Folks, I’ve been saying it almost relentlessly for weeks now–the theatres are getting crippled by home-based media.  Improving technologies, increased access to original non-studio material, no driving, no outrageous concessions prices, and nobody performing any of the dozens of discourtesies connected to modern theatregoing add up to a package that’s becoming irresistible to more and more entertainment seekers.

And so the era of the internet comes into its own as an entertainment medium.  Not only do we have access to the greatest of Hollywood via legal services like Netflix, Amazon, Blockbuster Online and iTunes just for starters, but also directly through video sites like YouTube.

I know I just got done claiming it was on its way to irrelevance, but there’s still plenty of great stuff to be had there.  Among the best of that particular set is the crew out at Bloodrunsclear. I had a chance to talk to the head of this particular outlet, whose specialty is simulated movie trailers for properties that no one’s even really thought of developing into film, for instance, Johnny the Homicidal Maniac.

You’ve got an extensive list of trailers–any plans to get into feature-length films?

I certainly hope so. Provided I can find a willing crew and sufficient funds I’ll devote myself fully towards realizing one of several feature ideas I have planned. I’m hoping to make a name for myself as a screenwriter (possibly director) in the independent field someday.

If you had access to any property, what would you convert into a feature-length film?

At this moment, probably American Mcgee’s Alice. I wrote a script based on the game story, and recently made a second draft for it. I think the themes possible to explore in the context of the story are unique and compelling (madness, grief, compassion, forgiveness) and the property has the added benefit of appealing to many different audiences, those who enjoy the original Alice story, as well as those who like horror, humor, and psychodrama. Also, I think the industry needs a good mindf**k picture once and awhile.

Since you specialize in trailers based on other properties, you’ve likely seen several others and are familiar with their lackluster performance at the box office.  Do you believe that films adapted from video games, books and comics are inherently flawed or that they’ve just been executed poorly?

Adaptation films I think are not inherently doomed to mediocrity, they are just frequently poorly and inconsiderately made. Hollywood seems to exclusively consider adaptations opportunities for a guaranteed fan base and maximum cash for the least amount of effort. I think the way to make a fondly remembered and quality adaptation is to see the opportunity they present to tell stories that normally couldn’t be accepted because of their experimental locations, characters, and themes. A Bioshock movie will probably be the only time a film is made about mutants in an underwater city. Likewise, a Halo movie treated properly would be the only time a fairly serious space drama could be given the green light by a major production company. That’s why I make my fake trailers, to model the possibilities of faithful, thoughtful, atmospheric adaptations of popular properties, rather then slapped together, nonsensical shlock baring no likeness to the tone of the original source material beyond the name of it. Good adaptations are possible with care and compassion (Lord of the Rings being one of the best) which is why it mystifies me that companies still churn out low-end fluff for a quick buck, instead of honing their films into crowd pleasers which will last beyond their time.

Why did you get into Internet filmmaking?

I became an internet filmmaker out of necessity since I didn’t own a camera, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the positive reviews for my work. I’ve noticed that a lot of the postings for my trailers are being used as commercials on the officials sites for games I use in them, so I guess inadvertently I’m contributing to their promotion. I’m living proof of how powerful the internet can be. Before posting my work online no one I could find was interested in my ideas. Already I’ve found many who share the same likes and dislikes of films, games, and the entertainment industry in general as I. Perhaps ’supplant’ is the wrong word for internet films versus other forms of media. I think the web provides an alternative to the traditional methods of spreading ideas (writing, television, radio) and provides in addition: instant feedback. As more people turn to the internet for entertainment, it seems reasonable to believe that online film will garner a larger fan-base in the future, perhaps enough to contend with television (although admittedly it’s in a creative sump right now).

Any advice for other aspiring filmmakers?

My advice to other filmmakers would be ‘do what you can, be realistic about what you can do, and keep trying to do more’. Fake movie trailers aren’t an original idea (as original as I’d like) but they seem to be what I’m known and appreciated for. So I’ll likely keep doing trailers, but I’ll also keep trying to improve on them. As a new internment filmmaker I think it’s fair to assume you’ll find an audience if you stay true to yourself, accept criticism with a grain of salt, and keep trying to push the envelope. I’m going to try to continue to reach even farther now that new avenues are opening with the end of my higher education. Hopefully in not too long I’ll post a trailer for one of my own movies in development, and make that ubiquitous ‘coming soon’ tag I use in most of my movies mean something real!

Interesting points all around–it’s definitely exciting to see the medium grow.  But it’s clear that, without an influx of resources, this burgeoning media may well die on the vine.  You saw it yourselves, folks–without a budget and a willing crew, bloodrunsclear is going to be stuck with the fake trailers.

And to see where others have gone with the same concept, try the indie movie trivia on Kwanzoo.

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