Analogue Horror is an indie genre, typically uploaded to a media platform such as YouTube for example, but can be found on other platforms of mediums, that explores and utilizes outdated media formats such as VCR, CRT television and vintage camcorders to create a specialized feeling of horror that’s unique to itself through distorted sounds, visuals and a feeling of unease from the uncanny valley.
There are many notable examples such as “The Walten Files,” by Martin Walls, a series that borrows inspiration from the popular franchise “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” “The Walten Files,” explores the idea of supernatural spirits possessing robotic mascot animatronics in a vastly different and arguably far more unsettling way that “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” by utilizing two-dimensional animation, uncanny distorted faces and horrific sound design with a story revolving around tragic accidents.
Another good example is “The Mandela Catalogue,” by Alex Kister whose concept revolves around religious horror and the idea of cosmic horrors attempting to infiltrate human society with imposter beings known as alternates. The series uses subtle hints at its lore, uncanny non-human impersonators and realistic live action recordings mixed with various mediums of animation to create an unsettling series.
Doctor Nowhere is another creator of several ongoing and self-contained analogue horrors, such as “The Boiled One Phenomenon” and “TOE,” which has seemingly since been renamed to “Smilehood.” His content seems to widely differ from wildly creepy, seemingly dark works of art with complex messages, to oddly creepy concepts with a slightly humorous tone.
“Vita Carnis,” by Darian Quilloy is a rather unique series that explores the idea of an apocalyptic world where creatures composed entirely of meat cross over into our universe and slowly incorporate themselves into the natural ecosystem. The series itself utilizes elements of body horror, cosmic horror computer animation, live action found footage and various other methods to create a strong sense of dread.
Analogue horror is a widely interesting method of horror that utilizes old technologies to its greatest potential and holds great potential for episodic television experiences. Many non-indie TV creators may do well to find ways to draw inspiration from works such as these.
