Horror Films Based on True Stories

Horror films based on true stories have captivated audiences for decades. These movies take inspiration from real-life events, adding an extra layer of terror and suspense to the viewing experience.  Whether it's a haunting, a serial killer, or supernatural occurrences, these films tap into our primal fears and leave us with a lingering sense of unease. For horror enthusiasts, these movies offer a unique blend of entertainment and intrigue. They provide a chilling reminder that sometimes truth can be stranger - and scarier - than fiction.  By drawing from real events, filmmakers are able to create narratives that feel grounded in reality, making the scares all the more effective. Halloween is often associated with horror films, as people seek out thrilling experiences during this time of year.  From classic titles like "The Exorcist" and "Psycho" to more recent releases like "The Conjuring" series and "Hereditary," horror films based on true stories continue to be popular among audiences. Here are some horror movies we found that are based on real life stories:  The Exorcist (1973) The Exorcist movie is based on a book, which is based on the real-life of a boy who was possessed by demons in 1949. The movie stars Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, and Jason Miller, the movie made $112.3 million worldwide. The real exorcism was so frightening that there have been books written on some of the people who witnessed it. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) This film is based on America’s famous serial killer Ed [...]

Horror Films Based on True Stories2023-10-02T14:03:47+00:00

Notable Movies and TV Shows That Were Filmed in Leeds

Leeds, a vibrant city in West Yorkshire, has been a popular location for filmmakers and video production companies, including Shot Blast Media! Over the years, several movies have been filmed in Leeds, showcasing its diverse landscapes and unique architecture. The city's rich history and modern infrastructure make it an ideal backdrop for various genres of films.  From period dramas to contemporary thrillers, Leeds offers a versatile range of locations that can bring any story to life on the silver screen. One notable film shot in Leeds is The Damned United (2009), which tells the largely fictional story of legendary football manager Brian Clough’s ill-fated, 44-day reign, as the coach of Leeds United. The movie captures the essence of Leeds during the 1970s and features iconic landmarks such as Elland Road Stadium, home to Leeds United Football Club. This 2009 film was adapted from the 2006 bestselling novel “The Damned Utd”. The film used the real Elland Road football stadium for the scene where Brain Clough has a talk with the team in the tunnel facing the pitch.  Other locations used in Leeds include; Headingley Stadium, the former Cookridge Hospital site and a linen hire firm in Armley. Interestingly, the film has been criticised by the Clough family as they claim it was not a true story of events. Another film that utilised Leeds as its filming location is Brassed Off (1996), a heartwarming comedy-drama set against the backdrop of a colliery brass band.  This movie showcases various areas of [...]

Notable Movies and TV Shows That Were Filmed in Leeds2023-09-07T09:01:06+00:00

Marketing A Movie Like Barbie

You would have seen the endless marketing campaigns for the new Barbie movie (2023), starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, but what do you think about them? Marketing a movie like Barbie has definitely got to be a fun job! All the pink, glitz and sparkles... Barbie has been an iconic brand for decades, captivating the hearts of children and adults alike with its range of dolls, accessories, and imaginative playsets.  In recent years, the marketing strategies surrounding Barbie have evolved to encompass various platforms and techniques to reach a wider audience. From traditional advertising methods to innovative digital campaigns, Barbie has proven itself as a master in creating buzz and excitement around its cinematic ventures. Marketing plays a crucial role in the success of movies and films. It is not enough to simply create a great movie; it also needs effective marketing campaigns to reach its target audience and generate buzz.  In today's competitive entertainment industry, where countless movies are released each year, marketing becomes even more essential. Successful movie marketing can have a significant impact on box office performance. A well-executed campaign can drive ticket sales by building anticipation before release and sustaining interest throughout its theatrical run.  Moreover, positive word-of-mouth generated by effective marketing efforts can lead to increased viewership beyond the initial release period. Greta Gerwig's take on ‘Barbie’ will spread the iconic brand to a lot more consumers who otherwise would not connect with the Barbie franchise. One of their more extravagant marketing campaigns [...]

Marketing A Movie Like Barbie2023-07-26T08:50:54+00:00

Celebrating International Women’s Day in the Film Industry

It is important to understand the context of International Women's Day in the film industry and its meaning within today’s society. International Women's Day is an annual event celebrated around the world on March 8th.  It is a day to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in all aspects of life, from politics to business, education and social activism.  This day serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in order for women to achieve true gender equality.  On this day, we are reminded of the importance of standing together and supporting each other in our fight for gender justice.  International Women’s Day is an important day in the film industry as it highlights the contributions of women in film and celebrates their achievements.  It is a day to recognise the unique talents and perspectives that women bring to the film industry, and to encourage more female filmmakers to pursue their dreams.  On this day, we celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, from directors, producers, writers, actors, cinematographers and more. International Women’s Day also serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go in achieving gender parity in the film industry, and encourages us all to continue striving for progress. This day also provides an opportunity for us to come together and support each other in our respective roles in order to create a more inclusive environment for everyone. Did you know that 41 of 2021’s top 100 [...]

Celebrating International Women’s Day in the Film Industry2023-03-06T16:34:42+00:00

How To Celebrate Global Movie Day 2023

Global Movie Day is celebrated the second Saturday of February and is a celebration of the power and beauty of cinema. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences established Global Movie Day as a day for film fans around the world to celebrate their most favourite movies and engage with Academy members and filmmakers across social media channels. Global Movie Day strives to bring together people from diverse backgrounds who are united by their love for movies.  It is a day to appreciate the art form and its impact on our lives. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of movies in our culture and society. The event has grown significantly since it began, with millions of people participating in events all over the world. On Global Movie Day, movie fans come together to watch films from different countries, discuss their favourite films, share stories about how movies have impacted them personally, or simply enjoy watching a movie with friends or family.  Whether you're looking for a classic movie night or a more modern streaming experience, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favourite films.  From streaming them online, to watching them in a cinema or even at home, there are many options available for you and your loved ones to enjoy a good film. Through this celebration of cinema, we can gain insight into different cultures and perspectives while also celebrating our shared love for film. It also provides an opportunity for filmmakers [...]

How To Celebrate Global Movie Day 20232023-02-08T11:19:18+00:00

The Best Valentine’s Day Romantic Comedy Films to Watch

Valentine's Day romantic comedy films are a great way to enjoy this February 14th! Valentine's Day is a special day for couples to celebrate love and romance, celebrated on the 14th February every year.  But what better way to show your love for each other than by watching a romantic movie together? With so many movies to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is the best.  In this blog, we will discuss some of the best Valentine's Day romantic comedy movies that are sure to make your Valentine's Day extra special. Valentine's Day - This is a 2010 romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall. The film features a large ensemble cast, including big names such as Taylro Swift, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Queen Latifah, Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts. It’s a fantastic film to watch on February 14th if you’re in the mood for a RomCom! The Notebook - This is a 2004 romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes, based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s. The movie looks back on an old couple's life to show how they met and fell in love. Be prepared for a sad ending though! Titanic - This is a 1997 American epic romantic disaster film directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. Incorporating historical and fictionalised aspects, it is based on [...]

The Best Valentine’s Day Romantic Comedy Films to Watch2023-02-06T15:46:04+00:00

Starting Out in the Video Production Industry: An Interview with Byron Sheldon

Byron Sheldon has been a permanent employee of Shot Blast Media since the end of July last year. Before this, he freelanced with the business as a Camera Operator and Editor. In this interview with Byron, he discusses his entrance into the video production industry, how his university film course helped with this, and the exciting things he’s been working on since. When did you decide you wanted to work in the video production industry? I decided I wanted to work in the video production industry ever since I watched Star Wars at 12 years old and thought, ‘how did they make that film?’  I then started my ventures looking into behind the scenes videos of films, which is when I knew I wanted to be a part of that incredible industry. What did you study at university and how did this help you get into the industry? I studied Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett, the Northern Film School, and it helped me gain the skills I needed for jobs like this. However, the main thing that got me into working at Shot Blast Media was the connections I made at work and through university. Often in this industry, it’s who you know, not what you know. How did you find freelancing at Shot Blast Media? It was a fun experience and it gave me the opportunity to learn a lot! I worked with Ben, one of the Camera Operators, on the first job that I freelanced and I learnt [...]

Starting Out in the Video Production Industry: An Interview with Byron Sheldon2023-01-18T11:58:50+00:00

The Significance of National Popcorn Day!

​​What and when is National Popcorn Day? National Popcorn Day is a celebration held on January 19th every year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the delicious snack that has been around for centuries.  The holiday was created to recognise the history and cultural importance of popcorn and to encourage people to enjoy it in all its forms.  The history of popcorn is incredibly interesting. It dates back to ancient times, as early as 5,000 BC, and is believed to have originated in Mexico and Peru, where it was used as a food source by the indigenous people. Popcorn was also popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, and it eventually made its way across the world. Today, popcorn continues to be a popular snack enjoyed by people from all walks of life. From movie nights with friends, to family game night, popcorn can be enjoyed in many different ways.  What else do we associate popcorn with? Popcorn is often used as a metaphor for suspense or excitement, or even as a visual representation of the passage of time.  This snack has also become associated with nostalgia, reminding us of childhood memories spent at the movies with friends and family. Popcorn has been an integral part of the movie-going experience since the early days of cinema. Popcorn and movies have been linked together for over a century.  The history of popcorn in cinema dates back to the late 1800s, when it was first introduced as a snack for [...]

The Significance of National Popcorn Day!2023-01-11T11:36:17+00:00

Top 10 Christmas Movie Recommendations

Have you got a favourite Christmas movie that you watch every year without fail? Here’s Shot Blast Media’s top ten Christmas favourites: 1. Home Alone - An absolute Christmas classic! Home Alone is a 1990 comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and written and produced by John Hughes. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, a boy who defends his suburban home from burglars after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their vacation to Paris. You can spend hours watching all the sequels too! 2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas - This is a 2000 Christmas comedy film directed by Ron Howard, based on Dr. Seuss's 1957 children's book of the same name. The film is narrated by Anthony Hopkins and stars Jim Carrey as The Grinch. This is a wholesome film with some great Christmas messages throughout, and one for the whole family. 3. Love Actually - This is a 2003 Christmas-themed romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Richard Curtis. This is Maddy’s favourite Christmas film which she usually watches whilst wrapping up all of her Christmas presents. The film delves into different aspects of love as shown through ten separate stories involving lots of characters, many of whom are interlinked. 4. Elf - This is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. The movie stars Will Ferrell as Elf, a human raised by Santa's elves, who learns about his origins and heads to New York to meet [...]

Top 10 Christmas Movie Recommendations2022-09-29T14:36:00+00:00

The Video Production Industry: An Interview with David Mead

David Mead has been working at Shot Blast Media for more than 5 years now as a Camera Operator and Editor. In this interview with David, he discusses how he got into the video production industry, what he likes about working at Shot Blast Media, and his proudest moments in the film industry so far. When did you first decide to go into the video production industry? As a kid, I was obsessed with watching the original Star Wars trilogy and I remember discovering the ‘making of’ material with the DVDs and being able to see how it was made. I just thought, ‘I want to do that’, and here I am! What part of working in the video production industry do you enjoy the most? The best part about working in this industry is being able to constantly be creative. Creativity is a huge part of my role, and I love coming up with wacky ideas for different projects. I also enjoy working with the amazing team we have put together at Shot Blast Media, and working with a great boss too! When did you join Shot Blast Media? I joined Shot Blast Media in March 2017 and have enjoyed watching the team grow and develop since then! What is your favourite thing about working at Shot Blast Media? Every project and every week is different. I also love being able to film in all sorts of different locations around the UK and the world.  It’s great to [...]

The Video Production Industry: An Interview with David Mead2023-01-18T12:10:18+00:00
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