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The TRYHARD COMPANY's Guide to Cult Classics: True Blood, Dog Soldiers, and More

  • Writer: Oklahoma Ward
    Oklahoma Ward
  • Apr 8
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 30


TRYHARD COMPANY: The CHRONICLES of TANK - Limited Series
TRYHARD COMPANY: The CHRONICLES of TANK - Limited Series


Welcome to the TRYHARD COMPANY: The CHRONICLES of TANK - Limited Series, a gripping sci-fi horror journey that delves into the darkest recesses of human endurance. TANK, the legendary warrior from the indie hit film CRAWL or DIE, returns, this time joined by TRYHARD COMPANY, a ragtag group of soldiers, on a perilous quest for survival. Together, they must confront unimaginable horrors and face the ultimate question: what does it mean to TRY - when all is lost?



  • Frontline Reports:

  • The Making of a Promo Picture


As we dive into the world of TRYHARD COMPANY, we're excited to share with you the behind-the-scenes process of creating a promo picture for our series. From concept to completion, this journey is filled with creativity, experimentation, and attention to detail.


The Evolution of a Promo Picture


Take a look at the 12 stages of our promo picture's development, showcasing the various iterations and refinements that go into creating a captivating image.



The Final Touches


While we've made significant progress, our promo picture is still a work in progress. The final image will include the title and other surprises that will make it truly unforgettable. We're excited to share the completed picture with you soon!


Your Turn: Get Ready to Vote


Within weeks, we'll be launching a series of polls that will allow you to vote for your favorite poster images. This is your chance to have a say in the creative process and help shape the visual identity of TRYHARD COMPANY. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to cast your vote!



  • Watch Our Official Teaser:


Get your first glimpse of the terror that awaits in the world of TRYHARD COMPANY. Our official teaser trailer is here, and it's a heart-pounding, spine-chilling preview of the sci-fi horror series that's about to take over your screens. Watch now and experience the suspense, the horror, and the unrelenting action that defines TRYHARD COMPANY.



  • Blood on the Lens: Musings from the Director:


Let's cut to the truth...


As a director, I've learned to thrive in chaos. When you're on set, you need to be able to handle the unexpected twists and turns that come with bringing a vision to life. Sometimes, the space doesn't fit the actors, or the lens doesn't work as planned. Maybe a set piece isn't quite right, but you don't have time to rebuild it. You have to think on your feet, stick to the story, and find a way to tell it differently.


The Fluidity of Chaos


It's a very fluid, creative process. You need to be able to build up an actor or tear them down to get a specific emotion. And it's not just about the actors – the entire crew is looking to you for guidance. If you show uncertainty, they might start to doubt themselves. So, you have to exude confidence, even when you're not entirely sure what's going to work.


The Structured World of Post-Production


When you move into post-production, things change. The process becomes much more structured. Editors work with specific files, labels, and parameters. It's a different world, and many directors hand off the reins to their editors at this stage. But I've learned to navigate both worlds – the chaotic world of directing and the structured world of post-production.


Finding a Balance


As a director, I've had to learn to switch between these two modes. To avoid going insane, I've developed a system to keep myself organized. I dedicate specific days to specific tasks, like promo photographs, sound design, and editing. This allows me to focus on the task at hand and work within the parameters of each discipline.


A Deeper Dive


In future blogs, I'll dive deeper into my process and share more about how I work on set and in post-production. I'm excited to explore the intricacies of storytelling and the challenges of bringing a vision to life. I'd love to hear from you, too – how do you approach creative projects, and what strategies do you use to stay focused and productive?



  • Cinema's Best-Kept Secrets: Uncovering Hidden Masterpieces


As a film enthusiast, I've always been drawn to a wide range of movies that have captivated my imagination and inspired me in various ways. From blockbuster hits to indie darlings, I've devoured them all. But there are some films that have left an indelible mark on my creative psyche, and I'm excited to share one of them with you today. These hidden masterpieces may not have received the same level of recognition as some of their more popular counterparts, but they have always stuck with me, and I think they deserve a closer look.


  • Dog Soldiers 2002 ‧ Horror/Action ‧ 1h 45m




Five Interesting Facts


- Low Budget, Big Impact: Dog Soldiers was made on a budget of £2.3 million but grossed £5 million, showcasing its success despite limited resources.

- Unique Werewolf Portrayal: Director Neil Marshall focused on depicting werewolves as ruthless killing machines rather than cursed humans, setting the film apart from traditional werewolf movies.

- Homages to Classics: The film pays homage to various classic movies, including H.G. Wells' works, The Evil Dead, Zulu, Aliens, The Matrix, and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

- Cult Following: Dog Soldiers has gained a cult following over the years, with a 4K restoration released in 2020 and a limited edition Blu-ray in 2022.

- Sequel Attempts: Despite attempts to create a sequel, including a planned trilogy, none have come to fruition, leaving the original film as a standalone cult classic.


Interesting Fact About an Actor


- Sean Pertwee's Breakthrough Role: Sean Pertwee, known for his roles in various British films and TV shows, starred in Dog Soldiers as one of the main characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor.




What the Critics Say


- "A tense, well-crafted horror film with a strong cast and impressive action sequences." - Empire Magazine

- "Dog Soldiers is a lean, mean, werewolf-killing machine. It's a blast from start to finish." - The Guardian

- "A clever, well-made horror film with plenty of suspense and gore. Pertwee and the rest of the cast deliver strong performances." - Total Film



Now that you've seen what the critics have to say, check out the trailer for Dog Soldiers to get a glimpse of the film's intense action and horror elements!


Watch the Trailer





  • Hidden Treasures: TV Series You Should Be Watching

True Blood (2008-2014)




Now, let's dive into this TV series/streaming gem: True Blood.



Imagine a world where vampires, shapeshifters, and other supernatural creatures live among humans, and the lines between good and evil are constantly blurred. Welcome to Bon Temps, Louisiana, where telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse navigates a complex web of relationships, secrets, and danger. This is the world of True Blood, a fantasy horror drama series that explores themes of identity, community, and acceptance.


The head twist scene is iconic! True Blood definitely had its share of shocking moments that left viewers talking. And yeah, the show might have run off the rails a bit towards the end, but what a wild ride it was! The campy humor, sexy vampires, and supernatural drama made for a thrilling combination. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance lighthearted fun with more serious themes that it's still widely discussed and beloved today. What was your favorite season or storyline from the series?


Here are five interesting facts about this cult favorite TV series:


- Based on a Novel Series: True Blood is based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries, a series of novels by Charlaine Harris. The show's first season is closely tied to the first novel, Dead Until Dark.

- Groundbreaking for HBO: True Blood was a game-changer for HBO, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on premium cable television. Its success paved the way for other edgy shows like Game of Thrones.

- Anna Paquin's Breakthrough Role: Anna Paquin's portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress, earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.

- Innovative Storytelling: True Blood's narrative was praised for its innovative storytelling, which explored themes of identity, community, and acceptance.

- Cult Following: The show developed a devoted fan base, with many viewers drawn to its blend of horror, romance, and social commentary.


Interesting Fact About an Actor


- Alexander Skarsgård's Breakthrough Role: Alexander Skarsgård's portrayal of Eric Northman, a charismatic and complex vampire, helped establish him as a household name.



What the Critics Say


- "True Blood is a deliciously dark and campy delight, with a talented cast and clever writing." - The New York Times

- "The show's blend of horror, romance, and social commentary is both fascinating and unsettling." - Entertainment Weekly

- "True Blood is a wildly entertaining ride, with a cast that's equal parts captivating and infuriating." - Rolling Stone


Now that you've learned more about True Blood, check out the trailer to get a glimpse of the show's dark humor, complex characters, and supernatural drama!


Watch the Trailer




That's a wrap, folks! Thanks for joining us on this journey into the world of TRYHARD COMPANY and beyond. If you're as passionate about indie filmmaking and entertainment as we are, be sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest posts, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content. Join our community on Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and let's keep the conversation going! Until next time, stay creative, stay inspired, and keep on trying!



Create fearlessly,

Oklahoma Ward



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