Columbia’s Own Christopher Bickel Makes Waves in Horror Film Scene
In the bustling city of Columbia, a thrilling phenomenon is unfolding, and it’s coming from none other than local filmmaker Christopher Bickel. This independent director has been carving a niche for himself in the horror movie circuit, and his latest flick, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, is sending shockwaves through the film community. With a wild mix of gore, creativity, and humor, Bickel is winning hearts and spooking audiences across the nation!
Getting the Right Ingredients for Horror
Did you know some filmmakers buy stage blood in 5-gallon buckets? That’s right! For Bickel, getting the perfect realistic blood mixture is a top priority. “In the past we made our own stage blood,” he shared with a grin, “but now we buy it because the professional stuff washes off easily. Homemade blood? It’d stain our actors for days!” Talk about a sticky situation!
From Punk Rock to Film Directing
Christopher’s journey took him from the punk music scene to the director’s chair. Having spent years rocking out with bands like In/Humanity, and working at local record shops, his passion for film always lingered in the background. Inspired by legendary directors like John Carpenter and George Romero, Bickel’s dream of making movies was ignited about a decade ago after watching a movie by fellow Columbia filmmaker Tommy Faircloth.
“After seeing Tommy’s ‘Dollface’, I felt a spark. I thought, ‘If he can do it, why can’t I?’” Bickel recalled. And just like that, with an iron determination, he pushed his dreams into action. “Crowdfunding changed everything. It opened the door to what was once a very limited playing field!”
Black-and-White Grit Meets Colorful Chaos
Bickel’s films have a unique flavor that fans are just starting to get a taste of. His most recent offering, Pater Noster, is described as a twisted journey into the retro vibes of horror films, mixed with a sprinkle of modernity. Picture Clerks meets The Texas Chain Saw Massacre! With an estimated budget of just $21,000, Bickel’s ingenuity shines through as he utilizes local locations like the beloved Papa Jazz record shop to tell his wild story.
A Record Store Adventure
Fans of Columbia will love that the movie features scenes shot right inside Papa Jazz! Bickel cleverly writes around his available resources. “Half the movie takes place in a record store since I work in one!” he said. The film follows record shop employees as they encounter a mysterious vinyl, leading them to a dark and bloody world of cults. It’s local flair with a horror twist!
Raising Eyebrows and Spilling Blood
As Bickel’s films garner attention, notably from several national horror blogs, the buzz surrounding Pater Noster continues to rise. It might be uncompromising in its gore and shocking elements, but that’s precisely what Bickel aims for! “If I want to reach a wide audience at this budget level, I need shock factors that people will talk about,” he explained. And talk they do—especially about the film’s infamous demon baby, The Aleph, crafted by a Hollywood effects wizard.
Screen Time and Future Hopes
Audiences are raving about Bickel’s work as Pater Noster is making waves not just in Columbia but in cities like Atlanta and San Francisco as well! The film has had screenings at local festivals and has rightfully earned its spot in the hearts of cult horror enthusiasts. Looking forward, Bickel hints at his next project, teasing, “It’s going to be weird.”
Local Talent, National Attention
It’s exciting times for Columbia’s independent film scene with Christopher Bickel at the forefront. As he paves the way for future projects, he’s proving that with determination, a great story, and a little bit of blood, local talent can indeed make it big! Keep your eyes peeled, because this filmmaker is just getting started.
So what happens next in Bickel’s filmmaking career? Well, you might just want to grab some popcorn, because it’s sure to be another wild ride!
