Tremors: Making Perfection
Overview
In 1989, Universal Pictures greenlit a low budget monster movie.
With a tiny budget, an untested director and rubber monsters.
And shot outdoors in the freezing winds and baking sun of the desert.
IT TANKED.
That movie was called Tremors. 30 years later Universal have released the 7th movie in its franchise. WHY?
TREMORS: MAKING PERFECTION explores the production, reception and enduring cult appeal of Tremors.
We revisit the breath-taking locations for Tremors at the foot of Mount Whitney, California and lift the lid on the torturous production process, it’s dismal success at the box office and how through changing technology, and with a killer script at its core, it miraculously found its devoted and obsessive audience.
With new and exclusive interviews with Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross and all the key creators technicians and executives involved in its production we uncover what the film ultimately means to the ‘Tremors family’, some 30 years later.
Spotlight
We spoke about the film with writer & director Matthew Snead and producer Juan
Leon. You can find more detail about their latest documentary below.
Why is filmmaking important to you and how has your life been influenced by it?
Matthew Snead - Director
Since a movie camera was poked in my face moments after I was born, it has just always been a part of my life. Growing up as a creative kid, film was the medium I was almost most drawn towards and as soon as I could load a camera, I started shooting.
Juan Leon - Producer
Filmmaking is the best and most effective way to reach people and communicate concepts and ideas to a wider audience. It has influenced me by adjusting the way I look at life. Both life and film are formed of many pieces of a giant puzzle, which we must discover how to connect.
Can you tell us a little about your new movie and what motivated you to create it?
Matthew Snead - Director
Tremors: Making Perfection is actually a film about the point I made in the previous question. On one level it’s quite a simple story about how this quirky cult movie came into being and achieved phenomenal success, but really it’s all about the obstacles I cited above: How with enough dedication and motivation ‘Tremors’ got made, against all the odds, and has turned out to be a hugely celebrated and much loved movie and a treasured experience for all involved.
Juan Leon - Producer
Our new movie is a documentary that celebrates the success of the movie Tremors. It is a nod to B movies, to horror, but also to the indie filmmakers out there. The creators of Tremors did not follow the usual Hollywood path, yet, they got there, and they succeeded. It’s a happy story, and an encouraging one for other filmmakers.
Anyone who has worked as crew in any film, will also definitely enjoy the documentary.
How did you find your cast and crew and how did you maintain a strong relationship with them on set?
Matthew Snead - Director
Juan and I care deeply about our craft, but often, we adopt a relaxed attitude which sets people at their ease. We know it’s going to be a good day when everyone is laughing and smiling.
Juan Leon - Producer
The cast and crew of Tremors are our talent. We made sure that from the moment they set foot on set, the jokes were bouncing and that the energy was playful. If everyone is having a good time, this translates on the screen.
What qualities do you think make for a good film?
Matthew Snead - Director
It stops you in your tracks. It takes risks. It shows the hand of the filmmaker.
Juan Leon - Producer
A good film should not preach, be judgy, or draw conclusions for you. It should expose the facts, then let you do your own math.The best films I’ve watched are those that leave a long lasting impact on the viewer. Sometimes even two days after watching it, you are still thinking about them and joining the dots, seeing how all the elements related to each other.