"Tarantula" is a practical F/X horror short in the vein of our favorite 80s B-movies. The subject is a nightmare for many, many people.
SPINNING THE WEB
The idea all started on the set of another film we were all crewing on. Joe had brought up the contest "The ABCs of Death," and expressed an interest in creating a short film to enter into the contest. The caveat is that the title has to begin with the letter "T". This day on set was invaded constantly by spiders big and small, and webs all among the bushes out in front of the location. This must have sparked something in Katie, as she blurted out Tarantula and then her face filled with a look of disgust. Joe also shuddered. Lucas nodded, "yes, this is where it's at."
Thus the idea was hatched.
Written in the style of a low-budget 80s horror B-movie, "Tarantula" tells a nighttime tale of a husband and wife who take part in the killing of a tarantula in their bedroom. He smacks it dead, she needs assurance, he reassures her, and they sleep. But in the middle of the night, our heroic husband is awakened by an unpleasant sensation in his body. No amount of water he drinks will stop the nagging itch burning in his [redacted].
Revenge is a dish best served with eight hairy legs.
CATCHING FLIES
No one enjoys toying with real spiders. And if you do, you're in a class of your own. With that in mind, in order to complete "Tarantula" as it needs to be completed, we need to raise money to fulfill our F/X budget, as well as payment to the crew. A well-fed crew is an asset, but a well-paid crew in these times is much appreciated.
As for the effects, let's see, we CAN tell you that we're making at least two model tarantulas, both with the ability to move and be puppetered across the set (Katie's bedroom). But to make these spiders really burst through the screen we'll need to beef up the hair on their legs, practice the movements of their bodies, and fine-tune their joints as needed on set.
Not to mention clearing a path out of the husband's [redacted] for the spider to leap from.
THE NEST
Our crew is made up of LA locals who have worked on numerous features and shorts over the years. And our actors (Blayne Weaver and Alisha Seaton) are more than willing to go the extra mile if it means making the film look and feel just right -- which in this case is "horrifically wrong."
When we complete "Tarantula" the goal is to have a final film edited and ready to view by September 30, so we can submit to the ABCs of Death Contest. The film will also be ready for festival submissions in genre festivals throughout the year, and a stellar example of our skills as filmmakers in the genre of horror -- hopefully enough of a reel to show that we could even handle a feature in the not-too-distant future.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
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Aug 4, 2011 -
Aug 29, 2011
- First created · 1 backed
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- Website: lucasmcnelly.com
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1 backer
“The Fog” has descended. Our project is beginning to take shape. For this we are eternally grateful. We send you our gratitude and our love.
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We have an incoming transmission. We are not alone out here. I think there are “Aliens” all around. While we head somewhere safe, look at these exclusive behind the scenes photos + everything lower.
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8 backers
It’s not just any aliens, it’s it’s “Killer Clowns from Outer Space”! Run! Get inside. For your help, we are giving you a special thanks in the credits + everything lower
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4 backers
Oh no! This house is haunted! I think it is a “Poltergeist”! Do not be distracted by the moving images on the TV. Come watch the daily updates on a safer machine + everything lower
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9 backers
This house reminds me of “From Beyond”. Don’t go near that glowing ball. Instead watch this free download of the director’s cut of the film with bloopers + everything lower
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1 backer Limited (2 of 3 left)
SPECIAL REWARD FROM THE MUMMY'S TOMB!! For this reward you will get a signed DVD of Joe Pezzula's just-completed first film, MAKING FRIENDS!!
Estimated delivery: Sep 2011Pledge $35 or more
0 backers Limited (4 of 4 left)
A spooky special appearance! Paul Osborne is here to save us from the IT. For a limited time only! You will receive a copy of the documentary "Official Rejection" signed by director Paul Osborne!
Estimated delivery: Sep 2011Pledge $40 or more
1 backer
Quick! Everyone out back! Ah a spider web! This is giving me “Arachnophobia”. You can make your friends develop it too. We will mail you a toy tarantula to scare your friends with! + everything lower
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2 backers All gone!
LITTLE MONSTERS!! SPECIAL REWARD! Receive a copy of the Trade Paperback of The Undergrounds Season 1 (a Semantink webcomic, co-written by Joe Pezzula)!! Includes sketches, extra strips, and tons of extras!
Estimated delivery: Sep 2011Pledge $50 or more
7 backers
Do we have everyone? Where is Lucas? He went to London. Great, now he is “An American Werewolf in London”. While we are waiting for him to change back, let’s watch exclusive behind the scenes videos + everything lower
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UNDEAD SPECIAL REWARD!! This lucky backer will get a caricature drawing of his/herself at the hands and talents of Daniel Touchet (artist of "Sim-I" and "The Undergrounds") -- he might even draw a spider to tackle you!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
SPECIAL REWARD! Coming out of the Mist it's...The Undergrounds and Sim-I!! For this pledge, receive a copy of The Undergrounds Trade Paperback SIGNED by all 5 writers and the artist! You will also receive ALL SIX digital issues of the comic Sim-I, written by Joe Pezzula. (as they are released). Visit amonkeynamedsim-i.com and the-undergrounds.com to preview this ghoulish goodness!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $100 or more
1 backer
What is that? That oozing blob! It looks like a person, no it’s “The Thing”. Instead of watching that gross transformation watch our Exclusive “Making of” F/X videos (total of 3) + everything lower
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EXTRA SNAZZY REWARD!! This backer will become a character in a comic! Writer James Ninness will write you in as a character in an upcoming "UNDERGROUNDS" webcomic strip!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $250 or more
1 backer Limited (3 of 4 left)
This night is turning out as bad as one night in “The Evil Dead”. To relax let’s watch a live Skype feed from set for two hours + everything lower
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0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
Look! A zombie. Wait, he’s alive. “The Re-Animator” has brought him back to life. Visit set on the Tarantula F/X day on 8/30 (travel not included) + everything from $100
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1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
This has been my worst nightmare. Where are we? Elm Street? Of course, I am having a “Nightmare on Elm Street”. We will mail you one of our worst nightmares, the prop tarantulas from the film + everything from $100
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It’s “Friday the 13th”, no wonder everything is so crazy! Thank you all your help. Here take an EP credit + everything from $100
