TIPS BEFORE YOU EVEN START (last blog / next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

It is not as hard as you think, but you must ask yourself a few questions: Why do I want to make a film? Do I have any experience? Who might be interested in my film?

16mm film - Set design for the Drive-In Horrorshow.

You don't have to know any of the answers but the more you think about these things the more it will help you as go along.

Note - These suggestions are manly for a narrative film - documentaries follow a different production path but these questions still apply.

Why do I want to make a film (this film)?

An easy answer is: people will be interested in watching this film. A good film is always a good film and people will want to watch it. Now, that is somewhat oversimplified but a good film is based on having a good story. The story doesn't have to be complex at all, just solid. Once you have your story, then build your characters in this world. Characters, and later actors, will bring the story to life. The K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) approach works more often than you'd think. Try it.

The clapper marks the scene and syncs the film and audio.

Do I have any experience in making a film?

I would not be too concerned about this. Depending on your lifestyle and what you are comfortable with it is easy to get into the "game". The only qualification is that you have watched a lot of movies and TV.

For an indie filmmaker your biggest resource/expense/whatever you want to call it is your TIME. So, if you know very little about filmmaking a good start is to buy a few books on film or go to a filmmaker blog, and watch DVD commentaries. If you have some cash take a class or two, if there are films being made in your area try to get work on them even if you don't get paid. After you work on set or behind the scenes you may realize what you want to do: maybe you just want to write screenplays or maybe you love the chaos of a set. If your experiences don't deter you, you'll be well on your way to producing your film, so I'd say "good luck and send me a screener when the film is done or invite me to the premiere....."

Lights! Camera! Action!

Who might be interested in my film?

Marketing, research and end market. Some filmmakers don't think too much about these and get lucky but most don't. Unless you have a lot of connections in the business get ready to work at it. As much fun as you can have making your film, it can be frustrating after the film is finished and you're not able to get your film out there. This is not as doom and gloom as it seems - even if your budget is long since gone you can still get your film out there. Just don't be in a rush - there are social networking sites, streaming video services and downloads. Again, this only costs your time - if you are willing to write about your film and spread the word the grassroot following will come if your film is good...

So let's get ready to start writing.

What they are saying about the Drive-In Horrorshow....

"10 out of 10"
- From Infernal Dreams

"Drive-In Horrorshow delivers a visual feast of blood splatter and clever storytelling."
- From Fangoria

"Drive-In Horrorshow takes the anthology and juices it fully with five unique stories that range from clever comedy to dark body horror."
- From Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense

"A well made anthology of short films."
- Zombie Movie Database

"Highly recommended for those who want to confront the monsters under the bed of their childhood. And as always find them scary."
- From I 400 Calci (translated from Italian)

"The general tone of this film struck me, because I've seen real passion for the genre."
- From Ulteriorit Precedente (translated from Italian)

"This is a high recommend from me, very entertaining and obviously done by filmmakers who love the genre. Long live the horror anthology!"
- From McBastard's Mausoleum

"Drive in Horror Show is–WITHOUT A DOUBT–the greatest horror anthology since George Romero's Creepshow"
- From Planet Fury

"I can't stop singing its praises."
- From Rogue Cinema

"If you like horror anthologies pick this one up, there's something for everyone here."
- From Deadly Indie Drive-In

"Every now and then a movie will come out that knocks you socks off and with its originality, creativity and magnetic appeal- well Drive in HorrorShow is that flick."
- From Angry Princess

"With a solid lineup of 5 stories that range from the serious to seriously goofy, Drive-In Horrorshow is the perfect film for a Friday night. Or any night for that matter."
- From Planet of Terror

"A tasty little anthology in the vein of Creepshow or Trick 'r Treat, Drive-In Horrorshow is a nifty treat of a film, well worth checking out." 
- From Radiation-Scarred Reviews

"A cut above the rest and slice of incredible independent filmmaking." 
- From Horrornews.net

"One of the most entertaining horror anthologies I have seen in a while."
- From KillingBoxx

"The horror world is a fickle beast but Drive-In Horror Show manages to walk the lines of the subgenres without missing a beat. It's appeal reaches to horror fans of all types."
-Bill Fulkerson from Outside The Cinema

"Celebrates the long-lost beauty of the drive-in theater and all its bloody glory."
- From Basement Screams

"A slick five tale anthology film that was independently made and a reminder of cool shit we used to see on late night TV when we were kids."
- From Gross Movie Reviews

"A good throw back to the late night creature feature."
- From Cinema Fromage

"Top notch effects that invoke fear and comedy at the same time.  I really really like this movie."
- Podcast at Movie Fan House

"Fantastic." 
-Podcast at Horrorstuff

Other Press:

"The horror! But that's what he seeks."
- The Boston Globe talks with the filmmakers

"What motivated you and Michael Neel to make the transition from candid interviews and political documentaries to ghoulish gore horror?"
- Pamela Torres at Punk Globe interviews DIHS producer Greg Ansin

"Wowzers! That really sounds like some good shit!"
- Arrow In The Head is psyched for the release of DIHS