haunted trail at the event."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
========================</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-33088213487938470232017-06-20T03:06:00.000-07:002017-06-20T03:19:49.931-07:00Crimson Screen Encourages Filmmakers to Attend -- and Schmooze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpIRYacJEN1Z4a_CyFDSOY3AyUb3pKl1bzrFaj4jVm8ksxUcc7IVusycArG9sfk7J3pbXGtpcjIN134cVdoT2DoIgtQRvPI_UKYslMryOlVLp0FRBqwwYSSdH0xjjSpfLJ2F7QJlgsi-K/s1600/Crimson+Screen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="730" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpIRYacJEN1Z4a_CyFDSOY3AyUb3pKl1bzrFaj4jVm8ksxUcc7IVusycArG9sfk7J3pbXGtpcjIN134cVdoT2DoIgtQRvPI_UKYslMryOlVLp0FRBqwwYSSdH0xjjSpfLJ2F7QJlgsi-K/s320/Crimson+Screen.png" width="320" /></a>Founded in 2014, the <a href="http://www.crimsonscreenfilmfest.org/">Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest</a> had its fourth event last May.<br />
<br />
Festival founder
and director Tommy Faircloth offers advice to horror filmmakers planning
to submit their films for the 2018 edition, to be held in North Charleston, South Carolina.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Films are <i>Heard</i> as well as Seen</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Like many festival directors, Faircloth
emphasizes the importance of a film's <i>audio quality</i>. It should be clean, crisp, the dialog easily understood by viewers -- who are also listeners.<br />
<br />
"We
do our best to make sure your film looks and <i>sounds</i> great," said Faircloth. "But if you
had bad audio, we can’t do much for you." <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>* Wanted: Animated
Horror </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're working on an animated horror film, you're in luck. Competition is currently low for this particular subgenre.<br />
<br />
"We play all types of horror
films," said Faircloth, "from established to first-time filmmakers. But we would like to
see <i>more</i> animated horror films."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Audiences <i>Love</i> Horror Comedy</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">After a film is
shown at Crimson Screen, Faircloth says that "many" elements
determine whether it goes on to win an award. Films are judged not
solely by <i>artistic merit</i>, but also by <i>entertainment value.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">"It's not only <span style="background: transparent;">how </span><i><span style="background: transparent;">good</span></i><span style="background: transparent;">
the film is," said Faircloth, "but also </span><i><span style="background: transparent;">audience
reaction.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">" </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">So by pleasing the audience, your film stands a greater chance of walking off with an award. Any tips on <i>how</i> to please an audience? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">"Comedy
horror is always a bit hit with audiences," said Faircloth.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
The takeaway: It's not that dramatic horror films don't win at Crimson Screen. But if you want to boost your film's chances, consider tossing in some laughs.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Slashers Face Stiff Competition</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We have seen <i>a lot</i> of
slasher films," says Faircloth, although adding, "We <i>love</i>
slasher films."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is there a slasher film glut? If something's
trending at one festival, it <i>could</i> be trending throughout the
festival circuit. And because most festival directors <a href="http://horrorfilmfestivals.blogspot.com/2017/04/buck-trend-to-increase-your-films.html">like to schedule for variety</a>, a slasher glut means that <i>your</i>
slasher film must outperform other slashers to get screen time on the festival circuit. Whereas a decent enough alien abduction film, if it's the only one
submitted, might be a shoe-in.<br />
<br />
The takeaway: If you're still in pre-production, consider changing your film's monster from a slasher to a radioactive porcupine, or some other rarely filmed creature. Even better if it's a <i>funny</i> radioactive porcupine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>*<span style="color: black;"> Schmooze or Lose</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">Winning
an award at </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Crimson Screen
is, to some extent, a popularity contest. (Actually, that's true of <i>most</i> awards, including Oscar.) Filmmakers must please
audiences because their reactions while seeing a film matter in the judging process. But it's also important for filmmakers to "schmooze" audiences and judges between screenings, because another factor
is ... <i>Do they like you?</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Or as Faircloth describes it, </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">"How
the filmmaker helps promote their screening and </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="background: transparent;">what
type of person</span></i></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="background: transparent;">
they ar</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="background: transparent;">e.
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Don't be a dick. Don't think your
movie is the best out there. It's okay to praise others.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Making friends and showing
support to other filmmakers is something we push at Crimson Screen.
The fest should not only be about seeing movies, but about making a
connection with the audience and other filmmakers.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Filmmakers should not think that
getting into the festival is the end of their work. They should
promote their screening in any way possible -- social media,
websites, etc. Especially if they can't attend the fest. But
attending the fest is key."<br />
<br />
===============<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-66252371796504217142017-05-10T02:37:00.001-07:002017-05-10T02:37:37.939-07:00Horrible Imaginings Seeks Horror with a Personal Vision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ373JeD8c4vrksTLd7dbNGz5ZrXjQmvbTZVbCVrE-ywQvYrkERS48lWXM6kPXGNbpgqCeYIzoUsv06FBl-NdevgUv5KlmXjOECGOGsKDr7iE012RVMdIyYXScsvmIcpsP18FDq-9LpeE/s1600/Horrible+Imaginings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ373JeD8c4vrksTLd7dbNGz5ZrXjQmvbTZVbCVrE-ywQvYrkERS48lWXM6kPXGNbpgqCeYIzoUsv06FBl-NdevgUv5KlmXjOECGOGsKDr7iE012RVMdIyYXScsvmIcpsP18FDq-9LpeE/s320/Horrible+Imaginings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.hifilmfest.com/">Horrible Imaginings</a> screened most recently in
September 2016. They're now preparing for their 8th event in 2017, even as
they host "year-round monthly screenings in San Diego."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Horror with a Personal Vision</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0019KAQEU/communistvampire">Great Pumpkin</a>, festival
director Miguel Rodriguez believes that "The most important
element of any film is <i>sincerity</i>. Horror is the most <i>personal</i>
and <i>sincere</i> of genres when done well -- honest appeals to our
fears, or expressions of the film makers' fears." Thus, his festival seeks "to showcase the inherent <i>eccentricity</i>
and <i>variety</i> within the macabre -- to expand typical
definitions of what makes horror.<br />
<br />
"Our program can be extremely
<i>eclectic</i>. A film <i>on the periphery of horror</i> has a
chance of acceptance at ours that it might not have at another horror
festival."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Which is to say, low-budget oddball
horrors -- it they convey a strong personal vision -- have a better
chance of acceptance than slicker, more traditional horror films that lack
soul. (Or <i>sincerity</i>, as Rodriguez might put it.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>*
Short Films Are Making Anthologies Obsolete</b></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Anthology films have less chance
of acceptance -- not no chance, but less of one," says
Rodriguez. "In a festival with short film blocks, an anthology
can feel like just another short film block, taking up a feature film
slot." Especially if each segment in an anthology film has its own
director. "Films like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01LRBPILG/communistvampire">Tales of Halloween</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01D40LCNG/communistvampire">Southbound</a>,
and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B06X1C6LK6/communistvampire">XX</a> are not like the old days of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00X99C0WK/communistvampire">Black Sabbath</a> or
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0021L9MJG/communistvampire">Creepshow</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00BTYPW7C/communistvampire">Tales from the Darkside: The Movie</a>, all of
which had one director and a <i>unified feel</i>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Retro '70s Glut</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Rodriguez won't discount any
subgenre, like other festival directors, he's tired of some. "There are still an over
abundance of '70s grindhouse throwbacks, which started churning out
after Tarantino/Rodriguez's film. But I was also tired of zombies.
Then we get a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002TZS5G0/communistvampire">Pontypool</a> or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01MQ1O8RK/communistvampire">Train to Busan</a> or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B01LTIAQDW/communistvampire">Girl with All the Gifts</a>, and I feel the joy of proving myself wrong.
So I try not to think of subgenres as being played out, and focus on
each film individually."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Tips for
Getting It Right</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rodriguez recommends that filmmakers
always be making films. "Even if with just a few friends
and a cell phone every weekend. Then show it to people, get feedback,
and make another. Many filmmakers want their first film
to get into all the festivals and get all the attention, but
filmmaking is a skill and a craft that is honed with practice.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"And watch films. Voraciously
consume the cream of the crop, and incompetent films as well. The
horror filmmakers I see doing some of the best work are able to have
obsessive conversations about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003ICZW8M/communistvampire">The Red Shoes</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000G8NXYG/communistvampire">Seven Samurai</a>, or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0792833287/communistvampire">Midnight Cowboy</a> every bit as much as about
films like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00Q5KG5BW/communistvampire">The Beyond</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001G8XOMG/communistvampire">Nightmare on Elm Street</a>, or
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002KAIW4E/communistvampire">Night of the Living Dead</a>. Become entangled in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786449721/communistvampire">unique and potent language of cinema</a>, <i><span style="font-style: normal;">and <a href="http://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/">how you can use that language</a> to make an audience feel something.</span></i><br />
<br />
"I was conversing with a guy who
made a zombie movie. I mentioned <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005CU5OEU/communistvampire">Lucio Fulci</a>. He had never
heard of Fulci, so I gave him some recommendations. He said he didn't
want to watch them because, in his own words, <i>"I want to stay
original.</i>" Unsurprisingly, his film was an unwatchable turd.
Not seeing movies does not protect you from unoriginality. It just
makes you ignorant, and unable to even identify when you are being
unoriginal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Surround yourself with people who
are the best at their jobs. Make the other creatives working on your
film -- actors, cinematographers, composers, sound engineers, etc. --
truly understand and become unified behind your vision. An audience
should not see separate parts, but one whole piece of art
called a film. The director's job is to make the parts come together
coherently.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Some microbudget filmmakers
defend their works by saying, <i>"Yes, I know the
sound was not so good, but I am proud of the script."</i> Or
they point to a couple of strong points, as if those should be enough
to overcome glaring flaws elsewhere. That doesn't work. The finished
film needs to be the best it can be of everything."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>* Mistakes to Avoid</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"<i>Lack of purpose </i>is
mistake number one. It leads to other big mistakes, like a
weak script and too many clichés. There is something exciting about
having a finished film with your name on it, so many
people make a film for that reason. The <i>only</i> good
reason for making a movie is you have a story you are yearning to
tell, and cinema is how you want it told. Why that story? What does
it mean to you? Why is it important you share it with other people? A
filmmaker should be able to answer all of those questions with vigor
and passion."<br />
<br />
Other mistakes include "<i>technical problems</i> like
poor lighting, sound, color, and incoherent editing. (<i>Especially</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span>for horror, sound is critical. Do not cheap out on your <i>sound
engineer</i>. Sound is 80% of your film's effectiveness.) This is
important even for microbudget films. Audiences don't care how much
you spent on a film. They just want the film to transport them. If
they get that experience, then learning a film was made for five
grand might impress them, but they won't feel impressed if the film
fails at that mission.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Some filmmakers who finish a film
for <i>zero money</i> feel entitled to a screening just for finishing
a film at all. Unfortunately, there are thousands who that did the
same thing and that entitlement doesn't exist. Their accomplishment is
worthy of respect, but they should keep growing and improving."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
===============</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.<br />
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-91925913391353728002017-04-24T02:11:00.003-07:002017-04-30T00:11:32.386-07:00Story Is King at Edmonton Festival of Fear<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXXjh60kAgEQ9Isq6-c1LTCsz7qQ0GLY0IbRj5SEE_JwHoMnxbrgZZHTxhYVy52LEOutpOS7qIrtx3M-lDYQfUSslU5jS8GHzhn-vjTKU0gchY3j4MDHcmo-KmPV9NXd026dtEx2r2G8k/s1600/Edmonton+Festival+of+Fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXXjh60kAgEQ9Isq6-c1LTCsz7qQ0GLY0IbRj5SEE_JwHoMnxbrgZZHTxhYVy52LEOutpOS7qIrtx3M-lDYQfUSslU5jS8GHzhn-vjTKU0gchY3j4MDHcmo-KmPV9NXd026dtEx2r2G8k/s320/Edmonton+Festival+of+Fear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Canada's newest horror film festival,
the <a href="http://www.edmontonfestivaloffear.com/">Edmonton Festival of Fear</a>, will screen for the first time this
October. The festival's founder and director, Barry J. Gillis, says that films are more likely to be accepted at his event if their stories are <i>original</i> and <i>entertaining</i>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"We are looking for movies that
will captivate the audience," said Gillis. "This starts
with a great story. Original ideas. Stories that keep us on the edge
of our seats and entertain the audience."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While story is king, Gillis also
stresses the importance of accomplished acting, cinematography and
sound. "Sound is important. We would like to see less films with
bad sound. And less experimentation that doesn't work.
Experimentation is fine ... when it works."
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But an entertaining story can
overcome even rough production values. "We don't reject all bad
films," said Gillis. "Some bad films are what people
like to watch, even if the cinematography or sound is not the
greatest. We are more likely to reject a movie because it is boring
as hell."<br />
<br />
Finally, Gillis confirms that the world of film festivals is
highly competitive. "There are great movies that we cannot get into the
festival because of time slots, and time constraints."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
=================</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590780338213770164.post-90756834341340326582017-04-14T02:17:00.001-07:002017-04-14T02:17:05.410-07:00Buck the Trend to Increase Your Film's Chances for Festival Acceptance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv-qrg2p3oyQMy09Licg3UVOdfxddI2F2U8zvsYSmb8yV4BxfXYZij3xO5FG3e30svZRLQP13RodkybYnewYHlPJBj-VW3nkSmjxpQ4ppZykyX8jsFo4BYe1Nc9qaX0o3I0JeAzQcEuan/s1600/different+man+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv-qrg2p3oyQMy09Licg3UVOdfxddI2F2U8zvsYSmb8yV4BxfXYZij3xO5FG3e30svZRLQP13RodkybYnewYHlPJBj-VW3nkSmjxpQ4ppZykyX8jsFo4BYe1Nc9qaX0o3I0JeAzQcEuan/s320/different+man+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Want to increase your film's chances to
be accepted in a festival -- or even win an award? Then try
to figure out what other filmmakers are doing -- and do something
different.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every year certain styles and subgenres
dominate festival entries. Ten years ago everyone was making zombie
films. Film festivals were deluged with the walking dead. Torture
porn was prevalent after <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00MFCPVO6/communistvampire">Saw</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B009VO1IMU/communistvampire">Hostel</a> were released.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00EJX2YGM/communistvampire">Twilight</a> produced a flood of vampire clones. And they're <i>still</i>
making <a href="http://horrorfilmaesthetics.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-problem-with-found-footage-films.html">found footage films</a>, often about <a href="http://communistvampires.com/horror/Feed.html">ghosthunters</a>, shot in the
unusual green nightvision.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Film festival directors like to program
for variety. If they receive five great slasher film entries, and one
mediocre ghost film -- and they only have screening time for five
films -- they'll take the mediocre ghost over one of the great
slashers. They still have four more of those.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At least six excellent actresses were considered for Best Actress in the 2013 <a href="http://www.hollywoodinvestigator.com/2013/horrorfilm2013.html">Tabloid Witch Awards</a>. Five had
turned in excellent <i>dramatic</i> performances, playing <i>similar</i>
sorts of characters (strong, but long-suffering, women). The remaining
actress gave an excellent <i>comedic</i> performance, playing an
entirely different sort of character (a gonzo mad scientist). As against
the five long-suffering women, the mad scientist stood out -- thus Guenia Lemos won that year. Had it been five excellent comedic
performances and one excellent dramatic performance, the dramatic
performance might have won.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To win it helps to have both
talent <i>and</i> luck. The luck that all the other contestants
coincidentally arrived in blue dresses, whereas you happened to wear
a red dress. The judges couldn't help but notice you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can't guarantee luck. But you
can <i>watch</i> for trends so as to <i>not</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
follow </span>them. What's currently hot in horror? Are there many
ghost films out there featuring strong, but long-suffering, women? Chances
are other filmmakers are already "taking inspiration"
from those films. If ghosts and slashers are hot, consider doing a mad
scientist or alien abduction film. Or better yet, stretch your
imagination and scare us with something no one's seen before.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Film festivals are competitive. It
helps to produce an excellent film. Even better if your excellent film <i>stands apart</i> from all the other excellent films</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
=========</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
For a behind-the-scenes look at horror film festivals and the festival directors who manage them, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786465727/communistvampire">Horror Film Festivals and Awards</a>.
This book also includes a directory of over 200 horror film festivals,
and a list of festival award winners from dozens of festivals over
several decades.<br />
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