Splatter Flicks

Splatter Flicks: How to Make Low-Budget Horror Films (2nd Edition) is your crash course in turning a micro-budget idea into a killer movie-from the first scream on the page to the final cut on a streamer. This updated edition folds in today's tools and techniques and adds fresh, on-the-ground insights from working pros across writing, acting, stunts, costume and production design, music, editing, special effects, and distribution.

You'll learn how to shape a lean, original script; raise and protect your budget; plan practical and digital gore; direct performance and action safely; cut for tension; score for dread; and build a marketing and distribution path that actually finds an audience. The book walks you end-to-end: development and funding, production, post, and release.

You'll also get field notes from filmmakers doing it now-award-winning VFX artist William Reliford on studio-level visuals at indie prices; producer-writer-director John Penney on shepherding features; directors Jill Gevargizian and Natasha Kermani on graduating from shorts to features; DP Jendra Jarnagin on shooting fear; make-up FX artist Anthony Pepe on the state of splatter; plus insights from programmers, stunt coordinators, production designers, sculptors, and more.