When I started this project, I was seeking to create a widely marketable film that was fresh and original, while staying true the nature of the horror genre. I have always loved horror movies. Inspired by the nightmare dreams of Freddy Kruger, to the dark cult of Children of the Corn, I am a true student of horror. However, it would not be until I saw The Blair Witch Project that I knew where I wanted to start my journey in horror filmmaking. Coupling that fascination with the robust folklore of Louisiana, I knew that The Final Project was a story that needed to be told in a very real way.
“The Final Project” introduces a story about a legendary haunted plantation in Louisiana called Chretien Pointe. Chretien Pointe in folklore, boast the tale of a mistress who falls prey to rogue union soldiers. Although the slaves eventually overtake the intruders, the spirits of the mistress, soldiers, and a few slaves are said to still haunt this plantation, making their presence known to any visitor. “The Final Project” is a documentary styled horror film about a group of senior college film students in Louisiana who travel to Chretien Pointe, referred to in the movie as Lafitte Plantation, in an effort to capture supernatural action. Their goal is to utilize this footage as the final class project before graduation.
This film was very exciting to work on. It is unique in the sense that it presents a new perspective on a growing sub-genre in supernatural horror films called “found footage.” While “The Final Project” lends itself to this genre very well, what sets it apart from the rest is that “The Final Project” takes the audience on a more personal voyage with the characters in the movie by utilizing P.O.V. (point-of-view) death scenes that place the viewer in the perspective of the victim. This twist in direction gives a very interesting interactive experience to anyone watching. After three years working on this project, I know that anyone connected to this film has experienced all the joys and challenges that came along with it, but the results have been both rewarding and humbling.
I wrote this film because I have always envisioned myself as a movie director. I truly feel that I was born to do exactly what I am doing. Coming from a very small town, fostering such dreams was almost impossible to comprehend. However, I did dare to dream such dreams and as this movie finds its audience I need this film to be successful. It has to be successful because it must be a beacon for all rural and small town kids who dare to dream outside the walls of their current view. They need to know that you truly can come from nowhere and find your way to any dream you can imagine. We pride ourselves in America of being the land of all opportunity. This film is my opportunity to test that theory; a theory that I believe to be true and alive.
-Taylor Ri’chard