EP#204 Robbie Banfitch

Kevin Lane's Spill Your Guts

Under the umbrella of horror, you find many different sub-genres that make up this diverse film genre. From monster movies to slasher films, from the supernatural to giallo, horror has many faces.

In 1999, we saw the emergence of a sub-genre that wasn’t exactly new but certainly had never made such a splash. When three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary, audiences had no idea what they were in store for. As the iconic poster ominously revealed, their footage was found.

“The Blair Witch Project” was not only a box office smash, it will also the beginning of a new wave of found footage horror. A sub-genre that allows a fertile proving ground for independent filmmakers not only for its budget friendly framework (usually handheld camera work, no need for elaborate effects or name stars, typically common locations) but also because with the right hook, the found footage sub-genre has the potential to feel more real and immersive then the high gloss films made in Hollywood.

Though there have been plenty of great found footage films since “Blair Witch” (here’s looking at you “Paranormal Activity”, “REC” and “Lake Mungo” to name a few), few have got under my skin as much as the new found footage film “The Outwaters”. The films creator is Robbie Banfitch.

When a group of four friends head out into the Mojave Desert on a camping expedition, we know it’s probably not going to go well for them. However, Robbie Banfitch isn’t content to give us the usual redneck cannibals or ghouls in the hills… oh no. He’s planning to drag us kicking and screaming into the abyss. This film takes no prisoners. It’s steeped in dread and offers no hand-holding.

Robbie delves into what makes the found footage sub-genre so unique, why “The Blair Witch Project” remains as relevant as ever, working with what you have on location and why he’s not a fan of catering to audience expectation.

Charge your camcorder batteries and grab your flashlight as we explore the terrifying world of “The Outwaters” with filmmaker Robbie Banfitch.

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