Nick Groff Investigates… Indie Horror!

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!

INDIE HORROR

It’s a safe bet that many genre fans also share a love for all things paranormal. Ever since I was a child the idea of something spooky happening just like it did in the movies strangely thrilled me. Horror satiates that love of being scared of something that we have no control over. Whether it is that feeling you are not alone in the house, or simply the sensation of what a great scary movie can do to you, it is a thrill for many of us. And while there are a number of great studio flicks that manage to get under your skin, for me, much of the time it is the smaller films that manage to disturb the most.

When it comes to really being scared in a theatre, there is something truly special when a movie manages to create a terrifying atmosphere on a modest budget. Growing up I was usually more frightened by something like HALLOWEEN or THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE as opposed to larger studio films. Much of that is the need for a filmmaker to get creative because he doesn’t have a huge dollar amount attached. While this is not to say that only features with very little money behind it are good – that is certainly not always the case – it oftentimes makes for a more satisfying experience. The creativity that goes into a lack of budget is sometimes a happy accident that can make a movie all the more enjoyable.

While Nick Groff may be busy with the upcoming new season of Paranormal Lockdown airing on December 4th over at Destination America – you can read more about that here –  he also happens to be a major movie buff when it comes to genre. In fact, with VIDI SPACE – the streaming channel he and Elizabeth Saint have created – he has given independent filmmakers the chance to have their work shown in an exciting way. The idea that a fresh and original voice can bring something to the world is one that appeals to Nick. You see, he isn’t always just spending nights in a haunted location. He is a genre fan through and through. With his passion for giving voice to young filmmakers, I wanted to get his thoughts on independent horror and how it has connected with him. Here is what he had to say on the subject.

I have been a film fanatic since I was a kid. Growing up near a video store I would constantly ride my bike to rent every horror film that came out on VHS tape. Sometimes the clerk at the front desk would ask me if my mom knew I was renting the R-rated movies like, Doctor Giggles. HA! I have seen a lot of movies in my life. There was a time where I used to watch a movie a day, sometimes two. One of my favorite Indie psychological horror films is Haute Tension. This movie really took me by surprise when it came out. I remember watching it and being in awe when the twist at the end hit me. The film is just a crazy rollercoaster ride.

Every movie offers something different, like editing, acting, cinematography, directing, producing and storytelling. I am always learning new things with every movie I watch. Obviously, some better than others, but that in itself is subjective. A simple comparison to the big versus small budget films; typically big budget films fall more flat as they are so formula driven. When I look at the horror genre, the independent films are a lot better. You won't find the typical Hollywood ending or overdramatic CGI… they just have an art to them. 

When we get film submissions for VIDI SPACE we typically look for independent filmmakers with a unique perspective. Something different that you won't find anywhere else that doesn't get lost amongst thousands of other titles or big studio pictures. We are always looking for that next film that inspires us. 

If interested in submitting your film, series or project to VIDI SPACE please submit here https://vidi.space/content-submissions/