Comparables give plot, genre, and
rating reference points for investors and distributors. It's not
enough to state the genre. Comparing it to specific films gives
details that will tell others what to expect. To say that your
project is a horror film, even if you qualify it with a sub-category,
such as occult, suspense, slasher, etc, still lacks important
details. However, comparing it to the Exorcist will elicit images of
possession, devils, and exorcisms. Amityville Horror conjurers
haunting, violence, and family betrayal. Ghost brings to mind ghosts,
romance, untimely death, and karmic justice. The Others also contains
ghostly and untimely death elements, yet its focus remains on other
aspects such as the house, mental illness, and children. Texas
Chainsaw Massacre creates images of violence, blood, and gore. All of
them are considered to be in the Horror genre, yet each of them has
specific elements that evoke a specific response from the audience.
However, the comparables also invoke levels of language, violence,
and sexuality perimeters. Ghost has more sexual elements than The
Others. The Exorcist has more graphic violence than Amityville
Horror. When properly used, comparables can be an effective asset.
Within a few words, an expectation will be set that will attract the interest of some investors and distributors, while others will give
it a pass. However, using inaccurate comparables will do more harm
than good. Each movie that is referenced creates a presumption that
if not met will reflect poorly on the project that is being promoted.
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