Friday The 13th!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Happy Friday the 13th! Today we are celebrating the film of the same name with two key figures of it’s history, Sean S. Cunningham who directed the film, and Victor Miller who wrote it!

Back in the late 1970s, director Sean S. Cunningham had a big idea; to make a low-budget horror movie that could capture audiences’ attention the same way “Halloween” did in 1978. With the slasher genre just starting to take off, Cunningham saw an opportunity to create something scary, suspenseful, and memorable. But first, he needed a story. That’s where screenwriter Victor Miller came in. Cunningham asked Miller to come up with a script that would deliver on the thrills, and together, they laid the groundwork for what would become one of horror’s most iconic franchises.

Victor Miller wrote the original “Friday the 13th” script, centering the story around a cursed summer camp called Camp Crystal Lake. Drawing from classic horror setups, Miller created a simple but eerie plot about counselors being stalked and picked off one by one. What made it stand out was the surprise twist: the killer wasn’t a masked man, but Pamela Voorhees, a grieving mother seeking revenge for the death of her son, Jason. Miller’s script mixed mystery with gruesome moments and an unforgettable ending, setting a strong foundation for the film.

Once the script was in place, Sean S. Cunningham got to work assembling the cast and crew. With a modest budget and a short production schedule, they shot the film in New Jersey and made the most of practical effects, especially thanks to special effects legend Tom Savini. Cunningham’s directing kept the pace tense and the scares sharp, helping build suspense until the final shocking moments. The now-famous final scare, involving a young Jason Voorhees jumping from the lake, was a last-minute idea that gave the film an extra jolt; and ended up becoming legendary.

When “Friday the 13th” hit theaters in 1980, it was a box office smash. Audiences were thrilled (and terrified), and the film quickly became a horror staple. Sean S. Cunningham’s vision and Victor Miller’s storytelling proved to be the perfect match. Their collaboration helped spark a decades-long franchise and gave the world one of the most recognizable names in horror: Jason Voorhees. From a bold idea to a cultural phenomenon, the creation of “Friday the 13th” shows how a simple concept and strong teamwork can lead to something unforgettable.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Victor Miller: Do not quit.

Sean S. Cunningham: Work hard, do good, and listen with your heart.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing weekend and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo