Jason Blum, the mastermind behind Blumhouse Productions, chats about his thrilling journey in the horror film industry. He shares insights into the making of iconic hits like 'Paranormal Activity,' revealing how low budgets can spark creativity. The conversation dives into the unique blend of humor and horror, and how personal experiences shape storytelling. Blum also reflects on the evolving role of film critics and the unpredictable nature of independent filmmaking, emphasizing the balance between artistic vision and audience engagement.
Horror movies provide a safe environment to experience thrilling situations and confront fears.
Comedy in horror movies serves as a tension reliever and enhances the overall horror experience.
The movie industry is full of surprises and challenges, with some films exceeding expectations and others being risky endeavors.
Deep dives
Horror movies provide a safe way to experience thrilling and scary situations
One of the main reasons people enjoy horror movies is because they provide a safe environment to experience thrilling and scary situations. Viewers can feel the adrenaline and fear without being physically threatened, as they know they are watching from the safety of a theater seat.
Horror movies allow viewers to feel a sense of control
Horror movies often involve situations where the threat is within the viewer's control. This creates a sense of empowerment and allows them to experience the fear from a position of control and safety.
Horror movies offer a way to face and confront fears
By watching horror movies, viewers are able to confront and face their fears in a controlled and regulated environment. It can provide a way to process and overcome phobias or anxieties.
Humor is an integral part of horror movies
Comedy and humor play a crucial role in horror movies. They serve as a way to lighten the tension and provide moments of relief for the audience. Comedy can also enhance the overall horror experience by juxtaposing light-hearted moments with scary and intense scenes.
The Importance of Balancing Horror and Comedy
Balancing horror and comedy in movies is crucial for creating an effective scare. By incorporating funny scenes that are believable, the audience is relaxed and more susceptible to fear when the scary moments come. This approach is not only effective but also enjoyable for viewers, as it adds a sense of fun to horror movies. However, it's important to note that not all horror films adopt this approach, and some filmmakers, like Scott Derrickson, can successfully create a serious and dark movie without relying on comedy.
Challenges and Surprises in the Movie Business
The movie business is full of surprises, with some films surpassing expectations and becoming successful despite initial doubts. Movies like 'Insidious' and 'Split' were unexpected commercial hits, exceeding box office expectations. This unpredictability is what makes the movie business exciting for producers, as they can never truly anticipate how a film will perform. Additionally, the relationship between filmmakers and studios has evolved, with studios like Universal becoming more open to the vision of directors they trust. However, the independent movie business remains a challenging and risky endeavor, with many films being made without a clear distribution plan or investor return. Overall, the movie industry continues to bring surprises and challenges to those involved in its creation.
Jason Blum is an award-winning film and television producer known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. In 2000, he founded Blumhouse Productions, a production company specializing in low-budget horror and thriller movies, such as the highly successful Paranormal Activity franchise, which grossed over $890 million worldwide. He has also produced other popular films such as Insidious, The Purge, Get Out, BlacKkKlansman, and Whiplash.
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