|
|
Post by petrolino on May 18, 2019 21:29:27 GMT
The fastest-emerging state for independent horror production as I write, might just be Minnesota which has seen a glut of independent features enter production in the last 10 years. The godfather of this growing cinematic movement might one day come to be seen as horror filmmaker Jason Stephenson, founder of NFTS (Not For The Squeamish) Productions. Stephenson observed how independent horror was being produced in Wisconsin, the state having produced a nice selection of genre features ranging from 'Aswang' (1994) to 'Stump The Band' (2008). Wisconsin is home to Latvian-born b-movie maestro Bill Rebane and Minnesota is the birthplace of s.o.v. icon Joel D. Wynkoop.
Currently, there's a tremendous amount of horror activity in Minnesota but the problem these filmmakers face is the challenge of securing widespread distribution. The dvd / blu-ray market's been swimming through choppy waters and there's no signature label I know of yet within the state. This isn't helped by the fact that Stephenson's been inactive now for 6 years, perhaps due to the lack of distribution and the costs involved in running NFTS Productions. Let's hope a sensible business person with a passion for horror cinema recognises the obvious potential for creating an outward-looking distribution market in Minnesota as the sky's the limit.
I'd like to see some of Christopher R. Mihm's films which I believe are all shot in Minnesota. I've enjoyed trailers and heard good things from actress Rachel Grubb (of Springfield, Ohio) who's worked with many local filmmakers.
Jason Stephenson
'Called You Queen' - Haley Bonar
Do you enjoy any movies directed by Jason Stephenson?
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on May 18, 2019 23:20:22 GMT
Jason Stephenson has shot his horror films in Bloomington, Rochester, Minneapolis and St. Paul. He also does a lot of filming in Hager City, Wisconsin. It's a shame so little of his work is currently available but hopefully this might all change some way down the line.
Scarlet Salem in 'Terror Overload' (2009)
'Not The Kid' - Communist Daughter
Scarlet Salem calls action on the set of 'Strip Club Slasher' (2010)
'No Sir' - Prissy Clerks
|
|
|
|
Post by FridayOnElmStreet on May 22, 2019 5:03:26 GMT
Actually my mom knows him. His ex wife and his current boyfriend built our steps. No fooling.
Doomed to Consume is his best.
|
|
|
|
Post by petrolino on May 25, 2019 13:33:08 GMT
Actually my mom knows him. His ex wife and his current boyfriend built our steps. No fooling. Doomed to Consume is his best.
Nice. I've not seen 'Doomed To Consume' but I just watched the trailer on youtube. Very exciting, the way it's cut together.
It must be cool seeing all this horror production happening in Minnesota. If you look at Sarah French's (aka. Scarlet Salem, of Melrose) enormous filmography, you'll see a lot of films she's shot in Minnesota that frustratingly remain unseen by the wider viewing public. So, French travels around a lot and shoots genre films everywhere, some of which do get widely distributed.
Scarlet Salem at Crypticon in Bloomington
There's also a strong local music scene that's generated some serious online buzz. By what I've heard, it hosts some tight bands you could engage in creative projects. It's also a music scene that attracts people to it, like Canadian Haley Bonar who was partially raised in South Dakota but now is happy to be a Minnesota resident.
Hopefully Jason Stephenson will get back to making horror movies some time soon.
'Kismet Kill' - Haley Bonar
|
|
