2. Oren Peli is a name that has kept popping up on
blogs and videos that I’ve looked at during my
research. He moved to the USA from Israel at
19, Oren is a big name in the psychological horror
genre; and with this being my chosen sub-genre
of horror, I thought it would be right to do more
research into Peli’s filmography. Peli was inspired
by the unique idea that was The Blair Witch
Project; he particularly loved the idea of lost
footage being found and the sense of not being
alone that is particular in all his works such as
Chernobyl Diaries, the River, Paranormal activity
etc.
3. Blumhouse productions have made the first three in
the series of the famous psychological horror series;
Paranormal Activity. The idea was introduced in
2007, and the whole film is done with the idea of “lost
camera footage being found” much like how The Blair
Witch Project was made; this being a major
inspiration of Peli’s. The reason why this film is so
effective is also how amazingly basic it actually is; the
budget for the whole production was just over $15000.
I’m a big fan of the Possession idea for an added
formula, I like the fact that there's a presence in the
room but you cant see it; I believe this too be a much
more powerful subject than a knife wielding slasher
villain.
4. Sinister is a recent film produced by Blumhouse. This film has
many factors to it that I really like, one of my favourites is the
use of children; I believe it to be an integral part of the film;
with one of the main characters being a young girl, It fills the
films atmosphere with a creepy and tense feeling throughout.
Another idea that I like and might wish to use is the way that
the films ‘horror’ is brought to life. In a very similar way to The
Ring it uses the use of video to unleash the villain “if you see
him you will die”. I really like the use of disturbing something
in order to bring something bad into the world again.
5. Although not officially produced by Blumhouse, it was made with the help
of Oren Peli who as said before was the introducer of Paranormal Activity
which has given Blumhouse the recognisable name it has today. Insidious is
different to the other two I researched as yes it does focus on demonic
possession/ presence but its more otherworldly and does not base itself on
planet earth; I think this could be another idea as it wouldn’t matter if I
made the trailer to abstract; this would make for an exciting project. But
with that I understand the editing process will be much longer and
strenuous than if I were to do a project similar to The Blair Witch. I see
Insidious and Sinister as more of a story telling trailer compared with
Paranormal Activity.
6. Hand-held camera lost footage
Set in a demonic world
Possession
Evil presence not seen (shadows)
Havoc caused after a disturbance is made
(e.g. disturbs a grave site?)
Paranormal Activity is a great example that you can do well without a
Hollywood budget and top class equipment. Blumhouse Productions has
very professional looking trailers with low budgets, Blumhouse productions
is just the look I want for my final project.
