Cooper Tomlinson On Why He & Curry Barker Wanted To “Stay Scrappy” On ‘Anything But Ghosts’ Set: “You Could Ruin The Magic”

Cooper Tomlinson and Curry Barker Embrace Indie Spirit in ‘Anything But Ghosts’

In the realm of independent filmmaking, maintaining a genuine and grounded approach can be a challenging endeavor, especially when navigating the complexities of genre storytelling. Cooper Tomlinson, who recently made waves with his performance in the Netflix series “Obsession,” has teamed up with director and co-writer Curry Barker to create “Anything But Ghosts,” a supernatural horror film produced under the banners of Focus Features and Blumhouse Atomic Monster.

Staying Grounded in a Supernatural Narrative

Tomlinson, who not only stars in the film but also co-wrote it, shared insights into the creative philosophy that guided the production. He emphasized the importance of staying “scrappy” throughout the filmmaking process, a term that reflects a commitment to authenticity and resourcefulness. This approach, he believes, is vital to preserving the film’s magic and emotional resonance.

“We wanted to ensure that we kept the indie spirit alive,” Tomlinson explained. “In a genre like horror, it’s easy to get caught up in effects and spectacle. But we felt that if we strayed too far from our roots, we could risk losing the essence that makes the story compelling.”

The Role of Collaboration

Collaboration between Tomlinson and Barker has been a cornerstone of the film’s development. Their partnership is marked by a shared vision that prioritizes character-driven narratives over conventional horror tropes. By focusing on the emotional stakes of the characters, they aim to create a more immersive experience for the audience, one that resonates on a deeper level than mere jump scares.

Barker, who has garnered attention for his previous work, expressed a similar sentiment. He noted that the indie filmmaking landscape often allows for more creative freedom, enabling filmmakers to explore unconventional storytelling methods. “We wanted to create something that feels authentic and relatable, even within a supernatural context,” Barker stated. “That’s where the real magic happens.”

The Importance of Authenticity

The duo’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond the script and into the production process itself. Tomlinson highlighted the potential pitfalls of overproducing a film, particularly in the horror genre, where the balance between realism and fantasy is crucial. “You could ruin the magic if you’re not careful,” he warned. “We wanted to create a film that feels real, even when it ventures into the supernatural.”

As “Anything But Ghosts” wraps up production, both Tomlinson and Barker are optimistic about the film’s potential to resonate with audiences. They believe that their scrappy, grounded approach will set the film apart in a crowded market, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the horror genre.

Looking Ahead

With the film’s release on the horizon, anticipation is building among fans of independent cinema and horror enthusiasts alike. Tomlinson and Barker’s dedication to maintaining the indie spirit while crafting a compelling narrative is a testament to their passion for storytelling. As they prepare to unveil “Anything But Ghosts,” they remain hopeful that their efforts will not only entertain but also inspire a new wave of indie filmmakers to embrace authenticity in their work.

In an industry often dominated by blockbuster franchises and high-budget productions, “Anything But Ghosts” stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling grounded in genuine emotion and creativity.