Inside the Horror: Michael Mau of Sugarcane

Welcome back to Sinister Scripts Podcast, where we dive into the minds behind the stories that keep horror fans up at night.In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Aine and Kyle Valle, the creative team behind the indie horror-comedy ZombieCON Vol. 1 — a film that throws convention culture, cosplay, and a full-blown zombie outbreak into one chaotic, blood-soaked love letter to horror fandom.We talk about how the idea for ZombieCON first came to life, what it takes to bring an indie zombie film to the screen, and how Erin and Kyle balanced character development with the fast-paced madness that a zombie story demands. We also dive into the satire of convention culture, the challenges of indie filmmaking, the influences behind the project, and how their own experiences as horror fans helped shape the world of the film.Plus, we discuss the bigger vision behind the “Volume 1” title and what the future might hold for the ZombieCON universe.If you love indie horror, zombie chaos, and hearing directly from the creators behind the madness, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Today for Halloween, we’re sinking our teeth into the 1985 vampire classic Fright Night — and we’re joined by our friend Matthew from Horror Madness to help break it all down. This one’s got everything: ‘80s charm, practical effects, and one of the coolest vampires ever put on screen. We absolutely love this movie, and we had a blast talking about it.Grab your stakes, your popcorn, and let’s celebrate Halloween with a true horror classic! 🩸

In this episode, we sit down with Rebekah Kennedy, the star of the upcoming 2025 independent horror film Traumatika. We dive into her journey as an actor, from the early days of finding her voice in the industry to embracing roles that push boundaries in the horror genre. Rebekah opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of working in indie film, her connection with the horror community, and what it means to bring complex characters to life in projects that thrive outside the Hollywood system.This is a must-listen for fans of Traumatika, indie horror lovers, and anyone curious about the dedication it takes to carve out a career in genre film.

In this episode, we’re joined by James Dean, the creative mind behind indie horror projects like XXXMas, Absolution, and more. We dive into his journey in film, the raw realities of indie filmmaking, and what it takes to carve out original stories in a genre overflowing with classics. From balancing vision with resources to pushing boundaries with bold storytelling, James shares his experiences and the passion that drives his work.At Monster Kid Productions, the mission is to deliver high-quality original content that both honors their horror influences and fearlessly pushes the genre forward. They're a boundary-breaking distribution and production company built on practical FX, buckets of gore, and the kind of movies your mom definitely didn’t want you renting from the video store.This conversation is for every horror fan who believes indie film is where the real blood flows.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker Braden Timmons, the creative force behind some of the most talked-about Michael Myers fan films. We dive into his journey through the world of independent filmmaking, the passion and dedication it takes to bring stories to life on screen, and the unique challenges of crafting a film around one of the most iconic and beloved characters in horror history. From building atmosphere to honoring the legacy of Halloween, Braden shares what it means to balance fan expectations with his own creative vision.If you’re a horror fan, filmmaker, or just love hearing the stories behind indie passion projects, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Mau, star of the upcoming horror/thriller Sugarcane, to talk about his acting journey, his love for the genre, and what it takes to bring chilling characters to life.From his early inspirations to stepping into the intense world of horror films, Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories, career insights, and what fans can expect from Sugarcane.

This week, we’re joined by powerhouse filmmaking duo Jordan and Jules Sealander, known for their bold and unapologetic work in the world of independent horror cinema. In this episode, the Sealander's take us behind the scenes of their journey — from humble beginnings to carving out a unique space in the indie film landscape.We talk about how they got their start, what drew them to the horror genre, and how they balance storytelling, directing, and producing as siblings. They also give us an exclusive peek at upcoming projects, their creative process, and what it really takes to bring visceral, original horror to life outside the studio system.If you're a fan of indie filmmaking, horror with a heartbeat, or just love hearing how creatives bring their vision to the screen against all odds — this one's for you.

In this chillingly good episode, we sit down with actor and rising horror talent Dom Penna to dive deep into his latest short film, Underbelly — a haunting exploration of fear, vulnerability, and the supernatural forces out there. Dom gives us an inside look at the inspiration behind the film, what it was like bringing the story to life, and how the horror genre continues to push his creative limits.We also chat about how Dom got his start in acting, the turning points that shaped his career, and what exciting new projects he has on the horizon. Whether you're a horror fan, an aspiring actor, or just love hearing from passionate creatives, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Stream Underbelly now on YouTube and catch Dom’s exclusive take on the scenes that will keep you up at night.

In this chilling episode, we sit down with Owen Llewelyn, the rising star who’s taking a dark turn as the terrifying antagonist in the upcoming horror-thriller The R.I.P. Man. From his method approach to embodying pure dread, to the behind-the-scenes stories that’ll make your skin crawl, Owen takes us deep into the psyche of his character—and what it’s like to become the villain audiences will never forget.We talk about fear, performance, and why sometimes, playing the bad guy is the most fun of all. Whether you're a horror junkie or just love hearing how the monsters are made, you won't want to miss this one.The R.I.P. Man hits theaters this soon!—get ready to meet your nightmares.

It was a banner year in 2024 for horror movies. There were so many deserving films, and move than we could possible watch. In today's episode, David and I each give our top 10 list of horror movies we saw in 2024.