A newly released microbudget horror film, titled *Milk & Serial*, has captured the attention of audiences on YouTube. Crafted by Curry Barker, this 62-minute horror movie revolves around a group of YouTube pranksters who find themselves entangled in increasingly alarming events. Released for free on the platform two weeks ago, *Milk & Serial* has unexpectedly gone viral.
The film, produced by the comedy duo Barker and Cooper Tomlinson, premiered on August 8. Both Barker and Tomlinson not only produced but also acted in the film. In less than three weeks, *Milk & Serial* has garnered over 388,000 views on YouTube. What makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact that the film was produced on a shoestring budget of just $800. Filming took place over four months, primarily on weekends, with friends of the filmmakers who volunteered their time based on availability.
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Although the production of the film cost $800, Barker and his team managed to recoup their expenses before uploading it online by selling the camera used in filming, earning an additional $100. Once the film was uploaded, they quickly began earning more through YouTube ad revenue. Barker did consider a distributor for *Milk & Serial*, but after encountering unexpected paperwork, he concluded that YouTube was the ideal platform for its release.
The cast of *Milk & Serial* also includes Adlih Torres, Sterling L. Pope, Jonnathon Cripple, Gloria Karel, John Simmonds, Paul Santoli, and Rob Harrow.
*Milk & Serial* continues the trend of low-budget horror films achieving significant success. For instance, the 2023 horror movie *Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey* earned $7.7 million globally after being made on a modest budget of $50,000. Similarly, *Terrifier 2*, with a production cost of $250,000, grossed over $15 million worldwide. Both films have since spawned sequels, highlighting their unexpected achievements.
Employing a found-footage style while maintaining suspense and a sense of eeriness, *Milk & Serial* serves as a powerful reminder of how horror can remain intensely terrifying, even with limited resources.
The phenomenon of microbudget films achieving great success is further exemplified by *Milk & Serial*. While its financial success is measured differently, anticipated ad revenue suggests it will yield similarly impressive returns. With a budget under $1,000, *Milk & Serial* stands at the extreme end of low-budget filmmaking. Its found-footage style, combined with its ability to maintain suspense and eeriness, underscores how horror can be incredibly effective without substantial funding.
What Lies Ahead for *Milk & Serial*?
Does the Success of *Milk & Serial* Hint at a Sequel?
The overwhelming success of *Milk & Serial* places it in a unique position for future developments. While it remains available on YouTube, a theatrical release seems unlikely. However, Barker’s openness to the idea of distribution might suggest that the filmmaker envisions larger prospects for the franchise. A potential sequel could significantly expand the narrative introduced in the first film.
Drawing inspiration from the horror potential of internet trends, *Milk & Serial* presents a compelling concept ripe for sequels.
Despite the director’s apparent willingness to consider distribution, a formally distributed sequel to *Milk & Serial* would be a significant leap forward. Barker, who has previously focused on short films, has seen his work featured at various film festivals. His short film *I Can’t Cry* was notably recognized as a finalist or winner at multiple festivals, including the Hollywood International Golden Age Festival, Florida Shorts, and Indie Short Fest. While a broad distribution deal might seem ambitious, these accomplishments highlight Barker’s potential.
Though challenging, this path is not unheard of in the microbudget horror genre. For instance, Damien Leone’s *Terrifier* franchise began as a short film in 2011 before evolving into a feature-length film. The franchise’s third installment is set for release this fall. The resurgence of found-footage styles in the horror genre, as seen with the continuation of the *V/H/S* series, suggests that *Milk & Serial* has a promising concept with significant sequel potential.
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Ultimately, this highlights the strength of the horror genre and its vast potential. More than any other genre, horror allows creators to experiment with format and storytelling techniques. The success of even the most modestly budgeted films demonstrates that compelling horror doesn’t require grand spectacles; smaller projects can be equally impactful.
Source: that’s a bad idea
Milk & Serial
- Horror
- Thriller
A surprise birthday prank goes horribly wrong for a popular social media duo, turning what was meant to be a lighthearted event into a terrifying ordeal. As they confront the horrifying consequences of their actions, the lines between reality and fear blur in this intense found-footage horror experience.
