Scare Tactics

by John A. Russo

An insider's guide to the creative end of horror movie making, from concept to saleable package

241 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

John A. Russo, sometimes credited as Jack Russo or John Russo, is an American screenwriter and film director most commonly associated with the 1968 horror classic film Night of the Living Dead. As a screenwriter, his credits include Night of the Living Dead, The Majorettes, Midnight, and Santa Claws. The latter two, he also directed. He has performed small roles as an actor, most notably the first ghoul who is stabbed in the head in Night of the Living Dead.

Reviews

[Pat MacEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scare Tactics was recommended to me, along with Russo's other two books on making indy movies, as a good look at the practical side of both writing and making movies out of horror stories that would reach their audience in a big way. He co-wrote the screenplay for the classic zombie flick, Night of the Living Dead and worked his way up to production, direction, and more. He explains here why he took the less predictable path at every possible turn, and laid out the practicalities involved in scouting locations, casting, make-up, stunts, special effects, and writing a screenplay that allows editing options when things don't work out - the weather won't cooperate, or equipment fails, or people problems develop. He also explains how to build a good production crew and the cheapest way to make a quality product and tell a good story. So I'm not surprised this book won a national award for Superior Nonfiction. Quentin Tarantino, among other noted filmmakers, have credited Russo's books with helping them to launch their careers. The book also includes interviews with Wes Craven, John Landis, Rick Baker and others, talking about they got their start and the advice they'd give to a newby. Recommended.