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Midnight Horror Picture Show: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Hiraeth Podcast Network
Are you a fan of horror movies?Midnight Horror Picture Show is a showcase for underground, indie horror- From filmmakers, authors, and artists to the blood-soaked film festivals that fuel the genre — we’re building a community for those who live and breathe horror. Join your host (Neil Willoughby) to gain insights into what makes a good horror story, learn about some awesome festivals to seek out, and listen to horror fans (like you) nerd out over their favorite films. We believe indie horror is where some of the boldest, most innovative storytelling is happening today.
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- Aug 26, 202650 min
How to Run an Indie Horror Film Festival with Erik Steele (Founder of Horror Film Roulette)
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 Steele01:09 Erik's origin story: filmmaking since age 1302:04 First working together — the reality TV bar shoot04:27 Breaking into Michigan's film industry during the incentive era06:03 Why you should ALWAYS back up your footage (twice)08:19 File transfer horror stories & protecting yourself on set09:18 Working on A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas12:06 Hostel: Part III and shadowing director Scott Spiegel14:35 The Blockbuster story that got Neil on Hostel17:05 The bar-night origin of Horror Film Roulette19:11 Horror Film Roulette's move to the historic Senate Theater23:08 Growing an indie film festival from 30 people to a real event24:27 Charging admission, giving prizes, and funding filmmakers26:21 Community over competition — collaboration in the scene28:47 Filming a UFC documentary on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi30:24 Inside Th3 Studio — 13 years of a boutique production space33:30 Horror Film Roulette 2026: rules, categories & kickoff details35:30 Submitting through FilmFreeway and reaching other festivals39:06 International wins and advice for choosing film festivals40:07 One week to write, one to shoot, one to edit, one to procrastinate43:02 What's next for Horror Film Roulette: 2027 and beyond44:04 Erik's other projects: a new feature and a vertical web series45:32 Aladdin 3477 — the sci-fi trilogy update47:47 Wrap-up and where to find Erik Steele49:06 Announcing Sideshow and the Midnight Horror Book ClubLinks & Resources:www.horrorfilmroulette.com @horrorfilmroulette on Insta, YT, and TikTokFind Erik Steele on Instagram: @Th3Studio / @SteelePhotosMidnight Horror Picture Show on Instagram: @MidnightHorrorPictureShowEmail us: MidnightHorrorPictureShow@gmail.comSubscribe for new interviews with indie horror creators every month, plus our new Sideshow series and Midnight Horror Book Club coming this fall.
- Aug 14, 20261h 4m
Found Footage, Real Fear: Justin Sulham & Em Genovese on Making "Stockings: Songbird"
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.comChapters: Cold open & guest introductions — Justin Salem & MJ Welcome back to the show The pitch: why Justin chose home invasion over paranormal found footage What drew MJ to the script and the character of Marissa Casting Marissa: how Justin knew MJ was right for the role On-set process: swinging between mundane and high-intensity scenes MJ's theater roots and how stage training shapes film acting Found-footage camera strategy: blending static "home cam" and phone POV shots Justin on directing himself as villain "Jimmy" while acting opposite MJ Carrying 80% of the film: MJ's approach to rising action and emotional pacing Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — building a realistic female survival response Justin unpacks Jimmy's psychology, backstory, and "disarming act" The physicality of the shoot and how stunts were choreographed safely On-set safety advice for actors — and calling out toxic "auteur" directors Boundaries, consent, and unscripted moments during intense scenes The scariest moments MJ didn't see coming — including a very ticklish scene Shooting the film's climactic blood scene in a single take DIY practical effects tutorial: building a blood-squib rig for under $15 Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, urban legends, and real-life creepy-crawly stories Designing Jimmy's disarming "maintenance guy" disguise Is there a future for the Stockings universe? Sequel plans and a possible franchise What's next for MJ: Going Postal, short films, and upcoming roles Where to follow Justin and MJ (plus MJ's baking side hustle) Justin's real on-set injury: filming through a shoulder emergency Wrap-up: where to find Justin's studio, podcast, and more MHPS news: Sideshow series launch, horror book club, and next episode previewFollow the guests:Justin SulhamInstagram & YouTube: @slashvillestudios Justin's Instagram: @Justin_makes_moviesEm GenoveseInstagram: @emgenoveseBaking page: Let.Em.Eat.Cake_Follow Us!📸 Instagram: @MidnightHorrorPictureShow 📧 Email: MidnightHorrorPictureShow@gmail.com 🔔 Subscribe and leave a 5-star review to help indie horror creators get seen.Part of the Hiraeth Podcast Network
- Jul 17, 20261h 1m
How Troma Defied Hollywood for 53 Years: Lloyd Kaufman on The Toxic Avenger & DIY Film Making
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 – Intro: Who is Lloyd Kaufman & what is Troma – Falling into Troma & what Lloyd's working on now – Shooting in sequence: Trey Parker's Orgazmo trick – Get on set: John G. Avildsen, Rocky & learning the ropes – Discovering Oliver Stone at Yale – New book: "Lloyd Kaufman: Interviews" – TromaDance Film Festival 2026 (free submissions, Labor Day weekend) – Troma as the "anti-studio" & why indie film is disappearing – Cannes, Occupy Cannes & vanishing distribution outlets – Crowdfunding, streaming & the death of the video store model – The Power of Positive Murder: shot in B&W, inspired by Crime and Punishment – No release date, all fan-funded, all fan-run – Troma's PA-to-producer pipeline (Sabrina Mendoza, Andrew Miller) – Roger Corman, John G. Avildsen & Troma's mentorship legacy – Citizen Toxie, school shootings & why Troma tackles hard topics early – Mr. Melvin: the "recut" Toxic Avenger sequel – Do movies need to be 3 hours long? – Sean Baker, Anora & the return of ultra-low-budget indie – Markiplier, YouTuber-financed horror & new distribution models – "Talent will out": advice for filmmakers with zero money – Follow @UncleLloydKaufman on Instagram – Outro: Troma-Thon, San Diego Comic-Con & Troma's 2026 tour datesABOUT THE GUESTLloyd 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 & TROMAInstagram: @UncleLloydKaufman | @TromaTeamWatch 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 1Subscribe 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 @MidnightHorrorPictureShowTheme music by @nick_ferreri #LloydKaufman #Troma #ToxicAvenger #IndieFilm #HorrorPodcast #Filmmaking #JamesGunn #IndependentCinema #HorrorMovies #TromaEntertainment
- Jun 12, 20261h 9m
Behind the Mask: Crafting a Horror Icon in Leslie Vernon with Nathan Baesel & David J. Stieve
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 performanceDavid's philosophy on writing Leslie as a metaphor for any outsider trying to break into a difficult worldWhy the original script ended completely differently — and how the entire third act was a late additionThe 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_ferreriChapters: Welcome to Midnight Horror Picture Show & Episode Intro Meet Nathan Baesel & David J. Stieve: The Minds Behind Leslie Vernon The Behind the Mask 2 Kickstarter: $322K and Counting Why Behind the Mask Flopped at the Box Office (And Became a Cult Classic Anyway) "Blockbuster Built Behind the Mask": The Power of Horror Cover Art The Death of Discovery: Movie Poster Culture vs. Streaming Thumbnails 20 Years Later: The Urgency Behind Finally Making the Sequel The Original Team Returns: Who's Back for Behind the Mask 2 Crafting Leslie Vernon: The Character Who Breaks Every Slasher Rule Leslie as Metaphor: The Anxious Young Artist Hiding in Plain Sight Nathan Baesel on Finding Leslie Through His Own Hunger for Validation "Relatability Is the Currency of Acting" — Nathan's Acting Philosophy Is Leslie Vernon a Villain? David & Nathan Push Back The Cider Press Scene & Leslie's Master Manipulation (Deep Dive) 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: The Deleted Scene That Was Actually Filmed The Kickstarter Rewards, Physical Media & VHS for Leslie Vernon Fans Filming Locations for Behind the Mask 2 (Massachusetts or Illinois?) Leslie & Taylor: The Dark Love Story at the Heart of the Film Why Halloween's Laurie Strode Is the Key to Understanding Leslie Vernon The Sequel Script: Multiple Drafts, Table Reads & Getting the Band Back Together David's Award-Winning Short "Wait for It" & Expanding the Leslie Vernon Universe Nathan Stepping Behind the Camera: Learning From Robert Englund & Scott Wilson The State of Horror: Why the Studio System Is Failing Indie Filmmakers Netflix, Consolidation & the Future of Independent Horror Distribution Fan Encounters & Why Nathan Almost Said No to Convention Appearances Convention Appearances: Midsummer Scream (Long Beach) & Triangle Terror Con (Durham, NC) Closing Thoughts: What the Sequel Means to the Creative Team Outro: Stay Spooky & Support Indie Horror
- May 15, 202652 min
Building Your Community Through a DIY Film Festival with Tiffany Albright
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: Introduction to Tiffany Albright The Origin of Queer Fear Film Festival Discovering Queer Cinema & Entering the Film Industry Building a Film Festival During the Pandemic Why Queer Horror Deserves Its Own Space Running a Nonprofit Film Festival: Challenges & Lessons Creating Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Filmmakers Screenwriting Fellowships, Competitions & Breaking In Writing Queer Horror, Romance & Genre Stories Producing Independent Films Through Lunar Kitchen Films Publishing, The Crackling Quill & Supporting Writers Building Creative Communities in the American South The Future of Queer Horror & Independent Film Upcoming Projects: Astrogenesis Amerinoid: A Timely Psychological Thriller Where to Follow Tiffany Albright & Final ThoughtsDiscover 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 Instatiffany-albright.comFollow Queer Fear Film Festival @queerfearfilmfestival on Instaqueerfearfilmfestival.orgOur 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 @midnighthorrorpictureshowPart of the Hiraeth Podcast Network #QueerFear #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #LGBTQ #HorrorFilms #midnighthorrorpictureshow #podcast #filmmaking #filmmaker #horrorcommunity #thelastgoodbye #podcastclips #filmtok #indiefilm #shorts #horrorfilms
- Mar 20, 202636 min
Midnight Horror Picture Show | Episode 10: Jake Kustasz
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.Make sure to grab YOUR copy of A Devil’s Night Tale: https://www.memestudium.com/store/p/kb8mibrjjovis0jzprhs68mon43ej7If 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, MIAnd for any Chicago listeners- Quimby's Bookstore - Chicago, ILYou can follow what Jake is up to next at Memestudium.com or @jakekustasz on InstagramYou can check out the illustrator of “A Devil’s Night Tale” - Ethan Woronko @epworonko_art on InstagramAnd you can learn more about Detroit history tours on Instagram @detroithistorytoursOur 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 @midnighthorrorpictureshowPart of the Hiraeth Podcast Network #devilsnight #devilsnightdetroit #newhorrorcomics2026 #horrorcomics
- Feb 13, 20261h 5m
Episode 9: Justin Sulham
Order your copy of "Big Bad Betty" NOW!https://www.rustedlanternpictures.com/physical-media-ordersToday’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. FOLLOW JUSTINrustedlanternpictures.comFollow 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 @midnighthorrorpictureshowPart of the Hiraeth Podcast Network #bigbadbetty #newhorrormovies #2026horrormovies #justinsulham
- Jan 17, 202653 min
Episode 8: Mariel Sharp
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.Truesweetheartfilms.comFollow 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 @midnighthorrorpictureshowPart of the Hiraeth Podcast Network #filmproduction #indiefilmmakers #filmtips #grantwriting #horrorfilmmaker #horrorpodcast #indiehorrorpodcast
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About Midnight Horror Picture Show
Are you a fan of horror movies?Midnight Horror Picture Show is a showcase for underground, indie horror- From filmmakers, authors, and artists to the blood-soaked film festivals that fuel the genre — we’re building a community for those who live and breathe horror. Join your host (Neil Willoughby) to gain insights into what makes a good horror story, learn about some awesome festivals to seek out, and listen to horror fans (like you) nerd out over their favorite films. We believe indie horror is where some of the boldest, most innovative storytelling is happening today.
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