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This episode covers the tumultuous and inspiring creation of the 2004 psychological horror hit Saw, directed by James Wan and written by Lee Whannell. After struggling for years in Australia and failing to secure funding or interest, the two broke friends packed their bags for Los Angeles with a script and a $7,000 proof-of-concept short film featuring the infamous reverse bear trap. Despite receiving higher budget offers from major studios, they gambled on themselves by accepting a $1 million financing deal from Evolution Entertainment that allowed Wan to direct and Whannell to star.
Production was an intense trial under extreme constraints, filmed over just 18 days inside an old downtown Los Angeles warehouse with barely enough time or footage. Wan struggled with the tight schedule and lack of coverage, while actors like Cary Elwes endured grueling physical conditions and unexpected claustrophobia. Yet, thanks to creative editing by Kevin Greutert and an iconic score rushed by former Nine Inch Nails member Charlie Clouser, the film came together just in time for its Sundance premiere. Released by Lionsgate, Saw became a massive box-office smash, grossing over $103 million worldwide on a budget of under $1 million and launching one of the most profitable horror franchises in history.
Hosts introduce the episode and run a series of sponsor ads before diving into the main topic.
The hosts shift focus to the horror film Saw, setting up the context for the episode's deep dive.
The conversation explores James Wan and Lee Wonell's meeting in film school and their shared passion for horror.
The episode details how the filmmakers secured financing, the risks involved, and the decision to self-produce the film.
The episode concludes with reflections on Saw's influence on horror cinema and the careers of its creators.
Hosts reveal logistical hurdles such as visa issues, location scouting, and the creative process during filming.
Discussion of how actors like Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell were cast, including behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
The hosts introduce the episode and set the stage for discussing the film "Saw."
The hosts discuss how Danny Glover and Carrie Elwes were cast, including financial incentives and personal interest in the script.
The conversation covers the difficulties of coordinating pre‑production from Ottawa, limited Skype technology, and a tight schedule.
The hosts detail how the film was shot in a single warehouse, the improvisational set design, and the crew’s resourcefulness.
James Wan and Lee Whannell met at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over a shared love of schlocky horror and genre films.
Developing the Conceptinsight
While suffering from daily migraines, Whannell went for an MRI and wondered how someone would react if told they had a tumor, inspiring the Jigsaw character.
The creators traveled to LA with a script and a $7,000 short film, quickly receiving offers from major studios and independent producers.
Tobin Bell Joining Sawstrategy
Tobin Bell insisted on adding more dialogue to explain Jigsaw's inner mind and refused a body double, lying on the floor for the entire shoot.
Production took place over just 18 days inside an old downtown Los Angeles warehouse with no trailers or four-star catering.
Emergency Editing Processstrategy
Editor Kevin Greutert and James Wan had to heavily rely on quick cuts, still photos, and surveillance aesthetics to fill gaps in footage.
Box Office Smashdata
Saw grossed $18.2 million on its opening weekend and finished its run with $103 million worldwide against a budget under $1 million.
“I actually did really enjoy it.”
“James Wan and Lee Wonell have become two of the biggest names in horror.”
“The thing about film school is, it's such a nurturing environment.”
“I think both these directors, and Wonell, the writer, would admit, feel perhaps a little sophomoric now that they're older and they've matured.”
“He had more notable roles in the years leading up to Saw, like of course, Lethal Weapon 4, Beloved, Royal Tannenbombs, but I think if you look at his career, he was maybe in a bit of a trough.”
“It made $103 million at the box office. On a $1 million budget. Actually, less. Wan later found out, he said in one interview, that it had been made for $700,000.”
“The studio eventually took him off the project, brought in a script doctor, and he wrote on his blog, "Never again while I enter the arranged marriage of selling a pitch."”
“The Insidious series, which just had another installment release at the end of this summer, has brought in $900 million against a cumulative $61 million budget.”
Just two guys and we're having a good time! This week, Chris and Lizzie chain themselves to James Wan and Leigh Whannell's breakout horror hit, SAW. What began as a simple exercise to try to escape their tiny home country of Australia led to a franchise beyond either of their expectations and, perhaps, desires. From work VISAs to unpaid profits and Cary Elwes' self-discovery of latent claustrophobia, this terrifyingly crunched production proves that just because you don't make the movie you wanted, doesn't mean you can't make the movie the audience did. *CORRECTIONS: Cary Elwes did reprise his role in Saw 3D (2010). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
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