Research on an Independent Film - Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity has been a major inspiration for us and is a good representation of what we hope to achieve with our product. Some research into the origins of Paranormal Activity has raised points of interest for us particularly that it began as an independent film – just as our production will be.

Paranormal Activity began as an independent film directed and produced by amateur Oren Peli for a reported $15000; the film was also reportedly shot in and around Peli’s home using a handheld camera to reduce production costs. Using a handheld camera allowed Peli to achieve the notable ‘home video’ style, which brought the film much attention; the home video style has continued to be used in the sequels proving its popularity with audiences. The actors used in the film were paid on an hourly basis and were largely unscripted which allowed much freedom for their acting talent to shine through. 

For many years Paranormal Activity lay undiscovered, it featured in a few film festivals including Slamdance and Screamfest but never really gained much attention. The founder of Screamfest ‘forced’ Peli to send a copy of the film to editor of popular horror website Dread Central who immediately replied with nothing but praise for the film. From there on in, Paranormal Activity’s notoriety snowballed, requests to view the film were flooding in from everywhere and people furiously chattered away about the film on the blogosphere. 

Director Steven Spielberg got hold of a copy of the film from Peli but returned it a short time later in a black binliner, claiming it was the ‘scariest thing’ he had seen in decades and refused to watch it again – although he too had much praise for the film. Eventually, Peli signed a deal with Paramount Pictures to release the film to cinemas worldwide – this was the big break Peli had been waiting for, for many years. The release of Paranormal Activity was a success; the film earned $194 million at box offices worldwide. Paranormal Activity has been labelled one of the most profitable films of all time based on return on investment.

Micah Sloat, Katie Featherstone and Oren Peli

This research proves that independent films can make it to the big screen, and earn a lot of money in the process. If we were to appropriately market our film, we would aspire to one day achieve even a fraction of the success Oren Peli has reached.