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Over the last several years, as I have become more involved in the independent filmmaking scene, and developed this Horror Nerd persona, I've noticed that there seems to be (in some circles anyway), some sort of a battle between "mainstream Hollywood" films and independent films, especially in the horror genre. I got to wondering, "Why is this?" and "Does it have to be that way?" There are so many aspects to this that I almost don't know where to start. I will probably end up rambling and bouncing around, so I hope I you can stick with it!
For many years, all we had was the "big" Hollywood films. We digested what they fed us, and it was usually a mixed bag of good and bad, with some truly great films thrown in. There were always independent films, and festivals such as Sundance came about to showcase these films and give them a shot at wider distribution. However, most of these "independent" films, while not necessarily tied to the Hollywood studio systems, were usually made with decent budgets, and decent cast and crew.
Then, along came digital cameras, and relatively inexpensive editing software, and suddenly everything changed. Anyone who had an idea for a film could buy a camera, and start shooting. Now, I realize that I am waaaayyyyy over simplifying what goes into making even a low budget film, but you get my point. Filmmaking was no longer limited to Hollywood studios with deep pockets and indie filmmakers who had access to some money, and equipment.
For many years, all we had was the "big" Hollywood films. We digested what they fed us, and it was usually a mixed bag of good and bad, with some truly great films thrown in. There were always independent films, and festivals such as Sundance came about to showcase these films and give them a shot at wider distribution. However, most of these "independent" films, while not necessarily tied to the Hollywood studio systems, were usually made with decent budgets, and decent cast and crew.
Then, along came digital cameras, and relatively inexpensive editing software, and suddenly everything changed. Anyone who had an idea for a film could buy a camera, and start shooting. Now, I realize that I am waaaayyyyy over simplifying what goes into making even a low budget film, but you get my point. Filmmaking was no longer limited to Hollywood studios with deep pockets and indie filmmakers who had access to some money, and equipment.
For this article, I want to stick to what I am seeing today in 2013, as I talk to, and in some cases, work with indie filmmakers here in my home state of NJ, and in the surrounding areas. I have become friends with literally hundreds of horror film fans, and their opinions on indie films vs. Hollywood films are as varied as you might imagine. But, this is my blog and my website, so we'll stick to my opinion, OK? (I'm lying, I will be drawing on some of the conversations I've had....)
Anyway.....as a huge film buff in general, over the years I have seen thousands of films, both mainstream and independent and you know what? When you boil it all down, in the end you have exactly what you would expect. Many good films, MANY bad films, and some that are truly exceptional and some that are truly horrendous. Notice, I didn't make any distinction between Hollywood and Indie, because in my mind, THERE IS NONE! A film is a film. Just give the Horror Nerd a good film, and he will enjoy it, whether it was made by Universal for $200 million or by some indie filmmaker for $2,000. It doesn't matter to me. I look for good writing, creativity, and entertainment.
I get a kick out of people who run around screaming "Hollywood sucks!!!" Really, why? Have you seen "Silver Linings Playbook", "Argo" or "Lincoln"? Did these movies all really suck just because they came out of Hollywood? On the film side, have you seen some of the indie films that are being made? Let's face it, not everyone who grabs a camera SHOULD grab a camera. We need to be honest with ourselves people. To quote a good friend of mine, "If you shoot a film in your backyard with your friends for $500, it's going to look like a film you shot with your friends in your backyard for $500."
Anyway.....as a huge film buff in general, over the years I have seen thousands of films, both mainstream and independent and you know what? When you boil it all down, in the end you have exactly what you would expect. Many good films, MANY bad films, and some that are truly exceptional and some that are truly horrendous. Notice, I didn't make any distinction between Hollywood and Indie, because in my mind, THERE IS NONE! A film is a film. Just give the Horror Nerd a good film, and he will enjoy it, whether it was made by Universal for $200 million or by some indie filmmaker for $2,000. It doesn't matter to me. I look for good writing, creativity, and entertainment.
I get a kick out of people who run around screaming "Hollywood sucks!!!" Really, why? Have you seen "Silver Linings Playbook", "Argo" or "Lincoln"? Did these movies all really suck just because they came out of Hollywood? On the film side, have you seen some of the indie films that are being made? Let's face it, not everyone who grabs a camera SHOULD grab a camera. We need to be honest with ourselves people. To quote a good friend of mine, "If you shoot a film in your backyard with your friends for $500, it's going to look like a film you shot with your friends in your backyard for $500."
Now, having said that, I think we have reached an interesting point in American cinema. The big Hollywood studios are afraid to try anything new, especially in the horror genre, so they churn out endless remakes, prequels, sequels and "reimaginings" (whatever the f**k that is) and, as a result, many of these films DO suck. That doesn't mean that all do. On the other side of the coin, Hollywood does put out many good films ever year, even the big budget blockbusters. Sometimes, I just want to be entertained, and I am willing to check my brain at the door and just watch some explosions. Indie filmmakers have an opportunity to tap into a huge audience, especially horror fans, that are craving something new, instead of the latest Texas Chainsaw sequel. They also have access to a huge promotional network, especially in the era of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Like I have said before, just give me a good films. I have seen many good indie films, but I have seen many, MANY bad ones. I understand that these are low budget films, but you could at least pay some attention to the script, instead of just writing down and filming anything that pops into your head. Go take a special effects class, so there can at least be some semblance of effort when it comes to the effects, instead of splashing some red liquid around and calling it blood. I'm sorry if I'm being harsh, and I make NO claims of having the first clue how to make a film, but I do know a good film from a bad one, and indie filmmakers need to understand that they're probably not giving Fellini a run for his money.
Like I have said before, just give me a good films. I have seen many good indie films, but I have seen many, MANY bad ones. I understand that these are low budget films, but you could at least pay some attention to the script, instead of just writing down and filming anything that pops into your head. Go take a special effects class, so there can at least be some semblance of effort when it comes to the effects, instead of splashing some red liquid around and calling it blood. I'm sorry if I'm being harsh, and I make NO claims of having the first clue how to make a film, but I do know a good film from a bad one, and indie filmmakers need to understand that they're probably not giving Fellini a run for his money.
Lastly, I want to say this. We, as horror fans (and film fans in general), bear most of the responsibility when it comes to the films that are available to us. If we run to the theater to see Saw 14 or Texas Chainsaw: Leatherface Does Dallas, then this is what Hollywood is going to continue to feed us. I GUARANTEE that the next lame ass remake will be the number one film in the theater that weekend.
The next time there is an indie film festival or screening in your area, GO TO IT. Show your support! I hate going to a screening and seeing ten people in the audience. Go to a horror convention, and drop $10 on an indie film. Maybe it will be good, and maybe it won't, but at least you're giving an indie filmmaker a chance to continue making films and hopefully he/she will hone their craft and grow. Oh, and STOP DOWNLOADING FILMS! I'm not going to get into a debate about piracy and "fair use" or some other stupid bullshit but the truth is, if you download an indie film, you are stealing, plain and simple. Someone spent money out of their pocket to make a film, and you TOOK that film for free. Don't give me some self-justifying line like "Well I download and then I buy." BULLSHIT! Maybe 1 out of every 20 people does this. Most just want something for free. Buy the film. Drop $10 and take a chance, just like when you go to the movies.
So, where was I going with all of this? Oh yeah. I'll say it again, just give me a decent film. I will support indie film anytime, anywhere in any way I can, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to go to the theater to see "Iron Man 3" or the next "Star Trek" film. What it does mean is that I probably will NOT go see the latest remake that Hollywood churns out because they're scared and lazy.
Finally, we fans are ultimately the ones who decide where we spend our money. If you really are sick of Hollywood, then PROVE IT!
The Horror Nerd has spoken.....
The next time there is an indie film festival or screening in your area, GO TO IT. Show your support! I hate going to a screening and seeing ten people in the audience. Go to a horror convention, and drop $10 on an indie film. Maybe it will be good, and maybe it won't, but at least you're giving an indie filmmaker a chance to continue making films and hopefully he/she will hone their craft and grow. Oh, and STOP DOWNLOADING FILMS! I'm not going to get into a debate about piracy and "fair use" or some other stupid bullshit but the truth is, if you download an indie film, you are stealing, plain and simple. Someone spent money out of their pocket to make a film, and you TOOK that film for free. Don't give me some self-justifying line like "Well I download and then I buy." BULLSHIT! Maybe 1 out of every 20 people does this. Most just want something for free. Buy the film. Drop $10 and take a chance, just like when you go to the movies.
So, where was I going with all of this? Oh yeah. I'll say it again, just give me a decent film. I will support indie film anytime, anywhere in any way I can, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to go to the theater to see "Iron Man 3" or the next "Star Trek" film. What it does mean is that I probably will NOT go see the latest remake that Hollywood churns out because they're scared and lazy.
Finally, we fans are ultimately the ones who decide where we spend our money. If you really are sick of Hollywood, then PROVE IT!
The Horror Nerd has spoken.....
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