Not only is this another installment of Fan Film Friday, but it is also Friday the 13th. As a day seen wrought with superstition over the unlucky number and day. Thus, it seems only fitting to explore fan films based on the horror slasher series Friday the 13th.

FRIDAY THE 13TH: FAN FILM (2016)

The very first Friday the 13th Hollywood movie came out in 1980, and was directed by one Sean S. Cunningham. Though the villain in that movie was Pamela Voorhees, her supposedly drowned son Jason would take center stage as one of the most iconic horror movie slashers in the horror genre, with his hockey mask and machete. In this fan film by studio RJL Productions and directed by Riley Lorden, they decided to “make something that was short, sweet, and a complete massacre…we wanted to kill as many as possible in ten minutes and that’s what we did.” They also said they wanted to make something that hearkens back more to the feel of slasher movies from the 80’s.

From the opening shot, this fan film throws you right into the adrenaline inducing thrill of the chase. The pumping music and sound design add to the intensity of these scenes. The editing of course is quick, yet leaves you enough time to see the running and the slashing. The director also does a great job framing shots in such a way, that you don’t always expect where the jump scares are going to appear. Finally, the pacing is able to build up to each killing in a way that builds on anxiety for the victims.

THE MAN IN THE LAKE (2016)

In this Friday the 13th fan film by Southlan-Films, director Ron McLellan has created something that feels very much like the classic slasher movies from the 80’s. From the very beginning, the news reels and haunting music sets up the look and feel of this fan film. The electronic music score really adds to this vibe, as well as the VHS coloring and video quality. Sprinkled throughout are all the tropes of this genre.

The use of flashbacks told via a spooky campfire story are a nice narrative device, and ties in nicely with the theme of kids at a summer campground. Though perhaps one criticism is that the action might take a little longer to get set up than some would like. The cinematography isn’t bad, but unfortunately could use a little work. But, overall, this is a very fun fan-made homage to the Friday the 13th franchise.

It was on Friday, October 13, 1307, that King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of hundreds of Knights Templar across his kingdom. Not only is that exactly 710 years ago today, but as well the Knights Templar are a major faction in the Assassin’s Creed fandom.

ASSASSIN’S CREED 3: REBEL BLADES (2012)

In this well-made Assassin’s Creed fan film is set during the American Revolutionary War, which is the same as the video game this is based upon. This fan film has incredible fight stunts, likable protagonists and hateful villains for such a short film.

ASSASSIN’S CREED: THE DEVIL’S SPEAR (2013)

Corridor, the studio of the above Assassin’s Creed fan film, followed it up with a much longer story, this time focusing on pirates and the high seas. The production quality of this is astounding, with full colonial village and pirate ship sets. Understandably, Corridor is a professional studio that can afford to make something as epic as this fan film, but it’s very much worth the time to watch this.

ASSASSIN’S CREED: CHECKMATE (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOQ8VrDsQj4

This Assassin’s Creed fan film is set in the Caribbean during the 1700’s, and is very professionally made. This is reflected in the very detailed costume design, the intricate set construction and of course, the assassin acrobatics and fight choreography inspired by that of the video game. The use of inner monologue adds to the narration, which ultimately doesn’t require any spoken dialogue. Finally, many of those slow motion shots are executed flawlessly.

ASSASSIN’S CREED – LIVE ACTION PARKOUR FILM (2014)

The creators of this Assassin’s Creed fan film brings us an intense story, and of course the insane acrobatic stunts of a parkour gymnast and actor. The production team filmed at an actual castle, and utilizes its ramparts, towers, windows and stairways to full effect. After all the Revolutionary War and pirate themed fan films, it’s awesome to finally see some assassin on Knight Templar action. There are all sorts of great angles utilized here, and the editing is smooth, while still staying fast-paced enough for the action.

Once more this week, fans have shown their dedication to recreating the nostalgia of 80’s slasher movie Friday the 13th, and the nimble acrobatics of the Assassin’s Creed video games. Perhaps this day isn’t so unlucky, after all. It definitely isn’t unlucky for fans.

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