CINEMACTIVIST

Jacob Perrett discusses his early creative influences and beginnings, his transition to filmmaking, the development of his YouTube channel and content creation, and his college experience and pursuit of journalism. The conversation also covers the challenges of character-centric horror.

Takeaways

• Early creative influences shaped Jacob's passion for storytelling and filmmaking.
• Jacob's journey from content creation on YouTube to pursuing journalism highlights his diverse creative pursuits. Influences and experiences shape creative paths
• Crowdfunding and self-funding are viable options for indie filmmakers

Chapters

• 00:00 Early Influences and Creative Beginnings
• 02:17 Transition to Filmmaking
• 05:39 YouTube Channel and Content Creation
• 16:08 College and Journalism
• 23:53 Early Influences and Auditions
• 26:41 Transition to Filmmaking
• 27:32 Weird Fiction and Spine Chiller
• 32:24 Creature in the Dark and Proposal
• 37:03 Challenges of Character-Centric Horror

Published on July 30, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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The conversation delves into the financial realities of independent filmmaking and explores the challenges and rewards of independent film production. We also cover the need for fair compensation and transparency in deals and unconventional approaches to filmmaking, highlighting the pursuit of success, creative problem-solving, and the diverse forms of creativity in the industry. It's the state of indie film in 2026, as Jill Killington and I see it.

Chapters

• 00:00 Defining Independent Film
• 11:00 The Business of Filmmaking
• 24:17 The Impact of Film Production on the Industry
• 34:52 Passion for Storytelling and Filmmaking
• 40:12 Choosing the Filmmaking Path
• 46:18 The Pursuit of Success in Filmmaking
• 53:33 Adapting to Change and Exploring Creativity
• 59:29 Inviting Filmmaking Community Engagement

Published on July 23, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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Tethered is excited to announce open auditions for 12 paid roles in our new narrative-based immersive theatrical production, The Lever. 

Auditioners must be 18 years of age or older and bring a 1-2 minute contemporary dramatic monologue of their choice to perform. All ethnicities, races, and cultural experiences are encouraged to attend. 

Due to the nature of the show, which will require performers to be versatile and able to improvise, the format of these auditions will be workshop style. Our creative team will be looking for performers to show they can be generous, collaborative with their peers, and think on their feet. 

For more information go to http://tetheredimmersive.com

Published on July 16, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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Filmmaker Jill Killington discusses the inspiration behind her movie 'Mr + Mrs Death' and the process of writing, casting, and shooting the film. She emphasizes the importance of budget-conscious writing and her experience of shooting trailers and posters for the movie as part of the marketing strategy. Jill also discusses the production and post-production process on the project. Join us for a deep dive full of insights into the indie filmmaking experience and the importance of creative freedom.

Takeaways

• Budget-conscious writing
• Use of note cards for structuring
• Shooting trailers and posters for marketing Indie filmmaking involves navigating challenges in production, editing, and music selection.
• Creative freedom and authenticity are essential in the indie filmmaking process.

Chapters

• 00:00 Inspiration and Writing Process
• 13:01 Casting and Shooting Trailers
• 27:05 Marketing Strategy
• 33:06 The Production Process
• 59:51 Music Selection and Creative Freedom

Published on July 9, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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Please note: this episode contains spoilers for the feature films Obsession (2026) Backrooms (2026) and Shelby Oaks (2026).

A new wave of filmmaking is bubbling up from the digital underground—and it's reshaping what horror and indie cinema can be. Forget what you thought you knew—these creators are proving that small budgets and internet followers can catapult stories to global prominence, rivaling Hollywood giants.

The question is: are we witnessing a rebellion, or just raw talent breaking free?

This episode dives deep into the explosive rise of YouTube-born filmmakers like Curry Barker, Kane Parsons, and Markiplier—artists who harness the power of digital platforms, grassroots marketing, and sheer audacity to beat box office giants. In this episode, Eerie Horror Fest's Aaron "Madman" Mook and David Bostaph join us at Centennial Hall in downtown Erie to talk about:

• How independent films like "Obsession" and "Backrooms" are setting new box office standards, outpacing even star-studded IP.
• The secret sauce behind creators like Markiplier leveraging their online audiences for direct-to-fan distribution, bypassing traditional Hollywood bottlenecks.
• Why analog horror, found footage, and internet lore are transforming horror's aesthetic and narrative rhythms—some even hinting at the next film movement.
• The rising phenomenon of crowdfunded and self-released films, championed by creators like Chris Stuckman, reshaping what it means to debut in the modern era.
• The cultural implications: are we entering a renaissance where horror's raw, experimental edge can thrive amid mainstream's formulaic sameness?

This isn’t just about movies—it’s about a seismic shift in who creates, how they create, and how audiences connect with stories in the age of TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. If you care about the future of horror, or want to see how independent voices are fighting back against blockbuster fatigue, this episode is your front-row seat.

Published on July 2, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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John heads to Miami, Florida for the Miami Immersive Intensive and Summit!

The event brought together professionals and enthusiasts in the immersive theater space, providing a platform for learning, collaboration, and community building. Participants shared their experiences and takeaways, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights into immersive storytelling and performance art.

Takeaways

• Immersive theater offers diverse approaches and tools for experiential storytelling.
• The event fostered a sense of community and collaboration among participants, inspiring creativity and personal growth.

Learn more at https://www.miamiimmersiveintensive.com/

Published on June 25, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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Meet producer, director, writer, and author JILL KILLINGTON before we take a deep dive into her upcoming feature film, Mr. + Mrs. Death. She's a real Jill of all trades.

The conversation covers Jill Killington's journey as a filmmaker, from her early experiences in the industry to her involvement in various film and TV projects. It delves into her multifaceted roles, challenges, and the evolution of independent filmmaking.

Jill discusses her extensive involvement in the adaptation of 'The Stand' and the challenges she faced during the production and release of the TV show. She also shares her experiences as a writer and her aspirations to produce and direct her own indie films.

Takeaways

• Independent filmmaking requires wearing multiple hats and adapting to changing industry dynamics.
• Personal experiences and a passion for storytelling drive creative adaptation and production processes. Adaptation Challenges
• Dream Project Realization

Published on June 18, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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The podcast episode provides an in-depth look at the Tethered performance art company and its immersive theatrical experiences. It covers the inspiration behind Tethered, the themes of the shows, the concept of immersive theater, and the future projects of the company.

Takeaways

• Tethered is a performance art company specializing in immersive theatrical experiences.
• Immersive theater combines elements of dance, film, theater, escape rooms, video games, and haunted houses to create a unique and interactive live experience.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Tethered & Immersive Theater
• 06:47 First Tethered - Codependency Theme
• 09:31 Second Tethered - Memory Theme
• 16:39 New Tethered Projects

Published on June 11, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

Host and filmmaker, John C. Lyons, discusses the development of his new feature film project, The Holy Ghost, and provides insights into its inspiration, themes, and progress. He also shares details about his previous film, Unearth.

Takeaways

• Film Development
• Inspiration
• Fundraising

Published on June 4, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

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Season 3 of Cinemactivist will focus on two new feature film and immersive theater projects and feature discussions with creatives. The podcast aims to provide insights into independent productions and the creative process, addressing the challenges of film and immersive site-specific productions.

Published on May 28, 2026 | Produced by Lyons Den Productions and Cinemactivist LLC | Hosted by John C. Lyons | Music by Tony Grey | Recorded and Edited with Riverside

Support us by becoming a patron at Patreon