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

Music can do great things for a movie. Imagine “Jaws” without the “bump bump, bump, bump” theme! It would be a different film.

Inside the Chillhouse studio.

Music provides emotional nuance to a film – it helps you tell the audience how to feel about what they are watching. For example, in a horror film (such as “Jaws”) the scary music often tells the audience that something bad is about to happen, and creates tension. The same principle holds true for romantic films, comedies, war films, etc. – whatever emotion you are trying to create, you can do it with music.

How do you go about getting music for your film? You probably should avoid any songs you've heard on the radio, or anything from pop music that is very well known – you might not be able to afford it. Unless you have a huge budget you probably want to spend your money elsewhere.

More gear at the Chillhouse studio.

But you have a lot of options. There are many songs that are in the public domain, and can be used for free. There are websites full of music that people have created which can be used in a film for a small fee. You can approach local musicians or bands and ask if you can use their music, or if they will write something for your film. You may have to pay them something, but many will let you use their music for free as long as you give them credit. They want to get their music out there, so it is a win-win!

Sometimes you don't want any music in a scene at all. There are times where the natural sounds of the scene are enough to achieve the emotions you want. Look at each scene and ask yourself what the best solution is.

So go forth and get some music!

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