Welcome to the captivating world of indie horror, where creativity meets fear, and human nature unveils itself in the creepiest ways imaginable. In this edition of the Drink O’Clock Podcast, hosted by the dynamic Rob Valincius, we delve into the eerie yet intriguing universe crafted by the talented writer, producer, and director, Ethan D. Henry. Ethan joins us once again to provide a deeper look into his latest indie horror film, “Severance Mountain,” co-written with Melissa Godin Hunt.
Round Two with Ethan D. Henry
The podcast kicks off with Rob sharing a humorous anecdote about a technical hiccup he faced during their previous recording session. However, persistence pays off, and Ethan returns to discuss the intricate layers of his latest horror endeavor that crawls under your skin because of its realism.
The Allure of Fall and Halloween
Ethan and Rob dive into the allure of the Halloween season, setting the perfect backdrop for horror films like “Severance Mountain.” Ethan emphasizes that while the film is set to release in the fall, aligning with the Halloween spirit, it doesn’t focus on the holiday itself. Instead, it captures the essence of the eerie and unsettling vibe that autumn brings, a perfect setting for a horror narrative.
Human Nature: The Real Horror
The conversation turns to the film’s antagonist, touching on Ethan’s philosophy that the scariest monsters are those of humankind. Drawing inspiration from true incidents and the unpredictability of human behavior, Ethan crafts a narrative that sits at the intersection of horror and reality. The ability to evoke fear through relatability—via characters whose motives can be terrifyingly familiar—is central to “Severance Mountain.”
Behind the Scenes: Indie Filmmaking
Ethan takes us behind the scenes of indie filmmaking, sharing the creative challenges and triumphs of working with a shoestring budget. The lack of extensive resources spurred inventive solutions and a sense of camaraderie amongst the crew. By self-funding, Ethan maintained complete creative control, ensuring that every frame genuinely reflected his vision.
Control and Creativity Unbound
Indie projects often herald the freedom to innovate, and Ethan took full advantage of this rare liberty. From writing the script to composing the film’s score, he weaves a seamless narrative fabric, proving that passion and determination can produce formidable art, even in the absence of substantial financial backing.
Ignorant Tourist Productions: A Brand of Freedom
Ethan rounds off the conversation by discussing his production company, Ignorant Tourist Productions—a name inspired by the notion of exploring art with uninhibited curiosity and versatility. The ethos of being an “ignorant tourist” in the creative world allows Ethan to traverse genres and themes unhindered, much like the eclectic works of M. Night Shyamalan and Quentin Tarantino.
Future Aspirations and Projects
Wrapping up the podcast, Ethan touches on his diverse range of upcoming projects, each different from the last, showcasing his dedication to exploring a multitude of narratives and genres. From sci-fi odysseys to hard-hitting dramas, Ethan’s repertoire promises to be expansive and diverse.
“Severance Mountain” is poised to captivate audiences with its gripping tale set against the foreboding backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains. The film’s release was on Friday, September 13th, 2023 and Ethan invites us all to ponder the complexities of human nature and the shadowy recesses of our fears.
For more updates on Ethan’s projects and the hauntingly real “Severance Mountain,” stay tuned to Ignorant Tourist Productions. Get ready to navigate the chilling and compelling realms of indie horror storytelling.