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!

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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!

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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

In this special spooky-season kick-off episode of Midnight Horror Picture Show, In addition to talking about filmmaking, Luke and I also have a long chat about his hometown of Salem, MA- which if you don't know is one of my FAVORITE cities. We're gunna talk shop about where to stay, where to go, and what to avoid if you plan on visiting the Witch City this spooky season.

Luke St. Germaine was born in Worcester, MA, graduated from Boston University, then fell into a door to door sales cult and traveled around the country. From a young age he had been interested in weird tales and the supernatural, writing short stories and then screenplays- including one feature that was optioned. It was only when He Moved to Salem MA that he started to fully make his passion a reality. In 2019 Luke made his first short film for fun, leading him to making a series of short films under his The Thornfall Society banner. Luke quickly started meeting fellow indie filmmakers at film fests and helping on their projects, and falling in love with the indie horror scene.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Intro: Spooky Season & Welcome to Luke St. Germaine

(01:21) – Luke's Origin Story: From Screenwriter to Salem Indie Horror Filmmaker

(03:59) – First Short Film "Order of the Hanged" & Guerrilla Filmmaking in Salem on Halloween

(05:19) – Shooting Horror Films in Salem, Massachusetts: Locations & Challenges

(05:39) – Best Horror Movies Filmed in Salem: Lords of Salem vs. Hubie Halloween

(06:19) – Hocus Pocus 2 Disappointment: Why Salem Fans Were Let Down

(08:09) – Salem's Witch City Identity & How the City Embraces Its Dark History

(09:03) – Face Crusher 3: The Seed & Spark Crowdfunding Campaign Explained

(11:27) – The Face Crusher Series: Schlocky Monster Movies & Indie Horror Fun

(13:00) – Salem Access Television (SATV): A Hidden Resource for Indie Filmmakers

(17:12) – Navigating the Indie Horror Film Festival Circuit (Salem Horror Fest & More)

(19:20) – Building an Indie Horror Community in Salem & Hosting Screening Events

(22:01) – The Dark Energy of Salem: Real Paranormal Vibes & the Witch City Culture

(24:09) – Salem Travel Guide for Horror Fans: Best Time to Visit (September vs. October)

(25:03) – Halloween in Salem: What It's Really Like (Crowds, Parking & Survival Tips)

(27:04) – Getting to Salem Without a Car: Train from Boston & Where to Stay

(31:52) – Best Salem Attractions for Horror Fans: Peabody Essex Museum, Witch Dungeon & More

(32:50) – Professor Spindlewick's & Hidden Gems vs. Salem Tourist Traps to Avoid

(36:04) – Black Veil Studio & Local Salem Horror Culture Worth Seeking Out

(37:05) – The Salem Witch Museum: Iconic Building, Disappointing Truth Inside

(39:42) – Witch City Thrift Closes & Salem's Gentrification Problem

(41:07) – Hubie Halloween Deep Dive: Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems & Filming in Salem

(43:08) – Crowdfunding Tips for Indie Horror Filmmakers: What Worked on Seed & Spark

(48:41) – "Guest on Topsfield Road" Festival Run & the Dead of Winter Horror Expo

(50:34) – The Long Game: Building Toward an Indie Horror Feature Film

(51:33) – Exclusive Reveal: Secret Sequel to "Witch on Bridge Street" (Stage Fright)

(52:24) – Stage Fright: A Witch & a Hypnotist Team Up for Revenge in Salem

(54:03) – Where to Find The Thornfall Society (YouTube, Instagram, IMDb)

(55:05) – Closing Thoughts: Why Indie Horror Matters & The Future of the Genre

(56:34) – Outro & Updates: Face Crusher 3, Stage Fright Screening & Deadpine Archives Podcast

Watch Luke's films on YouTube: ⁨@thethornfallsociety⁩

Follow Luke on Insta: @thethornfallsociety

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

Please subscribe to our channel- Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or IHeartPodcasts.

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#salem #salemma #salemtravel #salemtourist #horrormoviepodcast #indiehorror #filmfestivals #newenglandhorror #podcast