Locations (last blog / next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

A good location is a very inexpensive way to add production value to your film. Any location where you can show up and not change much in terms of props/furniture/decorations/etc will save you time and money, and let you focus your energy elsewhere.

A good location makes the scene.

To start, see what the script calls for. You should base your needs from the story boards and the script breakdown -- for example, do you need a kitchen with windows to the outside? A bathroom with a big shower? A back porch with a fence? Imagine yourself shooting the film and what it would be like.

Take photos of each scouted location.

When you scout a location, take photos so you can refer to them later. Otherwise your head will be swimming with locations and it can be easy to get confused. Plus, having photos can help later on -- if you decide to add a scene or change an existing one you can use your photos to imagine how your changes might work.

Make sure all your production insurance is in order. If you want to be in the game you have to play by the rules. There are lots of different kinds coverage, it all depends on what state you live in.

Ames estate at Borderland state park Easton, MA.

Don't be afraid to ask for a location. Most people are psyched and often let you film for free and credit in the movie.

Have your contact information ready to go - a nice business card goes a long way, and they don't cost much. And make sure to get the location contact information and a contact name. I'd suggest putting it all in a binder.

Scouting out locations for the Watcher.

If you are going to be filming in public or creating a bloody mess, call the local police department. They are always cool and glad to know (sometimes they even ask to be in the movie!). If you have to get a permit or higher a detail officer, it is the price of doing business. If that is out of your budget, figure out another way to shoot the scene. Indie filmmakers have to be very creative sometimes.

In the wood for the Watcher.

If the location is good, check for adequate power. Find out when the location is available to shoot. And remember that even a small crew has a lot of film equipment, so it is very important to be as accommodating to the location's owners as possible.

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