🎙️ Episode 9: Building a Horror Film Community – First Cut Productions
In this episode of Backstage at TENCROW Studios, we sit down with Mark Bellinger and Christine Golden of First Cut Productions, the creative force behind the First Cut Horror Film Festival in Wilmington, NC. 🎬

Now entering its second year, the festival has quickly become a cornerstone for indie horror filmmakers—showcasing spine-tingling shorts from around the globe while spotlighting local talent with heart and humor. Mark and Christine talk about the origins of the festival, its explosive growth, their wildly creative award design, and how they’re building a deeply connected horror film community in Eastern North Carolina.

We also explore:

• The secret sauce behind a successful horror festival 🧛‍♂️

• What it really takes to host 31 films in a single day

• Why Wilmington is becoming a magnet for indie filmmakers

• The challenges of producing passion projects with limited budgets

• Future goals and how YOU can get involved as a filmmaker or sponsor

🩸 Submissions for this year’s festival are open through August 3rd — don’t miss your chance! You can submit your film on Film Freeway here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheFirstCutFilmFest?pending=true

💀 Visit https://www.firstcutproductionsllc.com/ or follow @firstcutproductions on Instagram for more.

#FirstCutFilmFest #IndieHorror #WilmingtonNC #BackstageAtTENCROW #ShotAtTENCROW