Saw (2004) Fun Facts

Source: Lions Gate Films

The cult classic horror film SAW first hit theaters on October 29, 2004, shocking audiences with its gruesome traps and twist ending. Even 18 years later, fans still enjoy learning new behind-the-scenes tidbits about the low-budget film that spawned an entire franchise. Here are 5 fun facts about the original SAW movie:

1. The Budget

SAW was made on an extremely low budget of just $1 million, but grossed over $100 million worldwide (source: Wikipedia). To put this in perspective, the average production budget for a major studio horror film in 2004 was over $20 million.

Directors James Wan and Leigh Whannell utilized clever practical effects and tight storytelling to create suspense on just $1 million. They shot the film digitally instead of on film to save costs, and built elaborate traps and sets themselves when they couldn’t afford professional crews.

2. 18 Days!!

The film was shot over just 18 days in a disused warehouse in Los Angeles. With such a short schedule, the cast and crew worked long hours under difficult conditions to wrap on time.

3. 16 Minutes

Tobin Bell’s performance as the mysterious Jigsaw killer became iconic, though he is only on screen for about 16 minutes total. His menacing voiceovers and glimpses were effectively unsettling.

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4. Twisted Pictures

The film was made through Twisted Pictures, a production company founded specifically to produce the SAW franchise. Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules created Twisted Pictures as an independent studio focused solely on the SAW property. At the time, it was rare for independent companies to launch franchises rivaling major studios.

However, Burg and Koules recognized the commercial potential of SAW’s intense storytelling and gruesome traps. With Twisted Pictures, they self-financed and controlled the rights to the budding SAW films. This allowed them to continue expanding the series for many installments. The success of SAW I proved independent studios could birth hugely profitable horror brands to compete with Hollywood.

5. Danny Glover’s Quick Work

Danny Glover filmed all his scenes in just two days, despite being one of the most recognized actors in the cast at the time.

This brief on-set presence required Glover to deliver a compelling performance with little room for error or extensive preparation, showcasing his professional expertise and adaptability in a fast-paced filming environment. His work contributed significantly to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, demonstrating that even with limited time, an experienced actor can make a lasting impact on a film’s overall success.