Blair Witch Creator Dies

[Vanhalen]

Let the conspiracies begin!

 

Neal L. Fredericks, co-creator of 1999's surprise box office hit The Blair Witch Project, has been killed in a plane crash.

 

The cinematographer, 35, was in a single-engined jet on Saturday filming aerial shots for new independent movie Cross Bones when the plane went into trouble, going down in the Florida keys area.

 

The pilot and the three other passengers - the writer-director, co-producer and first camera assistant - managed to escape through an open door but Fredericks, who was strapped into a safety harness beneath camera equipment, was unable to free himself from his seat before the plane was submerged.

 

"It was sunny, no wind; the hurricane had passed 36 hours before," said Daniel Zirilli, the writer-director. "It was a glorious day. The pilot called us to go out. As far as we know, it was engine failure."

 

Fredericks was best known for Blair Witch but also worked on up to 30 other independent films, including Ryan Schifrin's Abominable.

[kkktookmybabyaway]

You're welcome.

 

Fredericks, who was strapped into a safety harness beneath camera equipment, was unable to free himself from his seat before the plane was submerged.

 

That had to suck...

[kkktookmybabyaway]

77 views and I'm the only one with something to add? Surely there are some tasteless "ghost" quips that are just waiting to be brought out...

[Guest Staravenger]

Sad way to die, but you already covered that. I am not much of a fan of Independent films, so it's not like I know about his career.

 

R.I.P. though. Horrible way to go.

[Swift Terror]

So the producer and 1st camera assistant bailed out of the plane, leaving the dude behind to drown, without at least attempting to save him? Perhaps they had read the script...

[nl5xsk1]

As long as the creator of the Bare Wench Project is Ok, quality film-making will still exist.

 

(having said that, it sucks for anyone to have to die young, especially in a shit-awful way like drowning because you're strapped into your seat.)

[Youth N Asia]

Everyone loved the movie when it was this indy sensation, and then hated it after it went huge. I for one really liked the movie and it was a hell of an idea. Too bad.

[Guest evenflowDDT]

There was a cinematographer on the Blair Witch Project? Could've fooled me.

 

On a much more serious note, I have to respect anyone who dies in finer pursuit of their craft.