Diary of a Deadbeat: The Story of Jim VanBebber

Diary of a Deadbeat follows cult filmmaker Jim VanBebber between 2010 and 2015 as he tries to mount a creative comeback after years of stalled projects and personal upheaval. The film records the nuts and bolts of fundraising, casting, and on-set problem solving as VanBebber works to make a new exploitation picture. Interviews with colleagues and candid footage of VanBebber at work reveal the artistic persistence behind his reputation in underground cinema. The documentary mixes interviews and fly-on-the-wall set footage, offering a textured portrait of an artist driven despite setbacks and showing small victories and routine frustrations while avoiding spoilers about the outcome.

Directed by Victor Bonacore, Diary of a Deadbeat premiered in 2015, documenting Jim VanBebber's life and creative process from 2010 to 2015. The film is an observational documentary grounded in real-time production and interviews with collaborators and friends.

The documentary maintained a modest commercial profile, with limited theatrical screenings and festival play rather than a wide release. It did not report notable box office figures, and found most of its audience primarily through specialized screenings and streaming channels.

Among underground film fans, the documentary reinforced VanBebber's reputation as a stubbornly independent creator, and it highlighted the realities of DIY horror and exploitation cinema. Clips and interviews circulated at genre festivals, prompting discussions about authorship, burnout, and the costs of uncompromising art in a niche, devoted community, and online discussions.

Critics and festival viewers generally responded positively, reflected in a modestly favorable rating, and praised the film's unvarnished portrait of a filmmaker fighting industry neglect and personal obstacles. Themes include dedication to craft, the toll of long-term creative struggle, and the ethics and aesthetics of low budget exploitation filmmaking today.