So You've Inherited a Screamin' Deal: How to Sell a Haunted House Movie (Without Running for the Hills)
Listen up, horror hounds and bargain hunters! Inherited a Victorian mansion with more charm (and spectral inhabitants) than you bargained for? Don't call the Ghostbusters just yet! This fixer-upper could be your ticket to scream-inducing box office gold. That's right, we're talking about selling your haunted house movie idea like a pro.
Step One: Know Your Ghosts (and Audience)
Not all hauntings are created equal. Is it a vengeful spirit with a killer grudge, or a playful poltergeist with a penchant for rearranging furniture? Understanding the type of ghost you've got is crucial. A vengeful spirit demands chills and scares, while a playful poltergeist might lend itself to a more comedic horror approach.
Remember your audience! Are you aiming for hardcore horror fans who crave jump scares and psychological torment? Or are you going for a more family-friendly spooktacular? Knowing who you're scaring (or tickling) is key to crafting a winning pitch.
Step Two: Spice Up the Spooks!
Haunted houses are a classic horror trope, but how do you make yours stand out? Here's where you get creative!
- Unique Backstory: Is the house built on a sacred burial ground? Does it hold a dark family secret? A compelling backstory adds depth and intrigue.
- Haunted House with a Twist: Maybe the house itself is sentient, or the ghosts are trapped in a technological nightmare with Alexa as their tormentor. A fresh twist keeps audiences guessing.
- Unlikely Heroes: Who you gonna call? How about a group of bumbling paranormal investigators or a grumpy old man who's just trying to get a decent night's sleep?
Remember, a little humor goes a long way! Even the darkest horror benefits from well-placed wit.
Step Three: Lights, Camera, Haunting!
So you've got the ghosts, the scares, and the laughs. Now you need to convince Hollywood it's a surefire hit.
- Killer Pitch: Craft a concise, attention-grabbing pitch that highlights the unique elements of your story. Think of it as a spooky elevator pitch that'll leave producers wanting more.
- Mood Board Magic: A picture is worth a thousand screams! Create a mood board with visuals that capture the atmosphere of your film. Think creepy old mansions, flickering candles, and maybe a disembodied hand reaching out from the shadows.
- Don't Be Afraid to Get Technical: If your haunted house boasts some special effects, highlight them! Do the ghosts have translucent CGI forms? Does the house come with its own built-in fog machine?
Bonus Tip: Is your haunted house based on a book? Name-dropping a bestselling horror novel can add some serious clout to your pitch.
Selling a haunted house movie is all about creating a chilling concept with mass appeal. So dust off those cobwebs, unleash your inner ghoul, and get ready to make Hollywood scream with delight (or terror)!
