The story of how and why Mark Ryan developed his doctoral research project on the history and industry of Aussie horror films from "Wolf Creek" to "Razorback".

1. A Dark New World: Anatomy of
Australian Horror Films
By Mark David Ryan
30 April 2009
Research Associate, Creative Industries,
Queensland University of Technology
Email: m3.ryan@qut.edu.au
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiPpBEifAQU
(edited recording of presentation)
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2. Introduction and why I decided to
undertake research
• A parliamentary Intern for then Shadow Minister for
Communications Lindsay Tanner, MP
• Worked as a researcher for Griffith and QUT from 2003
-2006
• Recently completed my PhD
• Currently teaching and writing about horror films
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3. Research project
• A study of the history of Australian horror movies
• The economic models of contemporary horror films
• The market, industrial and technological forces driving
production
• Interviewed almost 30 filmmakers including filmmakers
from Wolf Creek, Rogue, Black Water, Storm Warning
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4. Research project’s impact
• 30 national media stories in radio, print and online media
including Triple J, 3AW (Melbourne radio), The Age, The
Courier Mail, The Canberra Times, Sky news,
Yahoomovies.com
• Media organisations contact me:
• I commented on Baz Luhrmann’s Australia, The
Oscars, Friday the 13th, and Halloween.
• Several articles on the way
• Nominated for QUT’s Outstanding Thesis Award
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5. Media coverage examples
http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/film/horror-brings-film-industry-back-from
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24606403-5003420,00.html
http://ozhorrorscope.blogspot.com/2008/10/news-phd-student-unearths-australian.html
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6. CRICOS No.00213J