Contrary to popular belief, Blood Cult is actually NOT the first shot on video (VHS) horror film. Although many film fans believe that it is because it has been promoted as such since its initial release on the VHS as well as part of the DVD box set of "The Ripper Blood Pack". The first shot on video horror film was actually Boardinghouse (1982). Though it had a brief theatrical release to select theaters. Then there was Sledgehammer, which was also shot on VHS and released in 1983, a full two years before Blood Cult (1985).
This film had an original budget of $25,000, which was then raised to $27,000. The marketing campaign cost an additional $100,000, nearly four times the film's budget.
Filmed in nine straight days. Most of the crew took a week off from their regular jobs to work in this production.
The extras playing monks were local high school students who were paid $20 each.