The $1 Film: The Vampire in the Hole

Sometimes “low budget” simply doesn’t mean “cheapskate”. The film industry worldwide is full of talented people who want to work on a great project even if the prospect of payment is uncertain.

The Vampire in the Hole is a prime example. Spanish production company Lasoga Films have set out to make a commercially viable movie for $1 (or €1) — and if what directors Sadrac González and Sonia Escolano have achieved is any indication, the result is going to be superb. Check out this trailer:

Okay, so strictly speaking there’s no way footage such as you’ve just watched cost only $1 to make. Camera equipment, lighting, sound recording, actors, editing — it all cost something to someone. But the point is that here equipment, film assets, time etc. have been donated — or rather given in exchange for a percentage of any future profits. The film itself had no budget. The filmmakers had to obtain what they needed by finding people who were willing to be involved in the project. An awesome task, but one that has so far seen them drag on board professional actors and technicians from worldwide and looks set to result in a memorable vampire film.

The scenario?

Vampirism is a newly discovered viral illness whose initial stages spread as quickly as the flu. May has just turned seventeen and has become infected. She is the only vampire in her family and her neighborhood and, as such, her life changes dramatically. In her daily surroundings she is now seen as a monster: kids throw stones at her and she is bullied at work. However, May tries to adapt by following the rules and norms set by the government on infected citizens who wish to fit back into society.

Opinion is divided about what should be done with the “infected”. Should one accept them, or reject them? And this division foreshadows a future war where racism and intolerance will inevitably hasten the definitive rift between humans and vampires.

And apparently, as seen in this exclusive image provided to the Backbrain by the filmmakers, vampires are allowed to feed on “Vampire Farms” — prisons containing murderers and pederasts.

Even the publicity collateral produced for this “no-budget” film is classy — much classier, in fact, than many mega-budgeted blockbusters and the whole ambiance of the film is beautifully atmospheric, displaying compositional care and superb design. Good SFX, too. Below are some examples.