Mockbuster Review: Directing Low-Budget Horror Films

The documentary 'Mockbuster' chronicles director Anthony Frith's ambitious attempt to create his debut feature film with The Asylum, a studio known for its low-budget productions like 'Sharknado'. Frith, an Adelaide-based filmmaker struggling to balance his family life with his artistic aspirations, decided to pursue a career-defining challenge by contacting The Asylum directly to direct one of their films. This behind-the-scenes look offers a salute to filmmaking expertise, operating under the motto that "a bad movie is better than no movie."

The film delves into the practicalities and difficulties of producing a feature for an ultra-schlock studio, highlighting the contrast between Frith's artistic ambitions and the realities of ultra-low-budget filmmaking. The documentary serves as a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness required to bring a film to fruition, even under significant financial and creative constraints. Frith's decision to approach The Asylum represents a bold move to inject new life into his filmmaking career, moving away from corporate video work.

'Mockbuster' provides an inside look at the often-unseen process of making films that cater to a specific niche market, exploring the challenges of directing a terrible low-budget horror film. The narrative focuses on Frith's journey from conception to completion, offering insights into the decision-making and problem-solving that are integral to such productions. The review suggests that the documentary is an affable exploration of filmmaking savoir-faire, showcasing the resilience of independent filmmakers.