Saw this at a festival last year, looking forward to its DVD release in '07. It's all about the struggle, really, and if you're an in-the-trenches, do it yourself indie filmmaker you'll absolutely appreciate it. But it's worth checking out even if you are NOT making films. The struggle to push through the odds and reach a goal is one every viewer can relate to, and the group of artists focused on is always entertaining to watch.The director focuses on several people in various stages of production in their low or lower-budgeted horror films, and speaks to some key industry folk(Tony Timpone from Fangoria, Sid Haig, Joe Bob Briggs, HG Lewis and others) for perspective. What's cool about this documentary is it has its own distinct personality, it tells its story clearly but with its own visual flourish that most docs don't even attempt. It's got a central vision and a warm heart that shines through it, it never goes off on tangents. I was into it from the great opening sequence where a young boy puts on his monster makeup and joins his friends in making their first creature epic in the backyard, with their little film cameras.American Movie fans will get to check out what Mark Borchardt has been up to since "Coven", and you'll see up and coming directors like Dave Gebroe sweat through a grueling day of shooting on "Zombie Honeymoon"(which turned out great). Very inspiring and worth checking out, looking forward to part II.

Horror Business review by Wes Vance of DEADPIT.COM (DEAD PIT RADIO) While I'm a huge fan of the horror genre and of cinema in general, its been quite a long time since I've been truly captivated by a film. Some examples (not all horror related but nevertheless) are The Shawshank Redemption, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Carrie, Stand By Me, Friday the 13th , The Evil Dead, Halloween, Psycho, Dawn of the Dead..the list goes on and on but as you can tell none are younger than 12. But auspiciously enough I've found a brand new film that captivates me, and holds my interest all of its 82-minute run time.This film is from Christopher P. Garetano who documented 'Horror Business' over the span of 3 years. I'm a big supporter of documentaries and the rare chance to have a horror-based documentary just pleased the hell out of me. Garetano interviews and follows the progress of many independent filmmakers including: Mark Borchardt (from another great documentary in 'American Movie'), Ron Atkins and Dave Stagnari who seems to feel EXACTLY the same about the horror industry as The Creepy Kentuckian & Uncle Bill! Also the documentary has special appearances from Sid Haig, Joe Bob Briggs and a rarely out of character Lloyd Kaufman.The thing I loved most about the film is just getting in the mind of these independent filmmakers, discovering what motivates them to continue to make films and what they think of the mainstream horror films. If you're an independent filmmaker, a horror fan, or a third party this is a must see film!

Indeed, this is a good movie. In fact, it's downright refreshing. The decision by filmmaker Christopher P Garetano to focus his film on the new breed of horror movie makers was truly an inspired one. And by "new breed" I don't mean the likes of Eli Roth, Rob Zombie or Alexandre Aja. I'm talking about guys like Ron Atkins, David Stagnari and Mark Borchardt. Who? Exactly, these are the grassroots filmmakers, the guys the general movie-going faithful don't even know – save for maybe Borchardt who was the subject of the 1999 film 'American Movie'.Director Garetano skillfully inter-cuts lively moments of a handful of these "new breed" filmmakers struggling to get their flicks made with clips and sound-bites from classic films of a sadly bygone era. Seeing newspaper one-sheets and hearing radio spots for old films like 'Torso', 'Last House On The Left' and 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' brought a nice nostalgic touch to the film, and it's hard not to want to pick-up a handy-cam and join these fellas in their plight to make the next low budget masterpiece.Most of the guys spotlighted in this doc come across as likable, everyday kids who just want to make something different – something anti-establishment, anti-Hollywood…maybe even something a little bit dangerous; kudos to them all! The doc is also peppered with small interview clips from the likes of Sid Haig, Joe Bob Briggs and the master of no-budget spat-fests himself, Mr. Hershell Gordon Lewis who all give their take on what it takes to make it in the world of horror cinema. The general consensus seems to be this: entertain people. Hallelujah!

Horror Business (2005) Director -Christopher P. Garetano Review by " Nightmare Child" Originally posted on Horror-Fanatics.comOur journey begins with a dream. Film makers are dreamers, and always will be. These are the first set of words that are uttered in Christopher Garetano's documentary Horror Business. As fans of the horror genre we often share the same dream. To be apart of that experience whether it's behind or in front of the camera. These movies had a strong affect on us as children and we grew up with it. We love it, we live it and we will do anything in our power to keep the genre alive. This documentary is a bold and daring look at the working world of low budget independent cinema. What drives a person to make their own movie? If you're interested in film making and the criticism behind a blood soaked genre, then Horror Business is a must watch for you. This documentary is gives in depth look at guerilla film-making. Featuring interviews with movie makers who dedicate their lives to entertaining themselves, and others.I am pleased to say that Horror Business is a must see. I've watched this documentary about 5 times prior to writing this review. Not all at once, but it just took me so long to come up with an idea for the review. Horror Business covers just about everything horror related. Everything from entertainment, marketing and actual down and dirty movie making. The documentary features interviews with many different film makers along with actors and other movie crew. While some of the credited cast are well known individuals, the rest run under the radar. Each person interviewed in Horror business share same love. We follow these independent directors as they explain why they make these pictures and why they continue working to do so. It wasn't apparent to me from the beginning but the more I watched Horror Business the more I began to realize why the poster says "movie making is NO WAY to spend a life". Some of the film makers shown in this documentary make these movies not just because they love doing it, but because they're stuck.They've invested so much time and money over the years that they just can't stop and take their life into another direction. This aspect of the film appealed to me most and I'm willing to bet that it's the key point to this documentary. The main drive isn't clear right away though. There are so many topics of discussion that you'll be left questioning what the reason behind this documentary is. I liked Horror Business a lot, I thought that it was a very well made picture. It took me a few tries to understand the point but I think I finally got it. The interviews are great, the music is good and the editing is fantastic. I love the horror genre very much and watching Horror Business was a huge realization as to why I'm so attached to it. It's like looking at yourself in the mirror and remembering the finer points of your childhood. Horror Business is the perfect title for this wonderful work of art.In this documentary Tony Timpone (editor of Fangoria magazine) mentioned that horror films are like therapy sessions. When you think about it, it's very true. I've heard this before from close friends of mine and I just so happen to agree one hundred percent. These movies bring something out of us that no other genre of film ever could. Fear can be fun, to be scared is like a going through a roller coaster. You get scared, but when it's all over you have a good laugh and want to go on again. Horror movies are just that like, they're fun to watch as long as they don't cross the line. I mentioned early on in this review that Horror Business pretty much covers everything that there is to know about the genre. One of the key discussions was about how far a movie could go. Are horror films dangerous? Can they go too far? These are just some of the many interesting questions that are presented in this documentary. Horror Business is a real in depth look at the reality of movie making. With all that said it's safe to say that this documentary should go into every horror collection. If you're into the idea of film making, acting or if you just love the genre, then Horror Business is a must see for you.