Director Ryan McCoy’s project is ambitious to say the least having recently seen Evidence ourselves, Shock can tell you there are elements of nearly every title out there that falls into this equally loved-not-so-loved “found footage” sub-genre.
The trick with most found footage films is they tend to rely heavily on the element of surprise, letting the viewer’s imagination run amok, scaring us with the unknown so writing about them is a little tricky. One little word could end up giving the entire game away, not only killing your potential enjoyment of what may have very well been a tense as hell thrill ride but also making all those hard months in production a big waste of time.
Shock leaves it to Evidence director Ryan McCoy then, to tantalize your taste buds and to explain exactly what it is that sets his indie project apart from the rest of the “found footage” crowd.
Can you tell us about your film Evidence?
Ryan McCoy: Evidence is a high concept, independent found footage movie. We tried blending several aspects from the genre into one. We drew inspiration from everything from other found footage films, to first person shooter video games.
What can horror audiences expect from Evidence they won’t have gotten from previous found footage films?
McCoy: A third act that youll never see coming. I think a big problem with most found footage films, is the third act. We didnt want the audience to get bored, or feel like they were stuck in the same location throughout the entire film. So, we do exactly the opposite of that. We keep the characters on the move, in turn, keeping the audience on the move as well.
So where did the idea for Evidence come from?
McCoy: In January of 2010, I bought the DVD for Paranormal Activity. After I saw that, I got inspired to make my own found footage movie, but wanted to try and do something that had never been seen before.
How hard was it getting the production funded?
Were you worried about the level of found footage competition out there now?
McCoy: Most definitely. First, I was worried that the found footage genre would die out. Then, I was worried that there were too many, and that Evidence would get lost in the masses. I think we are at the beginning stages of a new style of film-making with found footage. More and more studios and big name producers are making them, and theyre not all just horror. They are crossing into other genres as well, which I think is great. In the end, I think that whatever the genre of movie youre making, if its well done, people will recognize that and appreciate it. I just try to focus on the movie Im making and try to make it the best possible movie I can.
How was it shooting out in the woods for weeks on end?
McCoy: Oh, man. It was hard. There was a lot of hiking. And a lot of blood and sweat. Especially shooting at night. I remember one night we were shooting some chase sequences through the woods, and our DP, Daniel Wall, fell on the first take and hit his leg on a stump. He was able to quickly shake it off and move on, until a few takes later, he fell again and landed on the exact same spot on his leg. His entire thigh was black and blue the next day. There was a bunch of stuff that happened like that, but fortunately, everyone stayed motivated and passionate enough to work through all the dis-comforts.
How satisfied are you with the finished film? Anything you’d like to change?
McCoy: Im very satisfied with the finished film. Its something I can look back on and be very proud of what we accomplished with what we had. Of course, theres spots in it that I look back and say, “Man, I wish we could have done that differently.” Or, “If only we had a scene like this to throw in right there, it would make the movie so much better.” If I had to change anything, I guess I wish there was better character development and arcs, and thats my fault. But, at the end of the day, I think that the action and the visceral journey that the characters make in the second half of the film make up for any lack in the script.
McCoy: I have a few things going on right now. I am in pre-production for another movie with Howie directing. Its a contained thriller/horror thats traditional, not found footage. I have a script being pitched to some studios and producers thats a much bigger project that has horror aspects to it, but in the end is a very high-concept and character driven action movie.
Any advice for aspiring horror filmmakers out there?
McCoy: It seems odd for me to be giving any advice on film-making. I still draw advice and inspiration from every other film-maker out there, independent or not. I guess, if I had to say something, it would be to just watch as many movies as you can, every day. I try and watch everything that comes out. Its a really difficult business to become successful in, and I think thats where a lot of people fail. Just dont give up, and push yourself to your absolute limits. And when youre at the very end of your rope, and youve got nothing going on, and youve exhausted all your resources dig your heels in and keep going.
Evidence is not yet available in the U.S., however, it hits DVD in the UK March 12th.
