‘Popcorn Fodder’: Filmmaker returns to movie hosting roots
Local filmmaker Henrique Couto is best known as the director of low-budget horror films like “Haunting Inside” and “Babysitter Massacre.” He recently stepped back in front of the camera to host the new YouTube series “Popcorn Fodder.” Each episode, he screens some of his favorite low budget horror movies and genre flicks.
The eight-episode first season of “Popcorn Fodder” is here to get you primed for Halloween with titles like “Driller Killer,” “Messiah of Evil” and “Devil Times Five.” Couto recently discussed the program, which is available on his YouTube channel.
Scream tween: “The crazy thing is I came up in TV when I was 12 or 13 and it was really informative. The first TV show I ever made was a horror movie show. I was the youngest horror host in the world at the time so I was able to do appearances. The problem was I lost the desire to do it and then I moved to film.” Screenings with friends:
“I always loved movie hosting and I was obsessed with Dr. Creep, Joe Bob Briggs and Elvira — I still am. I was a lonely kid and (hosts like) Dr. Creep and Joe Bob Briggs were my friends. I got to watch movies with my friends and they would make me laugh. When Joe Bob Briggs relaunched on Shudder, I watched him and I realized it was still fun. I am obsessed with movies and I wanted to share some of the ones I love with people. I’m not doing a character, it’s just me. It’s steaming piles of me, these crazy movies and nothing else.” Examining the action:
“I did the show with Dan Wilder, one of my writing partners. He helps me pick where the breaks should be, he provides an outline with each segment break and a recap of what just happened. That’s really important in a host show in case people have to go to the bathroom or check their phone. I give them a three-line recap of what happened and then we give commentary on the movie.”
Creating ambiance: “My crew has been fascinated we do the majority of the segments in one take with three cameras. There are no breaks at all. For the most part, I sit down and the idea is, ‘Go!’ The hardest thing to capture is that sense I’m just hanging out watching a movie with you. In reality, I’m in a fake room with a ton of really bright lights and three cameras and I’m reading off a teleprompter. Pulling that off can be challenging but it’s fun.”
More info: www.youtube. com/user/doomboy5.