Filmmaker & Festival Runner Erik Steele joins Midnight Horror Picture Show host Neil for a deep dive into indie horror filmmaking, festival building, and 20+ years in the film industry. Erik is the founder of Horror Film Roulette, a Metro Detroit horror short film competition now celebrating its 13th year, and co-founder of Th3 Studio, a boutique production space in downtown Utica, Michigan.

In this episode, Erik shares how he got his start making stop-motion films at age 13, worked his way up through Michigan's film incentive era on productions like "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas", and spent years in reality TV before founding one of Metro Detroit's most beloved indie horror events. We talk file backup horror stories every filmmaker needs to hear, what it's really like directing a horror short in four weeks flat, and how Horror Film Roulette is partnering with the historic Senate Theater for its 2026 competition.

Whether you're an aspiring horror filmmaker, a festival organizer, or just a fan of behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, this conversation is packed with practical advice, industry war stories, and a genuine look at what it takes to build a film community from a drunken bar conversation into a 13-year institution.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro — Welcoming Erik Steele

01:09 Erik's origin story: filmmaking since age 13

02:04 First working together — the reality TV bar shoot

04:27 Breaking into Michigan's film industry during the incentive era

06:03 Why you should ALWAYS back up your footage (twice)

08:19 File transfer horror stories & protecting yourself on set

09:18 Working on A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas

12:06 Hostel: Part III and shadowing director Scott Spiegel

14:35 The Blockbuster story that got Neil on Hostel

17:05 The bar-night origin of Horror Film Roulette

19:11 Horror Film Roulette's move to the historic Senate Theater

23:08 Growing an indie film festival from 30 people to a real event

24:27 Charging admission, giving prizes, and funding filmmakers

26:21 Community over competition — collaboration in the scene

28:47 Filming a UFC documentary on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi

30:24 Inside Th3 Studio — 13 years of a boutique production space

33:30 Horror Film Roulette 2026: rules, categories & kickoff details

35:30 Submitting through FilmFreeway and reaching other festivals

39:06 International wins and advice for choosing film festivals

40:07 One week to write, one to shoot, one to edit, one to procrastinate

43:02 What's next for Horror Film Roulette: 2027 and beyond

44:04 Erik's other projects: a new feature and a vertical web series

45:32 Aladdin 3477 — the sci-fi trilogy update

47:47 Wrap-up and where to find Erik Steele

49:06 Announcing Sideshow and the Midnight Horror Book Club

Links & Resources:

www.horrorfilmroulette.com

@horrorfilmroulette on Insta, YT, and TikTok

Find Erik Steele on Instagram: @Th3Studio / @SteelePhotos

Midnight Horror Picture Show on Instagram: @MidnightHorrorPictureShow

Email us: [email protected]

Subscribe for new interviews with indie horror creators every month, plus our new Sideshow series and Midnight Horror Book Club coming this fall.

Welcome back to the Midnight Horror Picture Show! This week we welcome back returning guest Justin Sulham, writer/director of the found-footage home invasion thriller "Stockings: Songbird", joined by his lead actor, Em Genovese, who plays victim-turned-survivor Marissa opposite Sulham's chilling performance as "Jimmy," the maintenance man who isn't what he seems.

In this deep, spoiler-conscious conversation, Justin and Em pull back the curtain on everything that went into making this visceral indie found-footage horror film — from the real-life "maintenance guy knocking on the door" moments that sparked the story, to the practical FX tricks (yes, you can build a blood-shooting rig from Home Depot tubing for under $15), to the emotional toll of playing predator and prey while staying safe on a two-person set.

You'll hear how Em's theater background shaped a performance built on trust, muscle memory, and knowing your "track" even without a dedicated continuity crew member; how Justin used phone-camera gimmicks to sneak cinematic close-ups into a "static" found-footage format; and why the fawn response — not just fight or flight — became the emotional engine of Marissa's survival instinct.

This episode is essential listening for horror fans, indie filmmakers, actors, and true horror-craft nerds who want to know what really happens behind the camera on a low-budget horror set — the good, the bloody, and the "I refused pain meds because I needed Jimmy to be in pain" kind of dedication.

🎬 Stockings: Songbird is available now on Blu-ray and VHS — physical media only, slashvillestudios.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Cold open & guest introductions — Justin Salem & MJ

(1:53) Welcome back to the show

(2:25) The pitch: why Justin chose home invasion over paranormal found footage

(3:49) What drew MJ to the script and the character of Marissa

(5:12) Casting Marissa: how Justin knew MJ was right for the role

(7:53) On-set process: swinging between mundane and high-intensity scenes

(8:38) MJ's theater roots and how stage training shapes film acting

(12:22) Found-footage camera strategy: blending static "home cam" and phone POV shots

(15:34) Justin on directing himself as villain "Jimmy" while acting opposite MJ

(19:10) Carrying 80% of the film: MJ's approach to rising action and emotional pacing

(21:33) Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — building a realistic female survival response

(24:05) Justin unpacks Jimmy's psychology, backstory, and "disarming act"

(27:43) The physicality of the shoot and how stunts were choreographed safely

(29:57) On-set safety advice for actors — and calling out toxic "auteur" directors

(32:20) Boundaries, consent, and unscripted moments during intense scenes

(35:11) The scariest moments MJ didn't see coming — including a very ticklish scene

(37:11) Shooting the film's climactic blood scene in a single take

(40:16) DIY practical effects tutorial: building a blood-squib rig for under $15

(43:00) Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, urban legends, and real-life creepy-crawly stories

(46:28) Designing Jimmy's disarming "maintenance guy" disguise

(49:27) Is there a future for the Stockings universe? Sequel plans and a possible franchise

(52:18) What's next for MJ: Going Postal, short films, and upcoming roles

(53:32) Where to follow Justin and MJ (plus MJ's baking side hustle)

(57:12) Justin's real on-set injury: filming through a shoulder emergency

(1:00:26) Wrap-up: where to find Justin's studio, podcast, and more

(1:02:22) MHPS news: Sideshow series launch, horror book club, and next episode preview

Follow the guests:

Justin Sulham

Instagram & YouTube: @slashvillestudios

Justin's Instagram: @Justin_makes_movies

Em Genovese

Instagram: @emgenovese

Baking page: Let.Em.Eat.Cake_

Follow Us!

📸 Instagram: @MidnightHorrorPictureShow

📧 Email: [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe and leave a 5-star review to help indie horror creators get seen.

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

Lloyd Kaufman — founder of Troma Entertainment and creator of The Toxic Avenger — joins Neil Willoughby, host of Midnight Horror Picture Show, for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about building the longest-running independent movie studio in history.

Lloyd talks about learning to shoot in sequence from Rocky director John G. Avildsen, discovering Oliver Stone at Yale, and how Troma became the launchpad for James Gunn, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Eli Roth, Samuel L. Jackson, and more. He digs into the death of the mid-size independent studio, MPAA censorship double standards, why he shot his new film The Power of Positive Murder in black and white, the recut of Mr. Melvin (aka Toxic Avenger Parts 2 & 3), and how fan-funded distribution — from Indiegogo to Markiplier — might be pointing indie cinema back toward its roots.

This one's part film-history lesson, part masterclass in DIY filmmaking, and part Lloyd being exactly as chaotic and hilarious as you'd hope.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) – Intro: Who is Lloyd Kaufman & what is Troma
(01:33) – Falling into Troma & what Lloyd's working on now
(03:04) – Shooting in sequence: Trey Parker's Orgazmo trick
(05:59) – Get on set: John G. Avildsen, Rocky & learning the ropes
(08:13) – Discovering Oliver Stone at Yale
(09:53) – New book: "Lloyd Kaufman: Interviews"
(11:32) – TromaDance Film Festival 2026 (free submissions, Labor Day weekend)
(14:26) – Troma as the "anti-studio" & why indie film is disappearing
(19:35) – Cannes, Occupy Cannes & vanishing distribution outlets
(21:35) – Crowdfunding, streaming & the death of the video store model
(23:31) – The Power of Positive Murder: shot in B&W, inspired by Crime and Punishment
(27:06) – No release date, all fan-funded, all fan-run
(28:39) – Troma's PA-to-producer pipeline (Sabrina Mendoza, Andrew Miller)
(33:48) – Roger Corman, John G. Avildsen & Troma's mentorship legacy
(36:34) – Citizen Toxie, school shootings & why Troma tackles hard topics early
(38:41) – Mr. Melvin: the "recut" Toxic Avenger sequel
(41:44) – Do movies need to be 3 hours long?
(43:38) – Sean Baker, Anora & the return of ultra-low-budget indie
(47:51) – Markiplier, YouTuber-financed horror & new distribution models
(50:44) – "Talent will out": advice for filmmakers with zero money
(57:38) – Follow @UncleLloydKaufman on Instagram
(59:13) – Outro: Troma-Thon, San Diego Comic-Con & Troma's 2026 tour dates

ABOUT THE GUEST

Lloyd Kaufman is the President of Troma Entertainment, co-founder of the studio, and director of The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke 'Em High, and Sergeant Kabuki Man N.Y.P.D. Troma has served as an early launching pad for filmmakers including James Gunn, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Eli Roth.

FOLLOW LLOYD & TROMA

Instagram: @UncleLloydKaufman | @TromaTeam

Watch Troma's full catalog: Troma NOW streaming service:

https://watch.troma.com/

UPCOMING TROMA EVENTS (2026)

- Troma-Thon 2026 — July 17–18, Mahoning Drive-In, Lehighton, PA (Premiere of PoultryGeist 2)

- San Diego Comic-Con — July 23–26, (Sat panel with Chuck Tingle)

- Troma San Diego/LA Tour — July 27–August 1

Subscribe to MIDNIGHT HORROR PICTURE SHOW on YouTube and wherever you get podcasts- and leave a 5-star review! It's the single best way to help indie horror creators get seen.

Follow us: Instagram @MidnightHorrorPictureShow

Theme music by ⁨@nick_ferreri⁩

#LloydKaufman #Troma #ToxicAvenger #IndieFilm #HorrorPodcast #Filmmaking #JamesGunn #IndependentCinema #HorrorMovies #TromaEntertainment

Twenty years after Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon quietly left theaters and found its true home in the horror community's hearts — and Blockbuster aisles — Leslie Vernon is coming back. And on this episode of Midnight Horror Picture Show, we sat down with the two people most responsible for making him an icon.Nathan Baesel, the Juilliard- and UCLA-trained actor who brought Leslie to life with that impossible mix of charisma and menace, and David J. Stieve, the screenwriter who built the character from the ground up and is now writing Behind the Mask 2: The Return of Leslie Vernon, join us for one of the most in-depth conversations about this cult classic we've ever put on record.We also go deep on:

• Why Leslie Vernon isn't a villain (at least not to his creators)
• Nathan's personal connection to the character — and how his own hunger for validation became the performance
• David's philosophy on writing Leslie as a metaphor for any outsider trying to break into a difficult world
• Why the original script ended completely differently — and how the entire third act was a late addition
• The future of indie horror distribution, and why the team is bypassing traditional Hollywood for Behind the Mask 2🎃 LINKS:Behind the Mask 2 Kickstarter (late pledges still open): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...Leslie Vernon Returns on Instagram: @LeslieVernonReturnsNathan Baesel on Instagram: @nathanbaeselDavid J. Stieve on Instagram & Bluesky: @DjStieveCatch Nathan at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach, CA — August 7–9Nathan will also be at Triangle Terror Con in Durham, NC — September 26 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and find us on Instagram @MidnightHorrorPictureShow.Theme music by ‪@nick_ferreri‬

Chapters:

(0:00) Welcome to Midnight Horror Picture Show & Episode Intro

(1:35) Meet Nathan Baesel & David J. Stieve: The Minds Behind Leslie Vernon

(2:28) The Behind the Mask 2 Kickstarter: $322K and Counting

(4:45) Why Behind the Mask Flopped at the Box Office (And Became a Cult Classic Anyway)

(5:20) "Blockbuster Built Behind the Mask": The Power of Horror Cover Art

(7:18) The Death of Discovery: Movie Poster Culture vs. Streaming Thumbnails

(10:00) 20 Years Later: The Urgency Behind Finally Making the Sequel

(11:30) The Original Team Returns: Who's Back for Behind the Mask 2

(14:45) Crafting Leslie Vernon: The Character Who Breaks Every Slasher Rule

(17:30) Leslie as Metaphor: The Anxious Young Artist Hiding in Plain Sight

(18:40) Nathan Baesel on Finding Leslie Through His Own Hunger for Validation

(21:50) "Relatability Is the Currency of Acting" — Nathan's Acting Philosophy

(23:00) Is Leslie Vernon a Villain? David & Nathan Push Back

(25:15) The Cider Press Scene & Leslie's Master Manipulation (Deep Dive)

(26:00) 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: The Deleted Scene That Was Actually Filmed

(31:10) The Kickstarter Rewards, Physical Media & VHS for Leslie Vernon Fans

(32:30) Filming Locations for Behind the Mask 2 (Massachusetts or Illinois?)

(38:30) Leslie & Taylor: The Dark Love Story at the Heart of the Film

(43:10) Why Halloween's Laurie Strode Is the Key to Understanding Leslie Vernon

(47:00) The Sequel Script: Multiple Drafts, Table Reads & Getting the Band Back Together

(49:45) David's Award-Winning Short "Wait for It" & Expanding the Leslie Vernon Universe

(53:00) Nathan Stepping Behind the Camera: Learning From Robert Englund & Scott Wilson

(55:00) The State of Horror: Why the Studio System Is Failing Indie Filmmakers

(57:30) Netflix, Consolidation & the Future of Independent Horror Distribution

(1:00:00) Fan Encounters & Why Nathan Almost Said No to Convention Appearances

(1:02:45) Convention Appearances: Midsummer Scream (Long Beach) & Triangle Terror Con (Durham, NC)

(1:06:00) Closing Thoughts: What the Sequel Means to the Creative Team

(1:07:46) Outro: Stay Spooky & Support Indie Horror

Today’s guest, Tiffany Albright describes herself as a deviant queer writer/producer living in the South. Her work centers women and LGBTQ+ stories, and explores identity, gender, sexuality, and class in genre settings – from horror to romance.

Tiffany has been an artist in residence at Wildacres and the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. She’s placed in the Academy Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, the Stowe Story Labs Fellowship, the Page Awards, and ScreenCraft. Tiffany is a high school dropout with a master’s degree, who has lived on three continents but always felt home tugging her back. She now lives in North Carolina, where she founded and runs the nonprofit Queer Fear Film Festival, the production company Lunar Kitchen Films, and the imprint The Crackling Quill.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Tiffany Albright

(01:20) The Origin of Queer Fear Film Festival

(05:00) Discovering Queer Cinema & Entering the Film Industry

(08:30) Building a Film Festival During the Pandemic

(12:15) Why Queer Horror Deserves Its Own Space

(16:00) Running a Nonprofit Film Festival: Challenges & Lessons

(20:20) Creating Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Filmmakers

(24:10) Screenwriting Fellowships, Competitions & Breaking In

(28:00) Writing Queer Horror, Romance & Genre Stories

(32:15) Producing Independent Films Through Lunar Kitchen Films

(35:50) Publishing, The Crackling Quill & Supporting Writers

(39:10) Building Creative Communities in the American South

(42:30) The Future of Queer Horror & Independent Film

(45:15) Upcoming Projects: Astrogenesis

(47:40) Amerinoid: A Timely Psychological Thriller

(50:05) Where to Follow Tiffany Albright & Final Thoughts

Discover how Queer Fear transforms the film festival experience for queer filmmakers and audiences. Learn about its inclusive approach and community-building efforts.

Follow Tiffany @tiffany.a.albright on Insta

tiffany-albright.com

Follow Queer Fear Film Festival @queerfearfilmfestival on Insta

queerfearfilmfestival.org

Our theme music is by ‪@nick_ferreri‬ | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#QueerFear #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #LGBTQ #HorrorFilms #midnighthorrorpictureshow #podcast #filmmaking #filmmaker #horrorcommunity #thelastgoodbye #podcastclips #filmtok #indiefilm #shorts #horrorfilms

Today’s guest, Jake Kustasz is a Michigan-based author and video producer focusing on horror, comedy, and the absurd. His most recent release- A Devil’s Night Tale, is a horror comic book illustrated by Ethan Woronko that also includes his original short story and an interview about the history of Devil’s Night in Detroit with historian Jeff Pollock.

Jake’s talents aren’t confined to any medium- and we talk about his strengths- especially his ability to use social media to network and bring artists together for different projects.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Jake Kustasz & A Devil's Night Tale

(01:05) The Origin of A Devil's Night Tale

(02:40) Favorite Comics, Alan Moore & Horror Influences

(05:10) Working with Illustrator Ethan Woronko

(07:45) Devil's Night History, Detroit Culture & Horror Storytelling

(11:15) Combining Comics, Fiction & Historical Interviews in One Book

(14:20) Creating Horror Comics Without Hollywood Budgets

(17:00) Social Media Networking for Artists & Independent Creators

(20:00) Building Communities Through Creative Collaboration

(22:45) From Video Production to Comic Book Publishing

(25:10) Marketing Independent Projects in the Digital Age

(27:45) Talk Show To Go, MemeStudium & Content Creation

(30:15) Detroit Creativity, Local Art Scenes & Independent Media

(32:00) Upcoming Projects, New Comics & Future Stories

(34:00) Staccato the Guitar-Playing Cat in Space

(34:50) What's Next for Jake Kustasz?

(35:10) Where to Buy A Devil's Night Tale & Support Indie Horror

Make sure to grab YOUR copy of A Devil’s Night Tale: https://www.memestudium.com/store/p/kb8mibrjjovis0jzprhs68mon43ej7

If you’re local to Metro-Detroit, you can support a small business by picking up your copy at:

- Vault of Midnight Detroit - Detroit, MI

- Green Brain Comics - Dearborn, MI

- Toadvine Books - Berkley, MI

- Berkley Public Library - Berkley, MI

And for any Chicago listeners

- Quimby's Bookstore - Chicago, IL

You can follow what Jake is up to next at Memestudium.com or @jakekustasz on Instagram

You can check out the illustrator of “A Devil’s Night Tale” - Ethan Woronko @epworonko_art on Instagram

And you can learn more about Detroit history tours on Instagram @detroithistorytours

Our theme music is by  @nick_ferreri  | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#devilsnight #devilsnightdetroit #newhorrorcomics2026 #horrorcomics

Order your copy of "Big Bad Betty" NOW!

https://www.rustedlanternpictures.com/physical-media-orders

Today’s guest is filmmaker Justin Sulham who's debut feature, the horror-comedy film, “Big Bad Betty” is ONLY available on physical media for its release.

We discuss what led to that decision- and so much more- but first, Justin Sulham grew up in the Greater- Boston area, but is currently based in Nashville, TN. He’s worked in the Camera and Electrical department on some HUGE projects- such as Severance, The Holdovers, and Dexter: New Blood- to name a few. He’s made a name for himself directing in the music video industry- including directing a video for the song “Take Me Home” by Dexter himself, Michael C Hall’s band “Princess Goes”.

With his experience, determination, and passion for the horror-genre and filmmaking- I truly believe Justin is a director to watch closely over the next few years.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction & Meet Justin Sullum (Big Bad Betty Director)

(01:15) Justin Sulham's Filmmaking Background & Career Journey

(05:05) Horror Film Festivals, Networking & Building Industry Relationships

(09:45) Why Horror Is the Strongest Independent Film Community

(14:55) Working on Dexter, Severance & Directing Michael C. Hall's Music Video

(18:35) Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: Grit, Patience & Surviving Your First Feature

(24:45) Building a Career in Production: Equipment, Freelancing & Growing a Business

(29:45) Turning Down Big Opportunities & Lessons in Set Safety

(34:35) Biggest On-Set Mistakes, Learning Curves & Hollywood Production Stories

(39:50) Short Films vs Feature Films & Expanding Horror Worlds

(44:45) The Real Cost of Indie Horror Filmmaking (The $500 Baseball Bat Story)

(49:55) Why Big Bad Betty Is a Physical Media Exclusive

(54:40) Supporting Indie Horror, Building Community & Opening Doors for Creators

(59:45) Fan Reactions, Audience Feedback & The Future of Big Bad Betty

(1:04:50) Where to Watch Big Bad Betty & Final Thoughts

FOLLOW JUSTIN

slashvillestudios.com

Follow Justin on instagram & YouTube ⁨@Justin_makes_movies⁩

Our theme music is by ⁨@nick_ferreri⁩ | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#bigbadbetty #newhorrormovies #2026horrormovies #justinsulham

Today’s guest is Producer, Mariel Sharp- Mariel Sharp is the founder and lead producer at True Sweetheart Films, an independent production company dedicated to boundary-pushing cinema by women and LGBTQ+ creators. With a deep expertise in both creative and logistical execution, she has produced two award winning feature films and 12 short films, securing funding from prestigious organizations like SODEC, Telefilm Canada, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Her films have screened at over 100 international festivals, earning 11 nominations and 8 awards, with critical acclaim from The Guardian, The New York Times, IndieWire, and The Hollywood Reporter. She oversees all aspects of production, from development to post, and her work is showcased on platforms like Shudder, Prime Video, and iTunes. Passionate about championing underrepresented voices in cinema, she continues to push the industry forward with daring storytelling.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Mariel Sharp & True Sweetheart Films

(01:50) How Mariel Sharp Got Started in Filmmaking

(04:20) What Film Producers Actually Do on Set

(08:15) Producing 15+ Independent Films: Lessons Learned

(12:00) Building True Sweetheart Films & Supporting LGBTQ+ filmmakers

(15:40) Funding Independent Films Through Grants & Public Financing

(19:30) Telefilm Canada, SODEC & Finding Film Funding

(23:15) Why Emerging Filmmakers Should Learn Producing

(27:00) Film Budgets, Scheduling & Solving Production Problems

(30:50) Producer vs Director: Different Roles in Filmmaking

(34:10) Queer Horror, Representation & Boundary-Pushing Cinema

(37:45) Film Festivals, Distribution & Getting Your Work Seen

(41:10) Common Mistakes New Filmmakers Make

(44:20) Grant Writing Tips for Independent Filmmakers

(47:00) Finishing Your Film: The Most Important Step

(50:05) Connecting with Mariel Sharp & True Sweetheart Films

(52:00) Final Thoughts on Indie Horror & Film Production

Truesweetheartfilms.com

Follow Mariel on instagram @truesweetheart_

Our theme music is by ‪@nick_ferreri‬ | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or IHeartPodcasts.

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#filmproduction #indiefilmmakers #filmtips #grantwriting #horrorfilmmaker #horrorpodcast #indiehorrorpodcast

Today’s guest is my friend Dustin Hendix- Dustin is a talented author and filmmaker who just published the first book in his children’s horror series, Creeptales. A graduate of Oakland University where he earned a bachelors degree in creative writing- Dustin has consistently been writing and directing horror shorts for several years. Under his Tin Hen production banner, Dustin and his wife Amanda, are gearing up for their first feature, based on a proof of concept short that YOU can watch TODAY!

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Dustin Hendrix & Creeptales

(01:25) How Goosebumps Inspired a Lifelong Love of Horror

(05:00) Growing Up with Horror Movies, Video Stores & Halloween Culture

(08:45) From Creative Writing to Filmmaking at Oakland University

(12:30) Early Horror Shorts & Learning to Direct

(16:15) Building Tin Hen Productions with Amanda Hendrix

(20:10) Writing Horror Fiction vs Making Horror Films

(24:00) Creating Creeptales: A Children's Horror Book Series

(28:15) Why Kid-Friendly Horror Still Matters

(32:00) Publishing Your First Book & Lessons for New Authors

(36:10) Horror Influences: R.L. Stine, Stephen King & Classic Monsters

(40:05) Developing a Feature Film from a Proof-of-Concept Short

(44:20) Independent Filmmaking on a Budget

(48:15) Practical Effects, Horror Storytelling & Creative Problem Solving

(52:00) Balancing Writing, Filmmaking & Family Life

(56:15) Advice for Aspiring Horror Authors and Filmmakers

(1:00:10) The Future of Creeptales & Upcoming Projects

(1:03:30) Where to Find Dustin Hendrix Online

(1:05:00) Final Halloween Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Watch "Halfway to Halloween" Now!

Follow Dustin on instagram @dustinhendrix6

Check out Dustin's children's book series on instagram @creep_tales

Check out Dustin's other shorts ⁨@tinhenproductions⁩

Our theme music is by ‪ ⁨@nick_ferreri⁩ | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or IHeartPodcasts.

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#goosebumps #creeptales #kidshorror #indiehorror #horrorfilmmaker #horrorpodcast #indiehorrorpodcast

Todays guest, Rachel Kerry, is an award-winning filmmaker & theatre director who specializes in horror comedy, musical theatre, and interactive storytelling. Her work has been hailed as "unabashed extravagance" by Time Out, "triumphantly weird" by io9, and "uncompromising parody" by The Scotsman. She received her MFA in directing from Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Southern California. In 2024 she was selected to be one of 10 fellows as part of Filmshop’s Breakthrough Series. And Just last summer, her film “Strangers on the A Train” took the prize for best slasher/stalker film at the Screaming Room Film Festival at Midsummer Scream.

I met Rachel last year at the Queer Fear film festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and we had a great conversation on stage about our filmmaking that I was excited to expand on for our listeners.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Rachel Kerry

(01:15) From Theater Director to Horror Filmmaker

(04:00) Directing Actors: Theater vs Film Performance

(08:15) Immersive Theater, Interactive Storytelling & Horror

(12:30) Studying Directing in Australia at NIDA

(16:20) Why Horror Comedy Is Rachel Kerry's Creative Home

(20:10) Musical Theater Meets Horror Filmmaking

(24:15) Building a Career in Independent Film

(28:30) Film Festivals, Networking & Finding Your Community

(32:00) Strangers on the A Train: Award-Winning Horror Short

(36:10) Writing Horror Comedy That Actually Works

(40:15) Practical Directing Lessons for Independent Filmmakers

(44:20) Creating Memorable Horror Characters & Performances

(48:10) Developing New Projects & The Making of Iron Teeth

(52:15) Producing Horror Shorts on a Budget

(56:00) Good, Fast, Cheap: The Reality of Indie Filmmaking

(59:25) Advice for Emerging Horror Filmmakers

(1:00:00) Where to Follow Rachel Kerry & Upcoming Projects

Follow Rachel on instagram @rfkerry

Our theme music is by ‪@nick_ferreri‬ | Insta: @nick_ferreri

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5 star review.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or IHeartPodcasts.

Follow us on instagram @midnighthorrorpictureshow

Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network

#horrorpodcast #indiefilmfest #indiefilmpodcast #shortfilm #indiefilmmakers #indiefilmmaking #productioninsurance