A look at low-budget horror films made in the Sunshine State
Though Hollywood is the center of film production and has been for decades, many low-budget and exploitative horror films were made across the country. In his documentary “Blood, Guts & Sunshine: The History of Horror Made in Florida,” director Sean Donohue introduces us to local filmmakers from the sunshine state and horror movies made there.<br /><br />Donohue uses lots of “talking heads” — filmmakers who shot films in Florida, such as William Grefe, Chris Woods, Tim Ritter, Marcus Koch, and Joel D. Wynkoop. There are also interviews with legendary Herschell Gordon Lewis (“Blood Feast”), who practically created the genre known as horror splatter with graphic images of dismemberment, gushing blood, and torture. Previously a maker of nudie films, Lewis shifted his attention to graphic gore when Hollywood was still hesitant to go that route. After “Blood Feast” in 1963, such films as “Two Thousand Maniacs,” “Color Me Blood Red,” and “The Gruesome Twosome” followed. Lewis is shown behind the scenes during the making of his last film, “The Uh-Oh Show.”<br /><br />The documentary begins with a brief overview of Florida filmmaking prior to the exploitation era with a particular nod to Jack Arnold’s “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and then concentrates on movies made in the 1980s and beyond. Director Donohue, through interviews and film clips, shows how many Florida filmmakers influenced a younger generation. He devotes a special section to Florida TV horror host Dr. Paul Bearer, portrayed by Dick Bennick, Sr., whose “Creature Feature” is fondly remembered by directors who watched him and were inspired to follow their dream to make horror movies of their own.<br /><br />There are also fond recollections of a pre-Facebook and pre-YouTube website called “Crazed Fanboy” run by Nolan B. Canova, who reviewed movies, had discussions with filmmakers, and hosted guest appearances. Considered “ahead of its time,” it was a forum that attracted lovers of low-budget horror.<br /><br />Grindhouse Video, a small Tampa store run by Mike Standlin, moved to larger quarters, specialized in horror, and stocked VHS, Blu-ray, DVD, laser discs, and collectibles related to the genre. He also expanded into selling online. His store was an oasis for low-budget exploitation movies, and served as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers. In 2021, Standlin moved Grindhouse video to Knoxville, Tennessee.<br /><br />There are brief appearances by directors John Waters (“Pink Flamingos”), John Landis (“An American Werewolf in London”), and Joe Dante (“Gremlins”) who discuss their connection to the Florida school of moviemaking. Only Waters provides real insight into how his work is connected to Florida horror — “I was making horror for the art house, and the Florida directors were making horror for the grindhouse.”<br /><br />The documentary is filled with clips from the movies being discussed, but Donohue — himself a filmmaker — devotes too much screen time to the often rambling reminiscences of the filmmakers. The subjects speak extemporaneously and, to a person, are effusive in their affection for the horror exploitation genre. Obviously, they are passionate about making movies, but more judicious editing of their interviews could have made the point more succinctly. One of the difficulties Donohue may have faced is cramming so much history into a single film. Perhaps breaking his documentary into two parts would have allowed him to cover the directors and key films in greater detail. Because he covers so much territory, the films tend to run together and their distinctiveness is blurred.<br /><br />Bonus materials on the unrated Region A Blu-ray from Terror Vision include the following:<br />Satan’s Children Panel<br />Grindhouse Video Tour<br />Scott Tepperman’s Home Video Store<br />Blood, Guts & Sunshine trailer<br />Horror Movie Trailers Made in Florida<br /><br />“Blood, Guts & Sunshine” is obviously a labor of love from director Sean Donohue. He has put together a comprehensive look at a horror sub-genre that has never been examined in such detail. The documentary illustrates that guerrilla filmmaking involves hard work, ingenuity, and passion.
The movie title "Blood, Guts and Sunshine," available on Movies & TV, has received an average rating of 4.5 from 2 reviewers. 
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 {"MPAA rating": "NR (Not Rated)", "Package Dimensions": "6.81 x 5.39 x 0.51 inches; 2.47 Ounces", "Media Format": "Subtitled", "Release date": "October 25, 2022", "Studio": "Terror Vision", "Country of Origin": "USA", "Number of discs": "1"}

Here is a brief synopsis of the title : Snakes, sunshine, summer heat and HORROR! Explore the independent horror film scene that Florida has been vigorously pumping out since the invention of film. This Blu-ray is jam packed with interviews, exploitation, never-before-seen footage and cinema madness! Watch and learn about films new and old in this exclusive documentary made for cult horror fans! Featuring exclusive interviews from: Herschell Gordon Lewis, John Waters, John Landis, William Grefe, Sean Donohue, Chris Woods, Marcus Koch, Steve Biro, Tim Ritter, Joel D. Wynkoop, and more!.