Props and Art Direction (last blog / next blog)
by Michael Neel & Greg Ansin

We've mentioned before that one of the major assets you have is your TIME.

Wood, nails, paint and you got a spooky sign.

Props and art direction are great examples of how to use your time effectively. Art direction involves the overall look of the props and set, so art direction and props are closely tied together.

There are many details in any film that help to bring it to life. There will be props in the script that will be important to telling the story (i.e. the bag of money that everyone is trying to get). You need to make sure these props are good otherwise people might not believe your story. Also, don't forget about any props and art direction that may not be in the script but can add a sense of reality to your story.

Cut up, spray paint and glue some of your old toys together and you get a nice spaceship.

For every location in your film, ask yourself: what kind of people live/work/play there? What do those people do? What kind of things do they like? Are they clean or neat? When you answer those questions the right props and art direction will become clear.

Ideally, you want your props and art direction to indicate things about the characters and locations that aren't in any dialogue or action, but matter to the story. Real life is like this – every new place you visit tells you something about it just by how it looks. You want your film to seem like the story exists in a real place, with real people.

Well, this take some skill but good FX people can be found.
Leg made by Rob Fitz and Nick Flanagan.

Your props and art direction don't have to be expensive. Ask your friends if they'll let you borrow something (but be sure to return it!). Check out things people are selling online, and visit second-hand shops. See if there is anything in a location that works as it is, and that you don't have to modify.

Have fun and go shopping!

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