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Podcast: E-Writes' Top 5 Horror Films of the 2010s


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Welcome to the E-Writes Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the chilling world of 2010s horror films, a decade that brought a fresh wave of creativity and innovation to the genre. From psychological terror to supernatural thrills, the '10s delivered a diverse array of films that have left audiences captivated and horrified. As a fan of both psychological and supernatural horror, I thought all these films were great!


1. Get Out (2017)


A psychological thriller blending social commentary and psychological thrills, "Get Out" redefines modern horror. In the story, Chris, a young African American man, visits the family estate of his white girlfriend, only to discover a disturbing secret. A cultural phenomenon, "Get Out" earned multiple awards and critical acclaim for its masterful suspense and sharp critique of racism.


 Get Out, Jordan Peele, psychological horror, social commentary


2. Hereditary (2018)


"Hereditary" is a haunting exploration of grief and trauma wrapped in a chilling narrative from Ari Aster. Upon the death of their matriarch, the Graham family uncovers dark secrets with terrifying consequences. Hereditary is a modern horror masterpiece that has left audiences questioning their perceptions of reality due to its unsettling atmosphere, powerful performances, and shocking moments.


Hereditary, Ari Aster, supernatural horror, family trauma


3. A Quiet Place (2018)


The movie "A Quiet Place," directed by John Krasinski, emphasizes the importance of sound in a unique blend of horror and suspense. The film follows a family as they navigate their lives in silence in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by blind monsters that hunt through sound. As a result of its innovative premise and heart-pounding tension, "A Quiet Place" received widespread acclaim and showcased the power of silence in horror.


A Quiet Place, John Krasinski, post-apocalyptic, suspense


4. The Babadook (2014)


Jennifer Kent's psychological horror film "The Babadook" explores themes of grief and motherhood. A single mother tries to cope with the loss of her husband while caring for her troubled son who becomes obsessed with a sinister storybook character. This modern classic, which blends psychological depth with supernatural elements, has resonated deeply with both audiences and critics.


The Babadook, Jennifer Kent, psychological horror, grief


5. It Follows (2014)


With its unique premise, David Robert Mitchell's "It Follows" offers a fresh take on the horror genre. The film follows Jay, a young woman who becomes the target of a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. Throughout, the entity takes on various forms and relentlessly pursues her, creating a sense of dread. Critics have praised the unsettling atmosphere and retro aesthetic of "It Follows" for its originality.


It Follows, David Robert Mitchell, supernatural horror, originality


Conclusion


A groundbreaking decade for horror in the 2010’s gave rise to films that not only terrified, but also challenged storytelling and societal expectations. From psychological thrillers to innovative supernatural tales, these top five horror movies have left a lasting impression on horror cinema. It is clear that the legacy of 2010’s horror will reverberate for years to come, reminding us that fear can take many forms.


We’d love to hear from you! Which '10s horror film is your favorite?


Thank you for tuning into the E-Writes Podcast! If you enjoyed this exploration of the haunting world of 2010s horror, be sure to subscribe for more spine-tingling content and discussions about the films that shaped our fears. Until next time, keep the lights on!


Links to the movie trailers below:


- Get Out  


- Hereditary  



- A Quiet Place  


- The Babadook  

- It Follows  



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Top 5 Horror Films of the 1980s: A Spine-Chilling Retrospective | E-Writes Podcast


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Welcome to the E-Writes Podcast. In this post, I will discuss my top 5 1980s horror films. In my last post, I spoke about my top 5 horror films from the 2000's. Naturally, I wanted to go out of sequence to keep everyone guessing. It may not always be clear which 1980s horror genre to focus on because there were a few. There were three broad categories, and they each overlapped, bare-knuckling one another.


There's the supernatural thriller, a genre that originated in the 1970s. In addition, there is the Slasher video library, followed by the stalk and slash faction. There were enough 1980s horror films to inspire a decade's worth of sequels. Basically, you can pick any film from this decade and watch it tonight. It was so hard to pick between 1 and 2. I’m such a Wes Craven junkie.


1. The Shining (1980)


Adapted from Stephen King's novel, "The Shining" is a psychological horror masterpiece directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer who takes a winter job as a caretaker at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Jack's descent into madness is accompanied by the hotel's sinister forces, creating a sense of dread and suspense. "The Shining" is a timeless horror classic thanks to iconic scenes such as the twins in the hallway and the unforgettable "Here's Johnny!" moment.


The Shining, Stanley Kubrick, psychological horror, Stephen King


2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)


Freddy Krueger, the terrifying child murderer who haunts teenagers in their dreams, was introduced to horror fans by Wes Craven in "A Nightmare on Elm Street". An innovative slasher film that explores the fears of adolescence through surreal imagery and social commentary. Through Freddy's ability to invade the dream world, audiences are forced to question their own nightmares. In terms of '80s horror, "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remains a cornerstone.


A Nightmare on Elm Street, Freddy Krueger, slasher film, Wes Craven


3. The Thing (1982)


John Carpenter's horror classic "The Thing" offers suspense and body horror in spades. A group of researchers encounter a shape-shifting alien in the Antarctic who can imitate any living organism. The film’s practical effects, created by Rob Bottin, are both grotesque and fascinating, showcasing transformations that are still shocking today. "The Thing" not only terrifies, but also explores the darker side of human nature with its themes of paranoia and survival.


The Thing, John Carpenter, body horror, alien invasion


 4. Hellraiser (1987)

Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" combined the supernatural with the grotesque to introduce audiences to a new world of horror. The plot revolves around a mysterious puzzle box that unleashes the sadomasochistic Cenobites, led by Pinhead. A visceral experience that challenges traditional horror norms, "Hellraiser" explored desire, pain, and the afterlife. The film's unique vision and memorable characters have made it a cult classic.


Hellraiser, Clive Barker, Cenobites, supernatural horror


5. Child’s Play (1988)


Is there anything scarier than a doll that comes to life? Tom Holland's "Child's Play" introduced us to Chucky, an innocent toy possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Before you ask, no it's not Tom Holland from Spiderman. Using a clever blend of horror and dark humor, this film turns the everyday into something terrifying. When Chucky terrorizes Andy and his family, audiences are reminded that not everything that looks cute is safe. In the 1990s, "Child's Play" became a franchise phenomenon, proving that even toys can evoke fear.


Child’s Play, Chucky, horror-comedy, doll horror


Conclusion


In addition to terrorizing audiences, the 1980s produced films that challenged audiences in new and innovative ways. From psychological thrillers to supernatural slashers, these top five films continue to inspire filmmakers to this day. Reminiscing on this era, it's clear that the legacy of '80s horror still resonates, reminding us that our deepest fears often lie beneath the surface.


We'd love to hear from you! Which 80s horror film is your favorite?


Thank you for tuning into the E-Writes Podcast! If you enjoyed this exploration of 1980s horror, don't forget to subscribe for more spine-tingling content and discussions about films that changed our fears. Until next time, keep the lights on!


Links to the movie trailers below.

The Thing 


A Nightmare on Elm Street


The Shining 


Child’s Play (1988)


Hellraiser (1987)


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The Importance of Creating a Movie Trailer to Promote Your Film


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In the competitive landscape of filmmaking, capturing the audience's attention is crucial. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is the movie trailer. A well-crafted trailer is not just a promotional tool; it serves as a vital part of what sells a movie. Having recently completed my short film, Teddy, I can attest to the significance of creating a trailer as the first step in promoting your project. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of trailers in the film industry and how they can elevate your film's success.


The Essential Role of Trailers in Film Promotion


Trailers play a pivotal role in generating interest and excitement around a film. They provide the first glimpse of the project to potential audiences, showcasing the film's tone, themes, and unique selling points. A trailer acts as a concise summary of what the film is about, ideally wrapping up the essence of the story in a short and engaging format.


For my film Teddy, creating the trailer was one of my top priorities after filming. The trailer allowed me to distill the film's narrative and artistic vision into a captivating package that could be shared across various platforms. This initial exposure helps potential viewers understand what to expect while building anticipation for the film's release.


Funding Opportunities Through Trailers


One of the lesser-known advantages of creating a trailer is its potential for securing funding. For many indie filmmakers, financial resources can be limited, making it essential to attract investors or sponsors. A well-produced trailer can effectively demonstrate the potential of the film, making it an invaluable asset in your fundraising efforts.


In some cases, filmmakers opt to create a "kick-trailer" to launch crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. These trailers highlight the project's vision and create a compelling narrative that encourages potential backers to invest in the film's completion. Given the popularity of crowdfunding among indie filmmakers, a strong trailer can significantly impact gathering the necessary support.


Crafting the Perfect Trailer


When creating a movie trailer, brevity is key. A successful trailer should be concise, typically lasting between 30 seconds to two minutes. This ensures that you maintain the audience's attention while effectively conveying the film's premise. The goal is to intrigue viewers without revealing too much of the plot.


Focus on highlighting the film's core themes and showcasing stunning visuals. Use compelling sound bites, memorable lines, and evocative music to enhance the emotional impact of the trailer. The aim is to leave viewers wanting more, creating an irresistible urge to see the full film.


Distribution: Getting Your Trailer Seen


Once your trailer is complete, the next step is distribution. In today's digital age, numerous platforms are available for sharing your trailer, including social media, video-sharing sites, and film festivals. Utilize these channels to reach your target audience effectively.


Engage with your followers on social media by sharing behind-the-scenes content and encouraging them to spread the word about your film. Consider submitting your trailer to film festivals and online platforms dedicated to indie films. Increased visibility can help you reach a wider audience, building a community around your project.


Top 5 Movie Trailers to Inspire You


Here are five great movie trailers that exemplify effective promotion:


 - A classic that set the standard for sci-fi horror trailers.


- A modern superhero trailer that builds excitement through nostalgia and action.


3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erLk59H86ww

 - A trailer that masterfully introduces a new generation to an iconic franchise.


 - This trailer uses suspense and horror to draw viewers in.


5. Deadpool & Wolverine https://youtu.be/73_1biulkYk

 - A clever blend of humor and action that showcases the unique style of the films.


Conclusion: The Power of a Well-Crafted Trailer


In conclusion, creating a movie trailer is an essential component of promoting your film. It serves as a powerful marketing tool that introduces your project to potential viewers while opening doors to funding opportunities. By crafting a compelling, concise, and intriguing trailer, you can captivate your audience and set the stage for a successful film release.


As you embark on your filmmaking journey, remember the significance of a well-produced trailer. It could be the key to unlocking the interest and support your film deserves.


We want to hear from you:


Do you think film trailers are important? Have you ever created a trailer? Share your experiences and insights with us on social media using the hashtags below!


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