Hey everyone! We have crossed the halfway point of September and that means it's time to really start getting into the Halloween spirit. I personally am already on my kick of all horror all the time and with Reese's pumpkins now in stores getting in the mood is an easy task. If you are like me and are keen to staying in your own home however, Netflix makes it even easier. Currently streaming right now is a brilliant little documentary called Nightmare Factory (written and directed by Donna Davies) that takes you behind the scenes of your favorite genre films to show you how the blood came to life.
Nightmare Factory is the story of KNB effects, the special effects studio behind the practical makeup of all your favorite movies and television shows. The story of how Greg Nicotero, Robert Kurtzman, and Howard Berger became the biggest names in practical effects is one that should be heard by anyone aspiring to work in the film industry. Greg Nicotero walks you through his life from early adolescence to where he is now to show you how the road to success in this business is never easy. From randomly meeting George Romero in Italy on a family vacation to working on the biggest Television show in history, The Walking Dead these guys have seen and done it all.
Halloween is all about getting dressed up and becoming someone else for an evening, so what better way to get yourself into the spirit of the holiday than to watch the guys who have been making and wearing the greatest costumes you've ever seen their entire adult lives. Featuring interviews with genre legends such as John Carpenter, Frank Darabont, John Landis, and many more they explain how KNB became the biggest name in effects and ultimately changed the way films are made. So much so that they end up transcending the genre and go to work on huge studio films you would never think used their talents.
Nicotero and Berger tell story after story that not only inform us of wonderful behind the scenes trivia but also show us, plain and simple, how the film industry and the way films are made have radically changed since they entered the business. From the introduction of CGI to learning to work hand and hand with it to create even better effects these guys have survived this long for a reason, they are willing to adapt. If you have any desire to ever make a genre film or are just curious as to how some of your favorite effects were created this documentary is a fascinating look into how it is all done.
This documentary aims to inspire the next generation of great makeup effects artists in the industry, it is no secret that there are far fewer people in this line of work than twenty or thirty years ago yet the need for their talents are as big as ever. What will happen when KNB has reached its last leg? Will great practical effects die with them? or will another generation of innovators come in and take the reigns? Checkout Nightmare Factory for yourself and you decide because, in the end it's what the fans want that determine the future of film.
Nightmare Factory is currently streaming on Netflix instant. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!
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