As a filmmaker, you need to start somewhere. I suggest you take action and make a horror movie.
Our first feature was a silly zombie movie. The production value was horrific. But the movie got a write up in Premiere Magazine, Fangoria and about one hundred horror related websites. As a result of this buzz, our crappy horror movie gained a cult following and sold very well.
As a result of popularity, our horror movie was pirated and is now available for free all over the internet. While this is not a filmmaking article focused on the merits of piracy as a marketing strategy – I did want to take a quick moment to remind you that you should probably get off your butt and make something.
Here are three reasons why filmmakers should make a horror movie:
- Horror Movies are inexpensive. With a good story, you do not necessarily need “name” actors.
- When you make a horror movie, finding your target audience is easy.
- Even if your horror movie sucks, horror fans love to hate (and talk about) horror movies.
If you want to make a horror movie, my suggestion is to find a great script. Then break your script into a schedule and a budget.
Once you have an initial budget, create a crowdfunding campaign to test your concept. While getting money is a benefit of crowdfunding, the greater objective is to guage audience response and demand in the marketplace. Additionally, your crowdfunding campaign will allow you to test the reach of your social networks.
If successful, your crowdfunding campaign will emphasize the viability of your project in the marketplace. You can detail this in your business plan. Then with the added confidence of social proof, you can confidently enter meetings with prospective investors and demonstrate demand for your title.
Of course, if your crowdfunding campaign fails, all you gotta do is think up a new horror concept and start over.
Here is the trailer for Special Dead, our first feature, a crappy horror movie.
If I can make this type of movie, what is your excuse? Go grab a camera and make a horror movie!
About Jason Brubaker
Jason Brubaker is a Hollywood based Independent Motion Picture Producer and an expert in Video On Demand distribution. He is focused on helping YOU make, market and sell movies more easily by growing your fan base, building buzz and creating community around your title. He is also available for speaking engagements.
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