A new wave in indie horror: ‘Milk & Serial’ takes YouTube by storm
The rise of an unexpected hit
In the ever-evolving landscape of independent cinema, few stories are as compelling as that of Milk & Serial. Directed by Curry Barker, this 62-minute horror film has captivated audiences with its unique blend of found footage and dark humor. The film, which centers on YouTube pranksters entangled in a series of escalating crises, was produced on a shoestring budget of just $800. Despite its modest production costs, Milk & Serial has garnered significant attention, amassing over 323,000 views on YouTube since its release on August 8.
From sketches to full-length features
Barker, along with his comedy partner Cooper Tomlinson, is no stranger to the world of online content. The duo regularly posts sketch videos on their TikTok and YouTube channels under the moniker “that’s a bad idea.” Their previous work includes the viral horror short The Chair, which has been viewed over 5.5 million times. The success of these projects laid the groundwork for Milk & Serial, a film that has sparked lively discussions across various horror fan communities, including Reddit and #HorrorTok.
The journey from concept to creation
The inception of Milk & Serial can be traced back to Barker’s efforts to create an acting reel. “I wrote a comedy scene, a cowboy scene, and even a serial killer scene,” Barker recalls. The latter, initially intended as a standalone piece, evolved into the foundation for the full-length film. “I thought, whoa, I could make this into a whole found footage movie,” Barker explains. With Tomlinson on board, the duo embarked on a four-month shoot, enlisting friends to fill various roles and working around everyone’s schedules.
Budget constraints and creative solutions
The film’s $800 budget primarily covered the cost of a Sony camcorder and the fee for Jonnathon Cripple, the only actor outside their social circle. Remarkably, Barker managed to turn a profit on the camera, selling it for $100 more than its purchase price. The rest of the budget was quickly recouped through YouTube advertising, allowing the production to break even in record time.
The decision to self-distribute
Initially, Barker considered working with a distributor to release Milk & Serial. However, after navigating the complexities of securing the necessary forms and releases, he opted to make the film available for free on YouTube. “We just wanted the best home for it,” Barker says. “Our fans deserve to have the opportunity to watch this.” This decision not only ensured the film reached a wider audience but also allowed Barker to retain creative control, particularly in the editing process.
The art of editing
Barker’s background in editing proved invaluable during the post-production phase. “There’s an hour and 25-minute cut of this movie,” he reveals. “Right before we posted it on YouTube, I shaved off 20 minutes just to make it feel quicker.” This meticulous approach to editing helped streamline the film, enhancing its pacing and overall impact.
Looking ahead: new projects on the horizon
Despite the success of Milk & Serial, Barker is not resting on his laurels. He is currently casting for a new feature film titled Obsession, produced by James Harris of Tea Shop Productions. “I’ve never had a budget in my life,” Barker admits. “I worked on this script for over eight months, and it’s been absolutely amazing.” While details about the project remain under wraps, Barker promises it will be a terrifying departure from his previous work.
The future of ‘Milk & Serial’
As for Milk & Serial, Barker is content to let the film live on YouTube. Although the film’s ending hints at a possible sequel, Barker believes the mystery is best left to the audience’s imagination. “If this thing just took off and became a cult classic like Blair Witch or Creep, then maybe we could do a sequel,” he muses. “But right now, there’s no plan. The speculation in the comments is so fun.”
Watch ‘Milk & Serial’
For those intrigued by this indie horror sensation, you can watch Milk & Serial here.
Milk & Serial is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the potential of self-distribution. With its compelling narrative and innovative approach, it has set a new standard for what can be achieved on a limited budget. As Barker continues to push the boundaries of the genre, audiences can look forward to more groundbreaking work from this talented filmmaker.