H.C. An analysis of production and distribution in horror

Introduction:

• The horror industry in general breaks away from the typical model of production and distribution because of its particular features in style. 
• The gap between industrial and independent film makers is reduced thanks to the conventions of horror, as it exploits features of mise en scene and sound more heavily than special effects and prime locations. 
• This allows for a more competitive market, and a broader range of films for consumers to view.
• Furthermore, the development of new media technologies such as web 2.0, smartphones and internet capable devices has brought about a more level playing field between independent and industrial film makers,in terms of production and distribution.

Friday the 13th

• Friday the 13th (Nispel, 2009) is an American slasher film, created as a fresh start for the 'Friday the 13th' franchise.
• Over a year was spent by producers Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form to secure the rights to the film. 
• The producers were keen to follow original concepts in the franchise's narrative,such as the way in which certain characters were murdered and the inclusion of the iconic hockey mask worn by the lead role 'Jason'. However, the trio also wanted to emphasise their own influence on the film, ensuring it was not just a remake, but a redesign as well. This was achieved through the fact that it was not made a period piece but brought forward into modern times. The script was also re-written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift.
• The budget for the project was $19 million, which is considerably small compared to typical industrial budgets, however as previously mentioned, this lends itself to the conventions of horror. Many of the effective techniques displayed in the film were achieved through pro-filmic effects such as lighting, make up and camera work.
• The significant distributors involved in the distribution process for the film were New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. 
• The film followed a typical marketing campaign, with an initial teaser trailer released virally, followed by a t.v. trailer. 
• The reputation held by New Line and Paramount aided the film on general release (13th February 2009)as it was distributed to 3,105 theatres in North America and 2,100 other theatres in other global territories. It was released on Blu-Ray, DVD and Apple TV, on 16th June 2009.
• The wide release of the film helped it significantly, and it was a commercial success, garnering $91,379,051 in total.

Saw

• Saw (Wan, 2004) is an American torture horror, based on a true story. 
• The concept for Saw began when director James Wan and screen writer Leigh Whannell had finished film school. Taking inspiration from the low budget but highly successful independent film 'The Blair Witch Project', the pair decided that shooting two actors in the same room would be the easiest concept to achieve, given the budget they would be working with. 
• The plot for the film developed when Whannell was admitted to hospital, convinced he had a tumor. He then played with the idea of the antagonist only having a limited time on his life, and wanting to make others realise their fortune in life, by putting them on the edge of their deaths.
• The film proved unsuccessful at attracting Australian producers (The nationality of both Wan and Whannell). This led to the two searching for approval in Los Angeles. 
• In America, the concept proved far more versatile, and the pair eventually settled to work with Evolution Entertainment (who later formed a horror genre production label 'Twisted Pictures')as they were willing to allow both men to keep significant roles in their creation.
• Saw was produced with a budget between $1 million and $1.2 million. 
• The film was distributed by Lionsgate, which picked up the worldwide distribution rights days before its premiere, at the Sundance Film Festival. At the festival it was played to a packed audience three nights in a row and recieved extremely positive feedback.
• Because of the good nature of its recption, the film was released theatrically on 1st October 2004 in the U.K. , 29th October 2004 in America and 2nd December 2004 in Australia. 
• It proved hugely successful on a global scale, earning $103,096,345 at the time being one of the most profitable horror films ever made.

Conclusion

• Through the comparison of my case studies, it is evident that the conventions of horror allow for far greater competition in the film industry. Digital technologies allow this as they are more responsive than traditional filming equipment, with faster feedback and editing opportunities. This reduces the necesity for big budgets to create effect.
• In actual fact, in this example the independent film was significantly more successful than the industrial production. I will consider and take confidence from this when working with the group on our own concept, as I have now found evidence that the right concept makes a big impact.