Although found footage movies have been around since the 1970s, there are noticeably more of these films today. Horror films like 'The Blair Witch Project,' 'Paranormal Activity' and 'REC' have proven that young people in distress plus a digital camera equals pure terror.
New Line Cinema has just released the trailer for 'The Gallows,' which makes use of the found footage formula with terrifying results. The movie synopsis is as follows:
"Twenty years after an accident caused the death of the lead actor during a high school play, students at the same small town school resurrect the failed stage production in a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy-but ultimately find out that some things are better left alone."
The trailer shows a group of high school students sneaking into school at night, where they find a TV. There is a news report about a death on campus, before the TV blacks out. What looks like a harmless prank immediately turns dangerous when they realize they are not alone.
One girl (Cassidy Gifford) is unaware that there is a noose hanging around her neck. When she realizes she is in trouble, it is already too late.
The clip also features Think Up Anger's cover of the Nirvana song 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.'
The film stars Gifford, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos and Reese Mishler. It is produced by Blumhouse Productions, the company responsible for films like 'Insidious,' 'Sinister' and 'The Purge.'
Gifford is the daughter of television host Kathie Lee Gifford. The actress has appeared in several TV series like 'That's So Raven,' 'The Suite Life on Deck' and 'Blue Bloods.' She recently had a minor role in the 2014 drama 'God's Not Dead.'
'The Gallows' is directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing. It is scheduled for release on July 10, 2015.
