Historically, the film industry has always been a little… cutthroat.
College of the Canyons Professor and award-winning filmmaker Sara Caldwell, however, wants to help fill the horror film industry with fresh blood.
“Yes, back in 2006, I wrote – this was my third book, industry book, and it was ‘Splatter Flicks: How to Make Low Budget Horror Films’,” said Sara Caldwell, a COC professor and filmmaker.
This Halloween, Caldwell is publishing the second edition of the book, giving readers a shriek peek into what you need, and don’t, to make it in the world of scares.
“There’s certainly plenty of filmmaking books, but I wanted to do one that was very specific to the genre. So it includes a lot of things, like – I mean, some things are basic filmmaking, but also things like special effects, practical effects, writing for the genre, and dealing with low budgets,” Caldwell said.
She’s not just sticking with horror, though. Caldwell also teaches the medium of stop-motion films here at COC, where her experience can help students like Bees Mariscal flourish.
“I do think it’s really exciting that she’s both like-made things and then getting to share all that with the rest of us, so it’s like her herding a new young group into the form of art that she loves, and that we’re all excited about too,” Mariscal said.
It’s that experience and dedication that draws many students in, whether they’re fresh into the major or just want to learn from a published filmmaker.
“She’s great! She’s someone who’s actively working in the industry right now. She’s perfecting her craft as she’s teaching it, which I feel like should be kind of like a requirement for most professors, especially for like, artistic ones,” said Austin Taylor-Uku, another COC student.
Whether you’re looking to spook your audience, budget your way into the limelight, or just want to get the insider scoop from a professional right here at home, it’s as simple as picking up a book.
