Horror Movie Production Companies: The Birth of a Genre

The horror movie genre has come a long way since its inception in the early days of cinema. One of the pioneers in this field was American International Pictures (AIP), a company that played a significant role in shaping the horror genre as we know it today.

Founded in 1954 by Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson, AIP started out as an independent film production and distribution company. The duo's first release was a UK documentary film called Operation Malaya in 1953. However, it wasn't until the mid-1950s that they began to focus on horror movies.

AIP's early films were mostly low-budget productions aimed at the teenage market of the time. They employed innovative techniques such as using surreal color, odd lenses and angles to give their films a distinctive look. The company also hired renowned writers like Ray Russell, Richard Matheson, and Charles Beaumont to pen scripts for their horror movies.

One of AIP's most notable horror film releases was the 1959 classic 'I Was a Teenage Werewolf.' Directed by Tom� Hawkins, the movie tells the story of a teenager who becomes a werewolf after undergoing a mysterious medical treatment. The film's success can be attributed to its blend of science fiction and horror elements, which appealed to the teenage audience of the time.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, AIP continued to produce horror movies that were both entertaining and influential. Some notable releases include 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960), 'The Terror' (1963), and 'The Pit' (1969). These films not only helped establish AIP as a major player in the horror movie production industry but also paved the way for future generations of horror filmmakers.

In 1979, AIP was acquired by Filmways, which led to a change in the company's focus. However, even though AIP was no longer an independent entity, its legacy continued to influence the horror genre. Today, Amazon MGM Studios owns the rights to AIP's film library and continues to release their classic horror movies on various platforms.

In conclusion, American International Pictures (AIP) played a significant role in shaping the horror movie genre. With its innovative approach to filmmaking and focus on catering to the teenage market, AIP helped establish itself as one of the most influential horror movie production companies of all time. Their legacy continues to be felt today, with many horror filmmakers citing their work as an inspiration for their own projects.

Horror movie production companies