Women’s History Month isn’t quite done yet, and I’ve spent most of it talking to female filmmakers in the horror space. They inspired me, made me laugh, and reignited my belief that I really, really need to go ahead and put my script into production.
Getting a film made is a magic trick in which you’re tasked with pulling a gigantic rabbit out of the tiniest top hat you’ve ever seen. The finished product is sleight of hand for audiences; meanwhile, you’re sweating and hoping no one notices the silk scarves getting tangled in your sleeves or that your assistant is just you in a different outfit. And you have been raising the rabbit since birth.
Here are some highlights from women who have made their own magic:
Build Community
“Women are more than half the population of the world. We have powerful and compelling stories to tell from physical and intellectual points of view – and not only are the stories important to hear, but people WANT to hear them. Please, tell them; show them; teach us through them! All ears, eyes, brain, and heart… keenly waiting… Hungryyyyyy…. “
– Toby Poser, (Mother of Flies, Hellbender, Adams Family Films, Wonder Wheel Productions)
“Community is one of the most powerful things you can build as a filmmaker, especially in horror, where the audiences are often fiercely loyal and excited to discover bold new voices. It might sound obvious- but take the time to watch others work. Support what they’re making, and stay curious. There’s so much to learn from the people around you. The relationships you form can shape opportunities you never saw coming. Especially in horror, it’s always smarter to stick together.”
– Faith Elizabeth Downey (Granny DJs, Faithful Films)
Make It Exist
“When it comes to artistic creation (and trying out any new skill or activity); First, make it exist; don’t worry about making it good. Second, make it good. Third, make it so you can never do it wrong. That’s when you’re a pro. You can’t skip steps #1 and #2 to reach #3. “
– Adriana Vecchiol (Mermaids, Comin’ In Hot, How Far)
“Are you scared to do something, do you think it’s too scary to make (a film)? No, it’s not! Don’t wait for permission, go make the thing! You deserve to be in this space as much as anyone; don’t let people make you think otherwise. Your stories and perspectives matter.”
– Miriam Olken, (Petunia, The Followers)
Know Your Worth And Self
“My reflections and advice as a female horror director:
1. Horror filmmaking is a form of deeply personal writing. If we’re not treating our genre seriously or putting our hearts into the storytelling, we run the risk of making films and stories that are schlocky and not meaningful, either to us or our audiences. I think that finding inspiration from horror always comes from deep within. We’re delving into those deep, dark, shadowy parts of who we are, and inviting audiences to do the same.
2. When I started as a director, I had managers tell me that it was as much about selling myself as the work itself. It’s a delicate balance for women. There’s an objectification of us that doesn’t seem to apply to male filmmakers, where they need to sell themselves or their bodies just to make their films. It has been almost 20 years since moving from producing into writing and directing. I have never regretted not taking that first option: of putting myself ahead of my films. It’s a matter of respecting me and my work, and demanding that the industry and my peers do the same.
3. Sometimes, when I’m out pitching new projects, I will get feedback from producers and the industry about chasing trends and ideas that I had no real connection with. I think our strength as horror filmmakers is to stay true to our vision, to our stories, and to be as authentic as we can. We might not have a choice of what jobs we will have to take. However, if we aren’t connected with the material, material, it shows in our work and ultimately, it affects how we move forward with our careers.”
– Karen Lam (Bring It on: Cheer or Die, The Curse of Willow Long, Evangeline)
Show Them
“In a world filled with brutal, self-absorbed cacophony, women’s voices and vision are imperative to harmonize and expand our audience’s perspective. We spin stories that push human empathy across all genres. From motherhood to medical trauma to modern work, our takes in horror are essential. Our wealth of knowledge and experience should be shared on the biggest screens with the largest audiences. We deserve to be championed, supported, and paid for our hard work and unique ideas. Keep creating, keep imagining, keep challenging the status quo.”
– Jenna Payne (Eat The Rich, Zombies In the Park, Bring Your Own Billionaire)
I can’t thank the ladies who took the time to sit down with me enough. If you’re a woman or femme-presenting person who’s making horror, or thinking about it, or terrified to start, this is your welcome. The sisterhood is open.
Welcome To Sinister Sisterhood!
Women’s History Month isn’t quite done yet, and I’ve spent most of it talking to female filmmakers in the horror space. They inspired me, made me laugh, and reignited my belief that I really, really need to go ahead and put my script into production.
Getting a film made is a magic trick in which you’re tasked with pulling a gigantic rabbit out of the tiniest top hat you’ve ever seen. The finished product is sleight of hand for audiences; meanwhile, you’re sweating and hoping no one notices the silk scarves getting tangled in your sleeves or that your assistant is just you in a different outfit. And you have been raising the rabbit since birth.
Here are some highlights from women who have made their own magic:
Build Community
“Women are more than half the population of the world. We have powerful and compelling stories to tell from physical and intellectual points of view – and not only are the stories important to hear, but people WANT to hear them. Please, tell them; show them; teach us through them! All ears, eyes, brain, and heart… keenly waiting… Hungryyyyyy…. “
– Toby Poser, (Mother of Flies, Hellbender, Adams Family Films, Wonder Wheel Productions)
“Community is one of the most powerful things you can build as a filmmaker, especially in horror, where the audiences are often fiercely loyal and excited to discover bold new voices. It might sound obvious- but take the time to watch others work. Support what they’re making, and stay curious. There’s so much to learn from the people around you. The relationships you form can shape opportunities you never saw coming. Especially in horror, it’s always smarter to stick together.”
– Faith Elizabeth Downey (Granny DJs, Faithful Films)
Make It Exist
“When it comes to artistic creation (and trying out any new skill or activity); First, make it exist; don’t worry about making it good. Second, make it good. Third, make it so you can never do it wrong. That’s when you’re a pro. You can’t skip steps #1 and #2 to reach #3. “
– Adriana Vecchiol (Mermaids, Comin’ In Hot, How Far)
“Are you scared to do something, do you think it’s too scary to make (a film)? No, it’s not! Don’t wait for permission, go make the thing! You deserve to be in this space as much as anyone; don’t let people make you think otherwise. Your stories and perspectives matter.”
– Miriam Olken, (Petunia, The Followers)
Know Your Worth And Self
“My reflections and advice as a female horror director:
1. Horror filmmaking is a form of deeply personal writing. If we’re not treating our genre seriously or putting our hearts into the storytelling, we run the risk of making films and stories that are schlocky and not meaningful, either to us or our audiences. I think that finding inspiration from horror always comes from deep within. We’re delving into those deep, dark, shadowy parts of who we are, and inviting audiences to do the same.
2. When I started as a director, I had managers tell me that it was as much about selling myself as the work itself. It’s a delicate balance for women. There’s an objectification of us that doesn’t seem to apply to male filmmakers, where they need to sell themselves or their bodies just to make their films. It has been almost 20 years since moving from producing into writing and directing. I have never regretted not taking that first option: of putting myself ahead of my films. It’s a matter of respecting me and my work, and demanding that the industry and my peers do the same.
3. Sometimes, when I’m out pitching new projects, I will get feedback from producers and the industry about chasing trends and ideas that I had no real connection with. I think our strength as horror filmmakers is to stay true to our vision, to our stories, and to be as authentic as we can. We might not have a choice of what jobs we will have to take. However, if we aren’t connected with the material, material, it shows in our work and ultimately, it affects how we move forward with our careers.”
– Karen Lam (Bring It on: Cheer or Die, The Curse of Willow Long, Evangeline)
Show Them
“In a world filled with brutal, self-absorbed cacophony, women’s voices and vision are imperative to harmonize and expand our audience’s perspective. We spin stories that push human empathy across all genres. From motherhood to medical trauma to modern work, our takes in horror are essential. Our wealth of knowledge and experience should be shared on the biggest screens with the largest audiences. We deserve to be championed, supported, and paid for our hard work and unique ideas. Keep creating, keep imagining, keep challenging the status quo.”
– Jenna Payne (Eat The Rich, Zombies In the Park, Bring Your Own Billionaire)
I can’t thank the ladies who took the time to sit down with me enough. If you’re a woman or femme-presenting person who’s making horror, or thinking about it, or terrified to start, this is your welcome. The sisterhood is open.
Jamie Kirsten Howard
more horror
Why I will never watch Rosemary’s Baby // Misogyny Reigns
What’s your favorite scary movie? Adam MacDonald edition
What’s Poppin’ On Plex // A Horror Streaming Guide
Two Witches // A movie review
V/H/S franchise films ranked, so far