Horror is one of those genres that moviemakers of all stripes often tackle because it feels like an easy subject. That’s why there are so many of them. You would think that impressive special effects cost a lot of money, and it’s true, but that doesn’t stop intrepid filmmakers from trying. Fortunately, sometimes we get a true gem, even when we’re talking about low-budget productions.
In this industry, there’s no guarantee that a blockbuster with big money to spend on development will also be a big hit. Also, not every great idea for a story gets the attention and funding it deserves. Managing money can be difficult in every department: when playing at a casino, planing a household budget, shopping for things, figuring out how much to spend while on vacation, and so on. Therefore, it’s even more impressive when a project achieves recognition.
This is definitely the case for the movie Paranormal Activity. Before it became a big series with $28 million in funding and almost $900 million in the box office, it was just a big unknown. The producers of the first 2007 film had only 15 thousand dollars to make something out of it. Many fans all over the world will certainly agree that the final effect was more than satisfying. The original film created by Oren Peli received mostly positive reviews upon release, which cannot be said about the general reception of the rest of the series. Paranormal Activity earned over $190 million in cumulative worldwide gross and proved that you can do so much with very little.
Surely, there have been many talented directors, writers, and moviemakers throughout the history of the horror genre. Many of them had to overcome financial difficulties, and it might have influenced their vision in one way or another, especially at the beginning of their careers. No matter the reasons, the fact remains that there are horror movies with relatively low budgets that we like and remember. I’m sure you can come up with your own list, but some of the notable examples have to include: The Blair Witch Project, Halloween, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, or The Last House on the Left.
