Many aspiring filmmakers want their upcoming picture to be the next critically acclaimed, independent masterpiece that gives them their “big break.” But far-fetched as this may seem, this has played out at least three times in the past four years.

Directors Ari Aster, Robert Eggers and Jordan Peele all made their directorial debut in the horror genre with their films grossing millions and launching them to stardom.

Young filmmakers should look to the modern horror genre. The genre abounds opportunities for the aspiring director to make exceptional works with minimal budgetary costs and maximum return.

Horror films are incredibly popular right now. Currently, of the top 10 grossing indie films of 2019, four have been horror films. This is continuing with the success of “IT Chapter Two,” which was released the first weekend of September and netted $91 million its opening weekend.

Of the top 10 most profitable films of all time, when comparing gross to net budget, seven horror films had the highest ratio. Three of those films include “Friday the 13th,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity.”

This type of low-cost, high-reward filmmaking makes the genre an ideal option for aspiring filmmakers, and makes the genre so marketable to independent producers as well.

Karleigh Merritt-Henry | Digital Design Editor

The horror genre has historically thrived in the indie film scene, since “Halloween” (1978) and “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) proved the genre had a knack for making hundreds of millions on a miniscule budget. Horror naturally lends itself to low-budget production, often having few locations, limited actors and a minimalistic style of shooting. These all make a perfect blend for the broke aspiring filmmaker to take advantage of.

Some indie filmmakers’ dream of writing and directing the next indie hit, and some independent producers dream of creating the next “Paranormal Activity,” or “Blair Witch Project.” These films have a minimal budget that puts their company on the map with its improbable success, a trend continually reproduced in the horror genre.

It’s this dual desire of both independent filmmakers and producers that has cultivated an environment that’s ripe for creative directing and superior cinematic expression. While big-budget franchise movies may be limiting for directors, this isn’t the case for horror, and in particular with Peele.

In an interview with Fast Company, Peele said he had “100%” creative control for his film. That’s something that can be very appealing to fledgling directors.

My advice: young filmmakers should really give the horror genre a try.

jgconnol@syr.edu

Published on September 23, 2019 at 9:10 pm