Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone represents one of the most impressive fan film achievements in horror history. This filmmaker transformed his passion for Friday the 13th into a trilogy that has garnered millions of views and critical acclaim from both fans and industry professionals.
When DiSanti moved to Los Angeles in 2008, he had one goal: work on a Friday the 13th film. After missing opportunities with the 2009 reboot, he decided to create his own. What started as a hiking trip to Big Bear, where he photographed abandoned cabins, became the inspiration for Never Hike Alone – a film that would redefine what fan productions could accomplish.
The Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone Production Journey
DiSanti founded Womp Stomp Films specifically to bring his vision to life. The company name comes from a Star Wars Nintendo 64 cheat code that allowed players to become a Wompa Stompa creature – fitting for someone who likes to “live big,” as DiSanti describes himself.
The production faced significant challenges. Their first Kickstarter campaign failed, teaching valuable lessons about reward structure and supporter engagement. The second attempt succeeded by keeping rewards simple and maintaining constant communication with backers.
What Makes Never Hike Alone Special
The Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone approach combines traditional filmmaking with modern techniques. Inspired by movies like The Martian and 127 Hours, DiSanti used GoPro cameras for handheld sequences while maintaining professional cinematography for dramatic moments.
Key production elements include:
- Professional cinematography: Despite budget constraints, the film achieves theatrical quality visuals
- Original score: Composer Ryan Perez-Daple created music inspired by Hitchcock’s Vertigo rather than copying Harry Manfredini’s iconic Friday the 13th themes
- Authentic details: Crime scene tags reference specific deaths from the original 1980 film
- Legal protection: Emphasized non-profit status and donated leftover funds to reforestation efforts
The Cast and Cameo That Shocked Fans
One of the biggest surprises came when Thom Mathews, who played Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, agreed to appear in the film. A Kickstarter backer knew someone who knew Mathews, leading to a dinner where the actor saw the trailer and enthusiastically agreed to participate.
DiSanti himself plays multiple roles – director, writer, producer, and even Jason Voorhees. This hands-on approach allowed him to maintain creative control while working within budget limitations.
Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone Impact on Horror Community
The trilogy has achieved something remarkable – many fans consider it canon within the Friday the 13th universe. The films demonstrate how passionate creators can expand beloved franchises while respecting source material.
Industry recognition includes:
- Over 6.8/10 rating on IMDb
- Millions of YouTube views
- Critical praise from horror publications
- Fan community embrace as authentic Friday the 13th content
Future Plans and Legacy
DiSanti envisions expanding the Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone universe through sequels and potentially a six-part Netflix miniseries. His ideas include exploring Pam Voorhees’ backstory and following up on characters like Paul Holt from Friday the 13th Part 2.
The filmmaker continues working on Hollywood productions, including American Horror Stories and The Rookie, bringing professional experience back to his fan film projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vincent DiSanti and what is Never Hike Alone?
Vincent DiSanti is a filmmaker who created the Never Hike Alone trilogy, widely considered the best Friday the 13th fan films ever made. The series follows a hiker who discovers the abandoned Camp Crystal Lake.
How did Vincent DiSanti fund Never Hike Alone?
After a failed first attempt, DiSanti successfully crowdfunded the project through Kickstarter by simplifying rewards and maintaining constant supporter communication. The production operated on a non-profit basis.
What makes Never Hike Alone different from other fan films?
The Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone series stands out due to professional-quality cinematography, original scoring, authentic details referencing the original films, and impressive practical effects work.
Are there plans for more Never Hike Alone films?
Yes, DiSanti has expressed interest in creating sequels and potentially a Netflix miniseries that would explore different aspects of the Friday the 13th mythology.
How did Thom Mathews get involved in Never Hike Alone?
A Kickstarter backer who knew someone connected to Mathews showed him the trailer during dinner. The actor was enthusiastic about participating and reprised his Tommy Jarvis role.
Where can I watch Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone?
The films are available for free on YouTube, staying true to DiSanti’s fan-focused, non-profit approach to the project.
The Legacy Continues
Vincent DiSanti Never Hike Alone proves that passion, dedication, and respect for source material can create something truly special. By combining professional filmmaking techniques with genuine fan love, DiSanti has created a trilogy that stands as testament to what independent creators can accomplish.
The success of Never Hike Alone demonstrates that audiences hunger for quality content that respects beloved franchises. DiSanti’s work serves as inspiration for other fan filmmakers while keeping the spirit of Friday the 13th alive for new generations of horror fans.
