Columbia’s Own Christopher Bickel Takes the Horror Scene by Storm!
Hey there, Columbia! Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a thrilling horror flick that would send chills down your spine? Well, buckle up because Christopher Bickel, a talented director from our very own city, is making waves in the independent horror movie circuit with his latest film, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light.
A Bloody Good Time with Professional Stage Blood
As Bickel sits down to chat, he can’t help but grin talking about his go-to choice for realistic stage blood. While some might think making your own is the way to go, Bickel has a simple answer: no thanks! “We used to make our own, but it stained people’s faces for days!” he laughs. Instead, he now opts for the smart choice of buying it by the 5-gallon bucket, which has a special ingredient that makes it easier to wash off. Wise move, right?
And speaking of wise moves, this flick marks Bickel’s third feature, following his earlier hits The Theta Girl (2017) and Bad Girls (2021). With Pater Noster now available on Night Flight+ and being screened in select theaters across the U.S., the buzz is undeniable!
From Music to Movies
Bickel isn’t just another face in the film industry. Nope! He’s been a familiar figure in Columbia’s music scene for decades. A member of the punk band In/Humanity, Bickel’s love for art doesn’t stop at music. He worked in record shops and even co-owned one called New Clear Days. Now, he’s selling vinyl at Papa Jazz — a staple in Five Points since 1980. “It’s cool to incorporate the record shop into my film,” he shares. “It’s a place I know well.”
A Horror Fan’s Dream
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how this film was a long time coming for Bickel. His dream of making horror films sparked back in the day, but after his equipment got stolen, he had to put it all on hold. However, in 2014, he saw a film called Dollface that reignited his passion. “After watching it, I just knew I had to start making my own films,” Bickel recalls.
Innovative Filmmaking in the Digital Age
Fast-forward to today, and Bickel has fully embraced the world of digital filmmaking. Crowdfunding initiatives helped him gather budgets of $16,000 for Bad Girls and $21,000 for his latest venture. “The internet has changed everything; it’s opened so many doors for filmmakers,” he states fervently. With ease of access to online platforms and funding, creating a horror flick today is especially thrilling!
Action-Packed Set Design in Familiar Places
What’s a low-budget horror film without some creative resource management? Bickel cleverly chose Papa Jazz as a filming location for Pater Noster. The film follows a group of record store workers who find themselves embroiled in a sinister plot after discovering a rare vinyl containing tracks from a 1970s hippie cult. Picture this: Clerks meets The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Sounds wild, right?
Local Flavor and Vintage Vibes
Audiences will also get a kick out of local treats sprinkled throughout the film. From local resident Dog West dancing in the opening credits to nods to the iconic Rockafellas, the local flavor in this film makes it even more special. Tim Smith, the owner of Papa Jazz, agrees, adding, “A little more fame for the shop can’t hurt!”
Shocking Moments, Heap of Fun!
Of course, no horror film is complete without some serious shock value. Bickel doesn’t shy away from gore—his latest movie is *soaked* in stage blood and even features a demon baby named The Aleph, made by a renowned special effects guru. “Shock elements are crucial to getting people talking,” Bickel claims. “It’s all about creating buzz.”
So, What’s Next for Bickel?
With theatrical screenings in cities like Charlotte and Atlanta, and a lineup in places like San Francisco and Austin, the future is bright! And for you horror buffs eagerly awaiting more, Bickel hints at another project in the works, saying with a sly smile, “It’s going to be weird.”
Columbia, keep your eyes peeled for this talented filmmaker who’s taking the horror genre by storm! If you haven’t checked out Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, grab your popcorn and get ready for a wild ride!
