PRODUCTION TIPS
So how does one shoot an episode of The Hunted?
STORY IDEAS
Thanks to the show's concept (modern-day reality TV), you don't need a big budget or fancy equipment to shoot a Hunted episode, but its a good idea to at least have a story.
Our first step with any episode is to come up with a story idea based on the resources we have. This can be a location, an existing fight scene, a prop, costume, event, or anything that can give us some ready-made production value.
For the episode "Con Job 2", I just happened to have access to a HALO outfit, and I knew a lot of my friends were already headed to Comic Con, which was a great backdrop for an episode. I just created the story based on the resources we had.
If you'd like help developing an idea for an episode, contact us at episodes@thehunted.tv
COMEDY
Regardless of the subject matter, try to keep it light. Audiences tend to forgive other details (especially low budget filmmaking) if you can make them laugh. Keep an eye out for great comedy writers, improv artists, and funny friends. They can save your film.
Also note that The Hunted is more about social commentary than it is about vampires - addiction, angst, boy meets girl, news stories or parodies of the latest movies, twinkies, etc.
SERIES BIBLE
The rules for The Hunted are fairly simple. Our vampires have developed an immunity to everything over the years and can only be killed by decapitation. They look exactly like everyone else unless they are angered, at which point they may reveal fangs and red glowing eyes (we can help with the FX).
Their victims are referred to as "The Hunted" since the vampires will continue to feed off them until they are drained completely and turned into vampires. Some of "The Hunted" have inherited powers from their attackers such as speed, strength, and rapid regeneration. These victims typically become slayers.
You can more info on vampires, slayers, and the rest of our world here. You might also want to check out a few episodes, in particular "The Best of The Hunted".
FILMING
The concept of the show (modern-day reality TV) allows for episodes to be filmed without expensive cameras, lighting, sound, locations, props, sets, costumes, cast or crew.
I used a simple videocam for our first two seasons with no special lights or audio recording. This allowed us to shoot practically anywhere without permits (I didn't say that).
For fight scenes, we just made sure that we didn't break into a fight in a public area. We would typically find a warehouse, garage, or secluded park.
ACTION
We rehearse fight scenes throroughly before putting them on film. If you aren't a choreographer, find one. The SAFD has contacts with certified fight directors and performers all over the world.
EDITING
There is plenty of editing software out there. We use Adobe Premiere, but there is also Final Cut Pro, Vegas Video, IMovie. Use whatever works for you. If you're not confident editing an episode, there are plenty of editors out there and you may be able to find one via additional resources listed below.
MUSIC
We use ACID Music for our soundtracks (which you can download for free here), but there's plenty of other software and royalty-free music out there. You can find music and loops for The Hunted online at ftp.thehunted.tv (username "hunted", password "Slayer4hire"). You can also just find a band on Myspace and ask them if you can use their music. Note if you use copywritten music, your episode may automatically get pulled from Youtube.
EFFECTS
The majority of our visual effects are a simple eye glow or beheading flash which can be done in After Effects or other compositing program. Contact us and we might be able to do your effects for you. But unless you have unlimited budget and time, don't try for elaborate practical or CG effects. Keep it simple.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you're looking for writers, editors, equipment, props, crew, talent, music, effects, etc, there's plenty of resources out there, it's just a matter of hooking up. Check our our "Slayer Central" or our Facebook group and note if you have any services you'd like to offer. Sites like Craigslist have also come in quite handy.
If you have any other questions, contact us at episodes@thehunted.tv
Good luck and happy hunting!