Camp Blood is a series of American direct-to-video slasher films that began in 1999 with the release of the original Camp Blood. The film was directed by Brad Sykes and produced by David Sterling. It follows a group of campers who are stalked by a masked killer known as "The Clown" and was part of a wave of low-budget horror films that emerged after the success of Scream (1996). Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include multiple sequels and spin-offs, and has developed a small cult following among fans of ultra-low-budget horror.
Reception The Camp Blood series has generally received negative reviews from critics. The original 1999 film was criticized for its low production values, predictable plot, and minimal special effects. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 12% score, reflecting limited critical approval. Nevertheless, this franchise has developed a small cult following among fans of ultra-low-budget horror, and its continued production over two decades makes it a notable example of direct-to-video horror cinema.
Films YearFilmDirectorWriterProducer1999Camp BloodBrad SykesBrad SykesDavid Sterling2000Camp Blood 22004Within The WoodsJosephina Sykes2014Camp Blood First SlaughterMark PoloniaMark PoloniaDavid Sterling2016Camp Blood 4Dustin FergusonDustin Ferguson2016Camp Blood 52016Camp Blood 666Ted MoehringMonte Hunter2017It Kills: Camp Blood 7Mark PoloniaAmy Suzuki2018Ghost of Camp BloodAlan Wyoming2020Camp Blood 8: RevelationsDennis DevineDennis Devine2020Children of Camp BloodMark PoloniaLester Thord2023Camp Blood 666 Part 2: Exorcism Of The ClownWill Collazo Jr.Julie Anne Prescott2023Camp Blood X: AnimatedJason Peri2024Camp Blood Clown SharkMark Polonia Jeff KirkendallJeff Kirkendall2024Camp Blood 9: Bride of BloodWill Collazo2025Camp Blood ChristmasMatthew Dilts-WilliamsMatthew Dilts-Williams
Personnel
The original writer of Camp Blood was Brad Sykes.
Mark Polonia has been on and off with the franchise, directing five of the Camp Blood films over the span of a decade.
Dustin Ferguson was tasked with filming both the fourth and fifth Camp Blood back-to-back. In an interview from early 2016 with Mike Haberfelner, Ferguson is quoted as saying these movies were a part of a six-movie deal with franchises current producer, David Sterling. A third Camp Blood movie was expected to be assigned to this deal, however, that never happened.
As the most recent director in the franchise, Camp Blood Christmas is the only full-length film Matthew Dilts-Williams has taken the lead on.
Jennifer Ritchkoff was the leading actress in the first two Camp Blood films. Many reviews find her performance to be standout, and possibly above her pay grade. However, these movies make up her only filmography on Rotten Tomatoes.
References