IFH 782: Turning Holiday Cheer into Chills: The Shaker Brothers’ Journey Behind Killer Christmas
Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did the Shaker brothers decide to make their first feature film, Killer Christmas, based on their own experiences?
The brothers drew inspiration from their family tradition of Christmas tree cutting in western New Jersey, where they noticed an abandoned retreat house over the years, which sparked the idea for an eerie holiday horror story.
Why did Tony quit his day job to make Killer Christmas?
Tony felt it was the right time to take a chance on his passion for filmmaking, believing it was a better opportunity than waiting until later in life when responsibilities might hinder his ability to pursue creative projects.
Why did the Shaker brothers choose the Adler Hotel in Sharon Springs, New York, for their film location?
The Adler Hotel provided the perfect abandoned and eerie setting for their film. The hotel was owned by a group working on other plots of land in the area, and the owners were open to the Shakers filming there, even offering them a 4K drone in the deal.
Why were sound challenges a significant issue during the production of Killer Christmas?
The film was shot at night in an abandoned hotel with limited resources, making it difficult to capture consistent and high-quality audio. They had to deal with issues like boom bumps, battery failures, and background noise from nearby snowmobilers.
Why did the Shaker brothers choose to distribute their film through an aggregator called Juice?
Juice offered a transparent and DIY approach to distribution, allowing the brothers to retain control over their film and access detailed metrics and revenue streams. They also found Juice to be very professional and responsive compared to other aggregators.
Why did the Shaker brothers focus on making their film feel like a throwback to 80s horror?
They wanted to capture the essence of classic 80s horror films, which they felt were unique and less reliant on technology and practical effects. They aimed to create a film with a nostalgic feel, including elements like color correction and character pacing.
Why did the Shaker brothers decide to use digital blood effects instead of practical ones?
They needed to adhere to safety and insurance standards, which prohibited the use of practical blood effects. By using digital effects, they could maintain a professional and safe production environment while still achieving the desired visual impact.
Why did the Shaker brothers emphasize the importance of involving post-production specialists in the pre-production process?
They learned that coordinating with post-production specialists early on, such as VFX and sound engineers, ensures that everyone is on the same page and can work more efficiently. This helps avoid last-minute issues and streamlines the entire production and post-production workflow.
- Made first feature film, Killer Christmas, on a small budget
- Filmed in their basement and a remote location
- Used readily available equipment and software (Adobe Premiere Pro)
- Showcases the accessibility of modern filmmaking
Shownotes Transcript