This year marks a significant milestone for Blumhouse Productions as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, the studio has released a new book entitled Horror’s New Wave: 15 Years of Blumhouse, which offers a fascinating look into its dramatic rise in the world of horror film.
The book explores Blumhouse’s acclaimed hits, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s, Get Out, and M3GAN, along with insights into the talent behind them, including James Wan, M. Night Shyamalan, and Mike Flanagan. Its format features oral histories complemented by photos, storyboards, and unique memorabilia that will delight any horror aficionado.
In an exclusive excerpt shared by Movies & TV, a section delves into the role of found footage in shaping hits like Sinister, directed by Scott Derrickson. The film revolves around a struggling author, played by Ethan Hawke, who discovers a series of disturbing home movies that link his family to a sinister tragedy. This chilling narrative helped solidify Blumhouse’s reputation as a powerhouse in the horror genre.
The success of Sinister not only boosted Blumhouse’s box office performance but also earned a place among cult classics, further establishing the studio as a force to reckon with in horror filmmaking.
The Found-Footage Phenomenon
Blumhouse’s origin story ties closely to the rise of the found-footage genre. Films like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity set off a wave of Hollywood productions aiming to replicate the affordable model utilizing unknown actors in realistic settings. This led to other notable films like Cloverfield and District 9.
But it was found-footage that truly catapulted Blumhouse. Initially gaining traction from the Paranormal Activity sequels, Blumhouse continued to explore the genre. One of the standout projects was Sinister, born out of a poker game between Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill, during which the seeds of a brilliant yet terrifying idea were planted.
The Development of Sinister
After a fateful meeting in Las Vegas, Derrickson and Cargill took their pitch to several production companies. Both Jason Blum and producer Roy Lee expressed interest, kicking off a bidding war that transformed what was initially a $1 million micro-budget film into a $3 million production. Ultimately, Derrickson and Cargill chose Blum due to his creative vision.
“I thought The Exorcism of Emily Rose was a great movie,” Blum remarked, emphasizing that he values the entirety of a director’s work, unlike many studios that focus solely on recent successes.
The Allure of Horror Cinema
One might wonder, what elements make a horror film resonate? Scott Derrickson believes it’s about empathy for the characters. If viewers don’t feel connected to the victims, then the film misses the mark. Horror, he posits, allows us to confront our innate fears. “Young people especially gravitate toward horror because it releases the fear they feel, rather than creating it.”
Behind the Sinister Name
Initially titled Found Footage, the film went through several name changes before settling on Sinister. C. Robert Cargill noted that the working titles were discarded as the filmmakers realized they didn’t resonate with general audiences. Scott Derrickson suggested simply using Sinister, which blossomed into a name that would encapsulate the film’s chilling essence.
The Characteristics of Bughuul
Bughuul, the film’s primary antagonist, underwent significant design changes. Initially envisioned as a whimsical figure, he was later reimagined into a terrifying presence with the help of inspiration found on Flickr. Upon seeing the final design for the character, producer Jason Blum noted it was genuinely frightening.
The Significance of Super 8 Film
The gruesome home movies in Sinister were shot on Super 8 film, adding a haunting quality to the visuals. Super 8, primarily used for home videos in the mid-20th century, often lacked an audio recording feature, leaving disturbing content to the imagination—heightening the horror experience. This clever choice deepens the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
As the fascination with horror continues, Horror’s New Wave: 15 Years of Blumhouse—now available in stores—invites fans to dig deeper into the craft and creativity behind some of the most memorable films in recent history. Want to explore more thrilling content? Check out Moyens I/O for the latest updates and insights.