Practical Advice for Practical Effects With the Directors of SXSW Creature Feature ‘Snatchers'

Can you make a feature film using practical effects in a way that feels realistic and not “cheesy?” That’s what the team behind the film, Snatchers did. Snatchers is a horror-comedy film about a teen girl who wakes up nine months pregnant with an alien. 

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman speak with filmmakers Stephen Cedars and Benji Kleiman to discuss:

• Practical effects - what are they?
• Some of our favorite practical effects in film
• How practical effects can be more effective than cgi
• Scaring away a famous editor with the smell of farts
• Finding a balance between cgi and practical effects
• How Stephen and Benji approach writing sketches
• Transitioning into making feature films

Memorable Quotes

• “Horror movies are trying to show you something you can’t fathom or haven’t seen before.” [9:34]
• “It’s really hard to be creative while also tamping down on your creativity.” [27:09]
• “There’s no greater killer of creativity than feeling insecure.” [38:14]
• “If you’re passionate and prepared, you can’t go wrong.” [43:48]

Resources:

Snatchers Trailer

Speruchet Pan Tournegos Short 

Benji & Stephen's website

Stephen's Instagram

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