Katelyn's Pick:

What We Do in the Shadows (2015) Rated R

This mockumentary masterpiece in comedic-horror is a cult classic and sure to entertain anyone who enjoys a clever comedy or the occasional vampire flick.

The simple and entertaining premise of this film follows a group of four vampire flatmates residing in Wellington, New Zealand. Each vampire brings a distinctive characteristic and personality, ranging widely from a classic Nosferatu-type to a hipster. Throughout the course of the film we discover the underground culture of the undead, meet werewolves, witches, and zombies, as well as those who aspire to become immortal blood-sucking killers.

With the clever blending of ancient vampire lore, modern-day issues, and brilliant performances and writing, this film creates comedic scenarios which are delightfully absurd and deliver wonderful chemistry and comedic timing, making "What We Do in the Shadows" a delight to watch.

If you have an interest in documentary (or mockumentary) making, you can check out our Film Kit and start your own project today!

Denise's Pick:

What We Do in the Shadows: Season 1

The first season of What We Do in the Shadows (WWDITS) shares a cousin-like DNA with the same-titled feature film (see Katelyn's pick), but in this WWDITS incarnation, a charming vampire colony in Staten Island get their time in the sun … err, moonlight. Nandor the Relentless is the unofficial leader, but centuries of un-living have mellowed him into a particularly docile, doe-eyed creature who spends much of his time smiling like a contented child. Nandor is utterly pampered by his human caretaker, Guillermo de la Cruz, who is as sweet, adorable, and tormented as they come.

The brooding, deadly vampire trope gets turned upside down like a perched bat by the playful mocumentary style of the WWDITS bloodline. The series constantly breaks the fourth wall, so viewers see all the embarrassing failures, the petty arguments, the constant mouth-breathing, and the awkwardly-stiff behavior of characters aware they're being caught on camera. A few members of the film crew are lost to the urges of midnight snacking … but hey, showbiz is a notoriously dangerous — and thirsty — industry.

WWDITS is clearly a blast to work on. The writers toy with concepts of traditional and nontraditional vampires, dripping humor into every encounter. No matter the scene, the actors often look like they are trying to stifle eruptive laughter. Meanwhile, their scripted laughter is believable, yet deliciously unhinged and ridiculous.

If you love the playful, creative side of Halloween, but aren't up for anything truly horrifying, then this is the series for you (it is rated TV-MA and is more lavatory-lipped than the film or subsequent season though, so please take care and use discretion).

Bring some new flavors to your next project, or capture that next great idea before it vanishes into the night! Book a session at 970West Studio, or join us for Studio Q&A: consider yourself invited!

Jason's Pick:

What We Do in the Shadows: Season 2

What We Do In The Shadows follows the lives of three traditional vampires, Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja; Colin Robinson, an energy vampire; and Guillermo, Nandor's familiar. The series revolves around the vampires clashing with the modern world, other supernatural beings, and/or each other.

If that description doesn't sell you on this series, allow me to sweeten the deal. WWDITS was co-created by the brilliant minds of native New Zealanders Jemaine Clement (probably most well known as part of the musical comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords) and dreamy renaissance man, Taika Watiti. 

With introductions out of the way, I humbly submit my list of the top three gags from season two.

• "Energy vampire" Colin Robinson ineptly runs a conference call in a meeting room full of victims, I mean employees, who gamely try to hide their eye-rolling at Colin's incompetence. Little do they know that the office is the perfect hunting ground for Colin, who feeds off of their waning energy. 
• Nandor receives one of those spam "share this with ten friends or be cursed" emails, and the technologically impaired vampire crew takes it very seriously!
• While feeding on an unlucky jogger, Laszlo gets angry when he hears the 1982 smash hit Come On Eileen blaring out of a passing car. He claims that he wrote the melody back in 1852 and called it Chum On Irene as an ode to a local fishmonger.

If this show inspires you as much as it does me, book a session at the 970West Studio to try your hand at creating something as quirky and original as What We Do In The Shadows!