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Deep Dive: Copycat (2015)

Film Lens

Copycat
Copycat is a documentary short film by Charlie Shackleton that examines the journey of filmmaker Rolfe Kanefsky and his 1989 film There's Nothing Out There. Kanefsky raised $100,000 to create this early meta-horror film, which received critical acclaim but failed at the box office a decade later. The film's downfall is attributed in part to external events, including the Rodney King riots. The narrative takes an interesting turn when Kanefsky's film is given to Jonathan Craven, the son of renowned director Wes Craven. This connection is significant as Wes Craven would later create the successful film Scream, which shares similarities with Kanefsky's earlier work. The documentary presents a unique perspective on the impact of familial ties in the film industry and the unexpected ways in which films can influence one another.

Why Watch

  • Meet Rolfe Kanefsky, a young filmmaker with big dreams.
  • Find out how There's Nothing Out There influenced Scream.
  • See the impact of the Rodney King riots on film success.

Did You Know

Rolfe Kanefsky was only 19 years old when he raised $100,000 in 1989.
There's Nothing Out There tanked at the box office a decade after its release.
The Rodney King riots were one of the reasons for the film's poor performance.
Jonathan Craven is the son of famed director Wes Craven.

Perfect For

Meta-horror filmsFilm industry insightsWes Craven fans