Roger Corman is widely credited with influencing the independent film movement, including organisations like Raindance Film Festival. Although Corman himself wasn’t directly involved in founding Raindance, his impact on independent filmmaking set the stage for its ethos and many other similar initiatives.
Let me explain the Roger Corman connection.
Raindance Film Festival, launched in London in 1992, reflects Corman’s influence by emphasising independent and innovative films. The festival became a hub for filmmakers who embrace the spirit of independent cinema—much like the filmmakers who learned their craft under Corman’s guidance in Hollywood. His legacy is evident in the way Raindance and other similar festivals encourage creative freedom, risk-taking, and innovation in film.
An early volunteer and later invaluable collaborator was Elisar Caberra. Through Elisar I met actor/director/producer Mathew Devlen. and through Devlen, Roger Corman actually showed up at Raindance Film Festival for an entire week (1996). He complained tome that his output was falling, and that in 1996 he had only produced 38 films. He told me thqat the week he was with Raindnce he only had four films shootring|: one in CAiro, one in Dublin and two in the States. Every Tom, Dick and Mary were trying to see the great one. We threw a My Dinner With Roger at the old synagogue on Wardour Street and honoured him, much to his amusement. He was also a panelist at the Live!Ammunition! pitching competition along with Steve Wooley and Nik Powell.
I love Corman’s approach to filmmaking. His movies are characterised by low budgets, rapid shooting schedules, and a do-it-yourself attitude. Most importantly he demonstrated that successful films could be made outside the major studio system. This approach inspired generations of filmmakers in America who sought to tell unique, often countercultural stories with limited resources. And so to the new generation of filmmakers in the UK. and to me personally, inspired to start a festival to champion these movies.
i launched Raindance Film Festival in London in 1992. Our first event was Dov S-S Simens’ 2 Day Film School. Simens had worked for Corman and was able to reflect Corman’s influence by emphasising independent and innovative films. The festival has became a hub for filmmakers who embrace the spirit of independent cinema—much like the filmmakers who learned their craft under Corman’s guidance in Hollywood. Corman’s films often explore themes of horror, science fiction, and social commentary, making a significant impact on genre filmmaking. His legacy is evident in the way Raindance encourages creative freedom, risk-taking, and innovation in film.
My favourite Roger Corman movies
Roger Corman’s filmography is vast and varied, encompassing an impressive range of genres, particularly within the realms of horror and science fiction. If you’re compiling a list of your top ten favorite Corman movies, you might consider including a mix of films he directed and produced, as each showcases his talent and influence in different ways. Here are some standout Roger Corman films that you might find worthy of inclusion in your list:
The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Known for its dark humour and later adapted into a popular musical, this film was shot in just two days and is a cult classic.
Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
A part of Corman’s series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, starring Vincent Price, this film is noted for its atmospheric use of horror and suspense.
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Another Poe adaptation notable for its striking visuals and philosophical depth, again featuring Vincent Price. Cinematography by Nicolas Roeg!
Death Race 2000 (1975)
A dystopian satire produced by Corman, this film has gained a cult following for its over-the-top depiction of a murderous cross-country car race. supposedly h sold the remake rights while he was at Raindance in 1996.
Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957)
One of Corman’s earlier creature features, known for its unique monsters and surprisingly effective suspense.
The Intruder (1962)
A film that stands out in Corman’s filmography for its exploration of racial tension in the South, starring William Shatner.
A Bucket of Blood (1959)
A dark comedy about a would-be artist who discovers a macabre way of creating ‘realistic’ sculptures, highlighting Corman’s flair for blending humor with horror.
X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes (1963)
This science fiction thriller explores the human consequences of scientific advancement, a recurring theme in Corman’s work.
The Wild Angels (1966)
This film delves into the lives of bikers and is considered one of the precursors to the biker film genre, starring Peter Fonda.
House of Usher (1960)
Another Poe adaptation, this film is highly regarded for its strong performances and eerie mood.
Some Corman Creed filmmakers who fashioned careers
- Francis Ford Coppola Before directing The Godfather and other classics, Coppola worked on Corman productions like Dementia 13, which was his first mainstream directorial effort.
- Ron Howard – The actor turned director got his first big directing break under Corman with Grand Theft Auto after starring in some earlier Corman films.
- James Cameron – Before Titanic and Avatar, Cameron worked as a production designer and special effects director on Corman’s Battle Beyond the Stars, which significantly honed his technical skills.
- Martin Scorsese – Scorsese directed Boxcar Bertha for Corman, which was his second feature film and a valuable early experience in directing.
- Jonathan Demme – He directed several films for Corman, including Caged Heat and Crazy Mama, before moving on to make acclaimed films like The Silence of the Lambs.
- Peter Bogdanovich – Started his career with Corman doing various jobs, including work as a production assistant and later as a director for Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women.
- Joe Dante – Began by editing trailers for Corman before making his own feature films like Piranha and later, Gremlins.
These filmmakers not only got their start with Roger Corman but also embraced his philosophy of efficient filmmaking, often bringing innovation and creativity to projects despite limited budgets. Their successes underline Corman’s significant, lasting influence on the film industry. To continue with Corman’s influence on Raindance a great honour.
Resources
Roger Corman iMDB
How I Made a Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime
Master of Cinema; Roger Corman
Selected Obits and Tributes
The Guardian
The New York Times
Variety
Screen
USA Today
Vanity Fair
Hollywood Reporter
BBC News
Ways Raindance Can Help You
The Corman Creed lives on in our education:
A taster evening; 99 Minute Film School – a single evening explaining how the film industry works.
A taster One Day Masterclass: Saturday Film School – discover the ins-and-outs of writing, directing and producing a film in an information packed and entertaining day
The Raindance 2 year Higher National Degree: a students entry point to Higher Education
Study filmmaking or acting over 2 years at one of our 3 international campus’! This is a full-time University level course. Through Raindance, students will have the opportunity to attend renowned courses delivered by industry professionals and attend our networking events to develop further opportunities.
The Raindance BA in Filmmaking or Performance: The Raindance Film School Top-Up BA (Hons) in Film and Performing Arts Practices is a one year practical course. It’s been designed to provide aspiring, and existing, Film and Performing Arts practitioners the opportunity to develop their existing academic or professional experience up to BA level in a chosen pathway or pathways (producing, directing, screenwriting or acting).
The Raindance MA: Study your MA in Filmmaking or Screenwriting at Raindance Film School (accredited by De Montfort University). They are 21st-century degrees for filmmakers, entrepreneurs, creatives and future academics wishing to upskill or transition into the film and digital media industry. These programmes provides a unique opportunity for you to benefit from the experience of Industry Experts across the world, whilst developing your personal professional practice, as well as your research and independent study skills
Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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An excellent and fascinating article. As a Raindance alumna, I learned a great deal about filmmaking from the Dov S-S Simens’ 2 Day Film School, but I had no idea that it was inspired by Roger Corman (one of my favourite directors, as it happens). And I was moved to learn that Corman’s personal involvement with Raindance was in some way linked to a dear friend, Elisar Cabrera, in whose honour Raindance has renamed its Discovery Award. Thank you, Elliot, for sharing Raindance’s rich history with us!
it’s so easy to forget the immense contribution Elisar made to Raindance
Fantastic article, Elliot, about one of the truly great filmmakers, producers and personalities within the industry. RIP Roger Corman.