The Nick Taylor Horror Show American Nightmare Studios

Hey everyone, back with another monthly episode of The Howl, a new concept where me and my cohost Adam Cruz summarize and discuss the past month's horror news, share what we've watched recently, and just generally nerd out over all things horror.
Our goal with The Howl is to catch listeners up with all of the horror news they may have missed from the past month in a fun, conversational format. If you want a quick-read version of The Howl sent directly to your inbox every month, then sign up for my monthly newsletter at nicktaylor.com/thehowl.
So to recap, The Howl is all about catching you up on what's happening in horror, delivering some solid movie recommendations, and hopefully entertaining you at the same time. These episodes also have a video component, so feel free to check us out at The Nick Taylor Horror Show YouTube channel as well.
So without further ado, here is me, Nick Taylor in conversation with Adam Cruz on a new monthly segment we're calling The Howl.
SHOW NOTES:
Follow Adam Cruz at:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/murdermemes_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@murdermemes_
Store: www.murdermemes.shop

Follow Nick Taylor at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicktaylorhorrorshow/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicktaylorhorrorshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nicktaylorhorrorshow
Website: www.nicktaylor.com

Movies Mentioned:
Invisible Man (Blumhouse)VideodromeChopping MallThe FlyScannersThe BroodInfinity PoolPossessorMute WitnessWolfOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestEvil Dead (2013)Night of the Living Dead (remake)HouseHalloweenStarship TroopersFive Easy PiecesCool Hand LukeThe BurbsFrightenersTourist TrapThe Island of Dr. Moreau (1996 version)The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The BeginningThe Nightmare on Elm Street (remake)Friday the 13th (remake)The Hills Have Eyes (remake)The Last House on the Left (remake)LeatherfaceThe WolfmanLittle Shop of Horrors (original and remake)American BeautyBlowoutDressed to KillGhostChild's PlayScream seriesImmaculateSt. MaudSt. AgathaLate Night with the DevilLove Lies BleedingMonkey ManDream Scenario
Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe. To get a monthly newsletter of all of your horror news streamlined into a quick-read email visit www.nicktaylor.com/thehowl

Today, we welcome Josh Forbes to the podcast, director of Destroy All Neighbors. This is a gleefully fun movie that feels as inventive as it is unhinged. It’s the kind of movie that I’m feeling really good about seeing more of because it’s completely original. 
This is Josh’s second feature after his debut Contracted Phase 2 and I think he’s really made a serious statement; the energy, attitude, fun and bonkers practical effects make this a very fun movie. The movie starred Jonah Ray with a very hilarious performance by Alex Winter and special effects by Bill Corso and Gabe Bartalos of Basket Case Fame. 
In this interview Josh gets into the making of Destroy All Neighbors from the conception of the idea, to his attachment as director, raising funds and more as well as the current state of cinema that enabled something this original to get made. Don’t forget to check out Destroy all Neighbors, now streaming on Shudder, and in the meantime, please enjoy this conversation with Director, Josh Forbes. 
Take inventory of awesome things you have access to.
This is a common one, take inventory of everything you have access to and fashion your movie out of that. Production value is so critical, and often so expensive. Maximize your movie by taking an inventory of what you have access to and writing your script around it. If you have a friend with a boat, that boat should be in your movie. A friend who owns a pig, in the case of Josh, a pig should be in the movie. This is exactly what Robert Rodriguez did with El Mariachi and Kevin Smith with Clerks.
Use practical effects.
Practical effects, never went away, but still somehow feel like they’re having a second heyday which is awesome. The thing about practical effects is that the community is very very passionate and despite having a low budget, Josh was able to get some very heavy hitters like Bill Corso and Gabe Bartolos on board simply because the project looked fun. Similarly when he did Mortuary Collection, Ryan Spindell was able to get Tom Woodruff Jr. and Alec Gillis from ADI on board despite a relatively low budget because these guys wanted to be involved for the fun of it. The level of passion present in the practical effects community is something very awesome to tap into and it adds a level of production value to your movie that goes a long way in the horror community. Always pay as much as you can though.
Push for your original singular vision.
Destroy all Neighbors could not have been made by anybody else because it’s so specific and singular to Josh, his sensibility, and the things he likes. Directors are supposed to direct movies that only they would be able to do. As a director, you need to understand own and articulate your own sensibility - yes, be open to feedback and collaboration, but your movies should feel specifically uniquely yours. These are the types of projects that inspire others and are worth getting excited about.
SHOW NOTES
Movies and TV Shows
Onyx the FortuitousFried BarryIdle HandsWhat We Do in the Shadows (both movie and TV show)Sin City (referenced for character design)Buffalo 66" (referenced for trailer music)

Music
King Crimson ("In the Court of the Crimson King")Gentle Giant ("Octopus" album)Straubs (band)Yes (band)

Follow Josh Forbes at:
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bestjoshforbes/
IMDB:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1141362/?ref_=tt_ov_dr

Thanks as always...

Dave Clark is a filmmaker and creative force who's directed commercials for major brands along with multiple narrative films, including his 2019 feature, 'After She Wakes.'
Dave recently released a must-watch short film called ‘Another’ which is not only terrifying and beautifully made, but a great example of blending AI with live action filmmaking.
This film exemplifies Dave's significant contribution to the AI filmmaking landscape, showcasing how AI should not replace humans or any facets of the filmmaking process. Instead, it can serve as an incredible creative tool, adding unique and exciting dimensions to the work. Dave has been a pioneer in the AI filmmaking conversation, demonstrating what accessible AI tools like Midjourney, Magnific, and Runway are capable of when combined with a skilled and discerning eye for cinema. His understanding of cinema and filmmaking has seriously enabled him to get really incredible results.
Obviously, in the context of filmmaking, AI is a hotly debated topic of controversy, but regardless of whatever side of the fence you’re on, I’d encourage you to listen to this episode. Dave is a very legit, honest to goodness filmmaker first who loves the entire process from being on set, to working with actors, to picking lenses, all of it, and he champions a future where AI is just another tool in the toolbelt and not a replacement for anyone. Dave was also recently brought in by SAG to deliver a presentation on AI and filmmaking to over 1,000 Screen Actors Guild Members.
In this episode Dave get into the practical applications of AI in previsualization and post-production, and its ability to bring high-quality VFX within the reach of indie filmmakers. He stresses the importance of balancing AI tools with traditional filmmaking techniques, ensuring the human touch remains central in storytelling and cinematic aesthetics.
Dave also shares his process for creating ‘Another’ his short film that integrates AI with live action and together we explore how AI can act as a creative partner, offering fresh insights and accelerating the writing and development phase without overriding the unique voice of the writer.
Overall Dave provides valuable insights into how filmmakers can navigate this new landscape, using AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, their creative processes.
Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Dave Clark:
Use AI for previs and pitching. AI tools can greatly assist in previsualizing film shots, helping directors pitch their movies and helping DPs plan out scenes efficiently by trying out an infinite number of different shots, concepts, lighting, camera, and lens combinations. This is one of many use cases where AI does not replace the work humans do, but enhances it.Be subtle about using AI. In Another, Dave's short that integrated AI with live action, the AI element is apparent, but very subtle. He was super selective in what he used AI for and for everything else, he stuck to traditional filmmaking with real actors, a DP, crew, etc. It's tempting to push the boundaries of AI but that can look silly. I recommend checking out Another to see how nuanced and therefore effective Dave's approach was.Don't be a hater. There is a ton of hate around AI and it's use in filmmaking which is entirely understandible. I'm not going to go into the ethical discussions around whether or not it's theft because regardless of it being a valid argument, it's a rabbit hole and the truth is AI is coming and it's coming fast. The best approach is to seek to understand these tools because they're going to be part of the process just like CGI. Yes, of course, always advocate for using the tools ethically, but to ignore them, protest them, or shame others for using them isn't helping anybody.

AI Projects:
a...

Today, I'm very psyched to speak with Ryan Turek, the VP of Development at Blumhouse and Producer across many titles including Imaginary, Night Swim, The Exorcist: Believer, M3GAN, The Black Phone, Halloween, Halloween Ends, Halloween Kills, Freaky, Happy Death Day and the list goes on.
In this episode, Ryan gets into his very compelling origin story from horror journalism to becoming a very pivotal figure who's shaping contemporary horror cinema.
Ryan also dives deep into the lesser known sides of producing as well as Blumhouse’s process for developing projects and nurturing directors. And we touch on Blumhouse's very exciting Halfway to Halloween Film Festival, a 5-day screening series beginning this Friday, learn more here: www.amctheatres.com/events/halfway-to-halloween
Ryan is someone I've wanted to get on the show for a while and I really enjoyed this conversation. His story is a real testament to the power of persistence and passion, as well as the importance of remaining true to yourself which are hallmarks of Ryan's career that have led him to one of the most important and coolest jobs in horror today.
Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Ryan Turek.
Passion and persistence. Ryan emphasized the importance of his persistence and staying true to his passion for horror and even though he didn’t always know exactly which path to pursue at all times, he kept a foot in horror throughout his career which ultimately paid off in a huge way. His transition from horror journalism to film development showcases how diverse experiences can converge into a unique and powerful career path.
Empathy is an underrated producer skill. When it comes to producing, Ryan stresses the need for empathy and listening. Film sets can be a high-stress environment, rife with a lot of people, egos and endless potential for chaos. With so many volatile variables on set, being able to listen and have empathy ensures people feel heard which makes everything go smoother. It sounds simplistic because it is, but the tenets of psychology apply to producing more than most other professions.
Be a confidante. Ryan mentions that people often cite him as a calm and cool confidante who can help navigate them through day to day on-set difficulties with comfort. This is a very important skill to develop as a producer though not everyone is capable of it so if you’re not, it’s advantageous to have someone like this around because amid the chaos, someone capable of emotionally stabilizing people can stabilize the entire set. This all underscores how critical interpersonal skills are in managing production teams and bringing out the best in people and projects.
Don’t forget to check out Blumhouse’s Halfway to Halloween Film Festival beginning this Friday March 29th at AMC theaters across America. Check out the link in the show notes or visit www.amctheatres.com/events/halfway-to-halloween
SHOW NOTES
Blumhouse’s Halfway to Halloween Film Festival beginning this Friday March 29th at AMC theaters across America: www.amctheatres.com/events/halfway-to-halloween
Follow Ryan:
X: @_RyanTurek - a href="https://twitter.com/_ryanturek?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Hey everyone, trying something a little different out here. After 100 episodes where I've mostly focused on the guests, I'm introducing The Howl, a new recurring segment named after my newsletter of the same name. Once a month, I'll be joining forces with my friend Adam Cruz and we're going to summarize and discuss the past month's horror news, share what we've watched recently, and just generally nerd out over all things horror.
You might know Adam best from his Instagram account @MurderMemes_ which I will link in the show notes. Adam is also the creator of Blood and Banter, a horror-centric conversational card game which is a ton of fun, which we've talked about on the show.
So, The Howl is all about catching you up on what's happening in horror, delivering some solid movie recommendations, and hopefully entertaining you all the while. Note that this is a new segment and we're likely going to change things and refine the format as we go along and would love to hear from you on what you liked, didn't like, want more of etc. 
So without further ado, here is me, Nick Taylor in conversation with Adam Cruz on a new monthly segment we're calling The Howl. 
SHOW NOTES
Follow Adam Cruz at: 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/murdermemes_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@murdermemes_
Store: www.murdermemes.shop

MOVIES:
Evil Dead 2​​The Beyond​​The Exorcist​​Candyman​​HellraiserTexas Chainsaw Massacre​​Nightmare on Elm Street​​Scream​​Hereditary​​Martyrs​​Beetlejuice​​The Conjuring (series)​​The Killing of a Sacred Deer​​Howling 3: The Marsupials​​

Today we're talking to Andrew Corkin. Andrew is a producer who's body of work includes Martha Marcy May Marlene, the American remake of We Are What We Are, The Beach House (now streaming on Shudder) Alone With You, the feature debut of Emily Bennett and Justin Brooks, the Netfliux docuseries, Pepsi Where’s my Jet, and many more titles. 
In addition to producing, Andrew is also a teacher who has taught at Emerson and The American Film Institute and goes out of his way to teach career lessons that are not typically taught in film school as evidenced by this conversation.
Andrew delivers some of the most honest and thorough insights into what it means to be a producer that I think I've ever heard on this show. This is years worth of film school in a single hours so get ready to take notes. 
In this conversation Andrew and I discuss the keys to sustaining a long and successful career in film, the importance of mentorship and his experience within the horror genre. 
Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Andrew Corkin.
Heed the 80/20 Principle: Andrew pays a lot of mind to which directors he decides to work with, noting that it's a 3-5 year partnership and therefore a serious commitment. The balance he seeks in a director he’s working with is someone with a strong vision but open to feedback. The ideal director has 80% of their vision realized and thought out, but remains open to 20% influence from collaborators. A director with too strong a vision is as difficult to work with as one whose vision isn't fleshed out enough. It's crucial to demonstrate a thorough vision while maintaining some fluidity to enable powerful collaborations.
Show Don't Tell: When pitching Martha Marcy May Marlene with Director Sean Durkin, raising money was a challenge since at the time, Sean was a first time feature director. Andrew and Sean responded by creating a short proof of concept, showcasing the vision, tone, and nuance of the film they wanted to make. This approach was successful, helping them raise the funds not just by communicating the vision, but by demonstrating Sean’s ability to deliver it as a director. A verbally articulated vision can only take you so far; producers need to see what you're capable of actually making if they’re going to invest in you.
Lean into mentorship. A common theme throughout Andrew’s career has been mentorship and education. He not only seeks to learn from collaborators but will even choose specific collaborators to learn from. This learner's mindset can be rare in the film business which is rife with egos, but Andrew credits this mentality of continuous learning to his success and career sustainability and even after over a decade in the industry, he still constantly strives to learn more.
SHOW NOTES
Movies Mentioned: 
The Kid Stays in the Picture (Documentary about Robert Evans)Afterschool - Antonio CamposSimon Killer - Antonio CamposMartha Marcy May Marlene - Sean DurkinWe Are What We Are (Mexican Original) - Jorge Michel GrauWe Are What We Are (American Remake) - Jim MickleLet the Right One In (Swedish Original) - Tomas AlfredsonThe Babadook - Jennifer KentVigilante - Sarah Dagger-NixonClean Shaven - Lodge KerriganLe Samourai - Jean-Pierre Melville
Follow Andrew Corkin at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewdcorkin/X:  https://twitter.com/andrewdcorkin?lang=enIMDB: a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2371958/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...