The Nick Taylor Horror Show American Nightmare Studios

Andrew Lobel is the screenwriter behind one of this year's breakout horror hits, Immaculate. His journey to bring Immaculate from script to screen is a serious story of endurance and passion—it took 10 years from Andrew’s first draft for it to emerge into theatres. In this episode, Andrew dives into his origin story, writing process, and the saga of transforming Immaculate from a script into a fully realized film. Please give it up for Andrew Lobel. 
Here are some takeaways from this conversation with Andrew Lobel:
Be patient and play the long game. Immaculate took 10 years from script to screen and emerged as one of the standout horror successes of the year. Andrew kept the project alive by constantly entertaining offers and conversations about the work, never fully giving up even in the face of repeated setbacks. Throughout this decade-long process, Andrew encountered numerous challenges, including a changing cast and fluctuating interest from producers. However, he never lost sight of his vision for the film. When Sydney Sweeney, who had auditioned for the movie early in her career, reached new levels of fame, her renewed interest and subsequent attachment to the project provided the momentum needed to finally bring Immaculate to life. This persistence underscores the importance of resilience and long-term commitment in the unpredictable world of filmmaking.
Be an adaptable collaborator. Andrew's commitment to adaptability played a crucial role in this ultimate success. Again and again, he reshaped his script to align with the vision of attached collaborators, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the project and his team. It's easy for writers and creatives to fall into the trap of clinging too tightly to their original work, resisting feedback or necessary changes. This can be a major misstep. Filmmaking thrives on collaboration, and films also change shape a lot before they’re finished so being adaptable is the name of the game.
Always make a favorable impression. Andrew’s initial interactions with Sydney Sweeney during the initial casting of Immaculate left a significant and positive impression on her early in her career. Even after the project was initially shelved, the favorable experience and professional respect she held for Andrew and the project persisted. This enduring connection enabled the revival of the film years later when Sydney's career had reached new heights. Andrew’s ability to create a memorable and positive experience during their initial collaboration highlights the importance of professionalism and rapport in filmmaking, which can lead to fruitful opportunities long after the first meeting.
SHOW NOTES
Movies:
ImmaculateEuphoriaWhite LotusAnyone But YouEverything SucksVoyeurs
TV Shows:
Handmaid's Tale
Books:
Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe today!

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​​