Author Interview: Unraveling Horror with Lily Cooke | S3E16

What does it take to lead a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film in the freezing Canadian Arctic?Actor, singer and dancer Juliette Hawk joins Chris Corvan on Dripping Creativity to discuss her first leading feature film role in LUMI, directed by Jen Walden, her work on Prime Video's Every Year After, and her dream of becoming a horror movie scream queen.Set in 2125, LUMI follows a young girl raised in isolation by a humanoid AI she calls Mother. Their journey through a post-apocalyptic Arctic landscape becomes a story about trust, connection and found family.Juliette shares what it was like filming in Yellowknife, spending long days in the snow, working with an independent cast and crew, and carrying her first feature film as its lead.We also explore her journey from a shy child to a working actor, her love of music and dance, the emotional challenges of portraying Lumi, her thoughts on AI, and her ambitions beyond science fiction.Plus, Juliette takes on a round of This or That, choosing between horror and romance, zombies and vampires, and whether she'd rather play a hero or a villain.WATCH MORE LUMIWatch my interview with LUMI writer/director Jen Walden (S3E8):Jen Walden on Dripping CreativityFOLLOW JULIETTE HAWKInstagram: @juliettehawk_IMDb: Juliette HawkTikTok: @JulietteHawk (as shared during the interview)LUMI FILM & FESTIVALSCalgary International Film Festival | September 27, 2026Yellowknife International Film Festival | November 4, 2026Windsor International Film Festival | November 8, 2026Blood in the Snow Film Festival | November 18, 2026Visit the festival websites for current screening and ticket information.FOLLOW CHRIS CORVAN & DRIPPING CREATIVITYInstagram: @chrisofthevoidChris Corvan: Links and creative projectsHouse of Void: thehouseofvoid.comDripping Creativity: Apple PodcastsDripping Creativity is hosted by Chris Corvan and produced by House of Void, featuring honest conversations with artists, filmmakers, musicians and independent creators.Follow the show for more conversations about the people and processes behind the work.Stay creative. Stay inspired.

What is more frightening: an obvious monster, or an entire town convinced it is doing the right thing?Chris Corvan meets Selina Wong, Isabella Pedersen and Safia Comtois-Mohamad, the three leads of Little Elves, for a conversation about the people inside the horror. The cast explores Colette, Abby and Toni, the cost of survival, the fear of challenging accepted stories, and the experiences that shape how they approach their characters.They also discuss mixed-race and biracial identity, finding connection through storytelling, creating a new musical score, and bringing the world of Little Elves to life through shadow puppetry and sound. Then Safia answers the essential Dungeons and Dragons question: what class would Toni be, and what is her fatal flaw?Dripping Creativity, Season 3, Episode 17. Hosted by Chris Corvan.In this episode Building Colette, Abby and Toni as distinct characters Survival, self-preservation and the fear of change Why a town convinced of its own goodness can be frightening Mixed-race and biracial perspectives on folklore and belonging The creative freedom of a new musical score Shadow puppetry, sound design and a Dungeons and Dragons detourMeet the cast Selina Wong as Colette Isabella Pedersen as Abby Safia Comtois-Mohamad as ToniSee Little Elves October 28 to November 7, 2026 Victor Mitchell Theatre at Pumphouse Theatre, Calgary Preview: October 28. Opening night: October 29. A co-production by Chromatic Theatre and Handsome Alice Theatre. Book and lyrics: Kodie Rollan. Music and lyrics: Alixandra Cowman. Show information, schedule and full credits Book ticketsEpisode chapters 00:00 Welcome and the world of Little Elves 00:51 Meet the cast: Colette, Abby and Toni 02:27 When survival changes you 03:27 The monster or the town? 03:56 Why people resist change 05:04 Retelling folklore through a different perspective 05:57 Biracial identity and seeing yourself in the story 06:38 Finding a voice in a new musical score 07:11 Shadow puppetry and sound design 08:00 Toni's Dungeons and Dragons character build 08:38 Final thoughts and supporting local artsAbout Dripping CreativityHosted by Chris Corvan and produced by House of Void, Dripping Creativity explores the people, ideas and creative work shaping independent arts and culture. Follow Chris Corvan: @chrisofthevoid House of VoidFollow the podcast for more conversations with artists, performers, writers and independent creators.Stay creative. Stay inspired.

What if the apocalypse could hear your heartbeat?Horror author Lily Cooke returns to Dripping Creativity to discuss her debut novel, A Single Beat, published by Rabbit Tooth Press.In a world infested with flesh-eating creatures that react to elevated heart rates, anxiety becomes a survival risk. For Brooke, a grieving and deeply introverted woman, staying alive means confronting fear, trusting strangers, and navigating relationships where even falling in love might be dangerous.Host Chris Corvan talks with Lily about the psychology behind the premise, writing characters shaped by anxiety and ADHD, and creating horror that explores the people surviving the monsters, not just the monsters themselves.In this episode:How Lily wrote the first draft of A Single Beat in one monthUsing anxiety and heart rate as horror mechanicsBrooke's emotional journey through grief and survivalDeveloping Fox, Callie and the unexpectedly lovable CreepDiscovery writing, reader feedback and difficult endingsMarketing a debut novel and finding the right readersLily's future dark fantasy, apocalypse spin-off and science fiction projectsIt's a conversation about psychological horror, creative vulnerability, morally complicated characters, and why courage can exist alongside fear.Find Lily Cooke:Official website and bookshopInstagram: @lilycookesthebooksA Single Beat on GoodreadsA Single Beat on Bookshop.orgAbout Dripping Creativity:Hosted by Chris Corvan, Dripping Creativity explores the lives, work and creative processes of independent artists, authors, musicians and storytellers.Dripping Creativity |House of Void |Chris CorvanStay creative. Stay inspired.

What does it take to make a 126-year-old opera feel immediate?Chris Corvan sits down with stage director Joshua Borths to talk about Calgary Opera’s production of Puccini’s Tosca, a story of love, political repression, coercion, jealousy, violence, and impossible choices that still moves with the pace of a modern thriller.Joshua talks about his approach to storytelling, why his job as a director is to “make the music inevitable,” and how the production has evolved since its premiere at Des Moines Metro Opera.They explore the historical details behind Tosca, Cavaradossi, and Scarpia, the collision between beautiful music and brutal subject matter, and the way Puccini’s score influences movement, pacing, character, and staging.Joshua also makes the case for Tosca as a perfect first opera. If you love movies, live theatre, vinyl, or work made by people performing together in real time, opera might be much closer to your world than you think.Calgary Opera’s ToscaOctober 16 at 7:30 PMOctober 18 at 2:00 PMOctober 24 at 7:30 PMSouthern Alberta Jubilee AuditoriumTickets: CalgaryOpera.comWatch the full video interview:https://hfvd.link/dc-borths-tuscaFollow:Joshua Borths: @borthsjCalgary Opera: @calgaryoperaChris Corvan: @chrisofthevoidSpecial thanks to Calgary Opera for welcoming Dripping Creativity behind the scenes, and to Aldona B Creative for coordinating the interview.Dripping Creativity is an independent arts and culture platform produced by House of Void.

What happens when passion, loyalty, and sacrifice intertwine in Puccini's Tosca?In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan engages in a heartfelt discussion with soprano Maria Natale and tenor David Esteban, who are set to bring the iconic roles of Tosca and Cavaradossi to life in Calgary Opera's upcoming production at the Jubilee Auditorium.Maria shares her deep connection to the fiery and emotional character of Tosca, revealing how her own passionate nature fuels her performance. David discusses the thrill of rediscovering his character with each new production, emphasizing the evolving nature of artistry and the importance of establishing trust and chemistry with fellow performers.The trio delves into the complexities of love and loyalty amidst the backdrop of political turmoil, exploring how their characters navigate impossible choices. Maria and David reflect on the intimate moments of the opera, including the famous arias that reveal the characters' innermost thoughts and emotions, and how each performance offers new interpretations and discoveries.As the conversation unfolds, they invite audiences to experience the raw emotion and stunning music of Tosca, encouraging newcomers to embrace the opera without overthinking it.With performances scheduled for October 16, 18, and 24, Maria and David promise an unforgettable journey filled with beauty and intensity.Don't miss your chance to see Tosca live!Tickets available at: https://www.calgaryopera.comFollow Maria Natale:Instagram: @marianatalesopranoFollow David Esteban:Instagram: @tenor.davidestebanFollow Chris Corvan:Instagram: @chrisofthevoidSpecial thanks to Aldona B Creative:Learn more at: https://www.aldonab.com/Dripping Creativity is a podcast about the people who make things: filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, and independent creators, and the wonderfully messy process behind the work.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction To Puccini's Tosca And Its Themes Of Love And Sacrifice00:18 Meet The Stars Of Tosca: Maria Natale As Tosca And David Esteban As Cavaradossi01:14 Exploring Character Depth And Artistic Growth In Repeat Performances Of Tosca02:11 Hoping Audiences Discover A Fresh Perspective And Relatable Emotions In Tosca02:40 Cavaradossi's Coherent Loyalty And Unfolding Dangers In Puccini's Tosca03:29 Establishing Believability And Trust Between Tosca And Cavaradossi On Stage04:00 Cavaradossi's Honest Reflection On Life And Love In A Poignant Aria04:55 Finding New Meaning In Familiar Arias Through Evolving Artistic Interpretations06:00 Personal Growth And Deeper Understanding Of Humanity In Iconic Opera Roles06:59 Interpreting Tosca's Famous 'Vissi d'arte' Aria As An Intimate Expression Of Faith And Despair08:08 Evolving Artistic Approach To Arias And The Quest For Deeper Emotional Expression09:05 The Real-Time Narrative Of Tosca: A Cinematic Experience In Opera10:03 Tosca: A Victim Navigating Impossible Circumstances While Seeking Control11:04 Building Authentic Connection And Chemistry Between Scene Partners And Characters11:53 Establishing Emotional Truth And Nuance In Duets From Lightness To Depth13:05 An Immersive Cinematic Soundtrack: Experiencing Tosca Beyond Language Barriers13:26 Connecting With The Artists Online And An Invitation To Experience Tosca Live13:54 Behind The Scenes Of Tosca: A Glimpse Into Iconic Roles And Calgary Opera14:37 Dripping Creativity Podcast: Stay Creative, Stay Inspired, Until Next Time

What happens when love, obsession, and corruption collide in the world of opera?In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan sits down with the captivating Boaz Daniel, who takes on the role of Baron Scarpia in Calgary Opera's production of Puccini's Tosca.Boaz shares his journey into the world of opera, revealing insights from his extensive experience since 1998 and discussing the allure of portraying characters with power and moral complexity. He delves into the nuances of keeping each villain fresh and dynamic, and the importance of understanding the human baggage behind their cruelty.The conversation explores the dynamics of performing in different cities and with new casts, as well as the delicate balance between charm and power that defines Scarpia’s character. Boaz emphasizes the relevance of Tosca to modern audiences, highlighting its themes of desire and power struggles that resonate across time.As the episode wraps up, Boaz invites both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers to experience Tosca live at the Jubilee Auditorium on October 16th, 18th, and 24th, promising a performance filled with incredible music and a gripping story.Don't miss Tosca this October!Tickets available at: https://hfvd.link/dc-tuscaFollow Chris Corvan:Instagram: @chrisofthevoidSpecial thanks to Aldona B Creative:Learn more at https://www.aldonab.com/Dripping Creativity is a podcast about the people who make things — filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, and independent creators — and the wonderfully messy process behind the work.

What does it actually take to build a career as an actor and producer in Alberta’s independent film scene?Chris Corvan sits down with actress and producer Jocelyn Chugg for a conversation about acting, indie filmmaking, producing across borders, and figuring things out the hard way.Jocelyn talks about discovering acting, entering Calgary’s film community during the pandemic, and building a career across short films, television, voice acting, producing, and international projects.They get into the physical side of performance, how Jocelyn’s athletic background influences her work, and the challenge of developing a dialogue-free character in X-communicado. She also shares her experience voice acting as Romy and the problem-solving that happens behind the scenes of independent productions.The conversation moves behind the camera as Jocelyn discusses producing projects between Calgary and Amsterdam, navigating setbacks, supporting emerging filmmakers, and the collaborative spirit that keeps Alberta’s independent film community moving.Chris and Jocelyn also talk about the Alberta Indie Film Throwdown, some of the challenges facing Alberta filmmakers, developing Jocelyn’s first television series, and why sometimes the only way to learn is to make the thing and survive the mistakes.Then comes the lightning round: career choices, creative preferences, editing, community, storytelling, and a few difficult decisions.Follow Jocelyn Chugg:Instagram: @jocechuggFollow Chris Corvan:Instagram: @chrisofthevoidAlberta Indie Film Throwdown:Instagram: @indiefilmthrowdownMusic by Gridlazer:InstagramDripping Creativity is about the people who make things: filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, performers, and independent creators, plus the wonderfully messy process behind the work.Episode Chapters00:00 Jocelyn Chugg's Early Career and Pursuing Acting03:44 Breaking Into Calgary Film During COVID08:01 Academic Research and Gender Roles in Historical Sears Catalogues11:38 Acting Setbacks and the Thrill of Performing15:17 Creating a Dialogue-Free Character in X-communicado20:41 Voice Acting as Romy and Independent Film Challenges24:42 Producing Films in Calgary and Amsterdam28:34 Production Challenges and Alberta's Film Community37:10 Supporting Emerging Filmmakers and Collaborative Cinema44:02 Challenges Facing Alberta's Film Industry48:38 Developing a TV Series and Learning the Hard Way52:10 Lightning Round: Careers, Creativity and Editing56:49 What's Next for Jocelyn Chugg

What happens when the desire to defeat death becomes a reason to believe in the future?In this episode of Dripping Creativity, Chris Corvan sits down with filmmaker David Ehrenreich, director of Relax, Open Your Eyes, ahead of its world premiere at the 2026 Calgary International Film Festival.The documentary follows Calgary’s Carrie Radomski and her journey into the world of cryonics, including her efforts to help build The Futurist Club in Calgary. But beneath the preservation technology, science, and almost science-fiction premise is something much more human: family, identity, mortality, sacrifice, community, and the question of whether the future is something worth believing in.David talks about his path from photography and editing into filmmaking, spending years following a story without knowing exactly where it would lead, and why he deliberately resisted turning the world of cryonics into something sensational or exploitative.Chris and David also dig into the ordinary moments behind extraordinary beliefs, building genuine trust with documentary subjects, the funding process, surviving rejection, protecting a creative vision, and why David ultimately sees Relax, Open Your Eyes as a film about believing in people as much as believing in the future.Then David faces the Dripping Creativity rapid fire: creative freedom or money, truth or trust, legacy or waking up 500 years from now, and the films he wishes he could experience again for the first time.RELAX, OPEN YOUR EYES — CIFF 2026Screening information and tickets:https://www.ciffcalgary.ca/films/2026/relax-open-your-eyesCalgary International Film Festival:https://www.instagram.com/ciffcalgaryFOLLOW DAVID EHRENREICHWebsite: https://davidaaronreich.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_ehrenreich/FOLLOW CHRIS CORVANInstagram: @chrisofthevoidMUSIC BY GRIDLAZERhttps://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/Dripping Creativity is a podcast about the people who make things — filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, and independent creators — and the messy, strange, deeply human process behind the work.

Ever wondered what it takes to make a water circus splash-tastic?In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan dives into the wonderfully chaotic world of Cirque Italia Water Circus Nautilus with third-generation circus performer Alex Acero.With nearly ten years of circus life under his belt, Alex shares what it is really like to balance family, performance, travel, and about 35,000 gallons of water.We get behind the curtain of Nautilus to talk about the logistics of travelling with a miniature ocean, the international performers who bring the show to life, audience interaction, daily training, safety, and the unpredictable reality of live performance.Alex also opens up about growing up in a circus family, the community that forms behind the scenes, and the work it takes to make something this wild look effortless.If you have ever wondered what goes into building a touring circus around water, acrobatics, comedy, and a whole lot of controlled chaos, this one is for you.Catch Cirque Italia Water Circus Nautilus in Calgary:Performances run September 18 to October 5 at Cross Iron Mills.Tickets and showtimes:https://platinum.cirqueitalia.com/Follow Cirque Italia:@cirqueitaliaplatinumFollow Alex Acero:@alexaceroFollow Chris Corvan:@chrisofthevoidMusic by GRIDLAZER:InstagramEpisode Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Dripping Creativity01:15 Meet Alex Acero and Cirque Italia03:30 The circus family tradition05:50 Nautilus show highlights09:00 Audience interaction and unforgettable moments12:45 The challenges of performing with water17:20 Daily practice routines20:15 Behind-the-scenes circus family life25:00 Travelling with a circus crew30:10 Safety during live performances35:40 The live performance grind40:00 Final thoughts and what's next

What does it take to transform pain into art?In this episode of Dripping Creativity, host Chris Corvan sits down with Skye Pinay, the two-spirit electronic musician and producer behind the Sunflower Dreams project. After two decades of artistic evolution, Skye has finally released her debut album, Re:trans, a culmination of nearly eight years of creativity, reinvention, and healing.Skye reflects on her early inspirations, from learning drums and guitar to embracing the world of electronic music. She shares the cathartic journey of creating Re:trans, navigating personal challenges, and the profound impact of collaboration. With tracks that blend genres and evoke cinematic emotions, Skye discusses how her music captures the essence of transformation and identity.Listeners will gain insight into the creative process, the importance of visuals in live performances, and the challenges of mixing and mastering an album that represents a pivotal moment in her life. Skye's story is one of resilience, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of artistic expression.Find out more about Re:trans:https://www.sunflowerdreams.caFollow Skye Pinay:@sunflowerdreamsmusicFollow Chris Corvan:@chrisofthevoidMusic by GRIDLAZER:https://www.instagram.com/___f4ilur3/Episode Chapters:(00:00) DM Chris welcomes Skye Pinay to the podcast(01:20) Skye's journey from early music influences to Sunflower Dreams(05:45) The catharsis of releasing her debut album, Retrans(10:00) The evolution of her sound and the creation process(15:30) Collaborations and the importance of community in music(20:00) Navigating personal challenges and the impact on creativity(25:15) The role of visuals in live performances and future projects(30:30) Skye's insights on mixing and mastering(35:00) The significance of the album title, Re:trans(40:00) Skye's upcoming shows and creative endeavors