Columbia’s Indie Horror Scene Shines Brightly with Christopher Bickel’s Latest Flick
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just the local music scene that’s catching fire. Meet Christopher Bickel, a talented director who’s carving out a niche in the spooky world of independent horror. His latest film, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, explores the perfect blend of nostalgia and gore, giving fans a thrilling ride into the past and an unforgettable movie experience.
Stage Blood, Low Budgets, and Big Dreams
Now, when you think about making a horror movie, you might picture a typical Hollywood set complete with elaborate setups and extravagant props. But not Christopher! This creative mind has found his way around the industry by embracing low budgets and making smart choices. For example, he now opts for professional stage blood purchased in 5-gallon buckets, because who wants to ruin an actor’s face for day with homemade concoctions, right?
“It used to be that we made our blood from scratch,” Bickel chuckled, recalling the messy aftermath of previous shoots. “But now, I buy it because there’s special ingredients that wash off easily. Trust me, much less cleanup!”
A New Chapter in Horror
Bickel’s latest work, Pater Noster, is his third full-length feature, following 2017’s The Theta Girl and 2021’s Bad Girls. Set in a strikingly familiar context, Bickel cleverly incorporates Columbia into his films. Picture this: a group of record store employees stumbles upon a rare vinyl tied to a 1970s hippie cult. What follows can only be described as a mad adventure, packed with twists, gore, and heart-pounding moments. It’s like “Clerks” meets “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre!”
As Bickel describes it, “Papa Jazz, the record store where I work, plays a significant role in the film. I had access to it, so of course that’s where much of the movie takes place!”
Turning Passion into Production
The film business certainly hasn’t been a cakewalk for Bickel. A significant setback occurred when all his equipment was stolen in 2000. However, the potential of modern-day crowdfunding reignited his passion. With a budget of just $21,000 for Pater Noster, Bickel has shown that heart, creativity, and a $50 pizza can go a long way in bringing visions to life.
“Crowdfunding has changed everything,” he said enthusiastically. “It’s opened doors that were once shut tight. Thanks to platforms like this, we’re able to tell our stories when we couldn’t before.”
Local Flavor, National Attention
This isn’t just about making a cool movie; Bickel’s projects are grabbing attention nationwide. Pater Noster has received rave reviews from several horror websites, noting its wild energy and nostalgic throwbacks to the golden age of exploitation films. Fans can catch screenings across the country in cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, San Francisco, and more.
Local touches, sprinkled throughout the film, add a sense of pride to residents. Featured prominently is Dog West, whose smooth moves kick off the film’s credits. Plus, the main character’s address calls back to Rockafellas, a former favorite local rock spot!
Bickel’s Vision for the Future
As the accolades roll in, Bickel is already plotting his next misadventure in film. “I’ve got a wild concept brewing,” he teased with a grin. “Expect something different, something weird!”
The story of Christopher Bickel isn’t just a tale of indie horror success; it’s an inspiring adventure of a creative dreamer pushing through obstacles with passion and determination. With his exhilarating movies leaving audiences yearning for more, Columbia’s indie film scene is more alive than ever! Who knows? The next big horror hit might just be lurking right around the corner—courtesy of Chris Bickel!
