This is Finish Your Monsters, a weekly blogletter about the creative process. I'm sharing adventures in art and life as well as setting CLIFFHANGER goals for myself, so--

DID I MAKE MY GOAL?

Last week, I set the goal to write the first scene of the next feature film I’m going to make.

And I made that goal! Like five minutes ago.

I only did it because I set the goal on this blog so thank you all for being my supportive writing group partners.

I really prefer to write when I can clear my schedule and mind for big chunks of time. But that’s not going to happen any time soon so I have to try to work in a different way.

It felt a little rocky, but it paid off.

I had the main idea for the scene—the what—but I was sketchy on the how.

I love part of what I wrote this morning, but halfway through writing the scene I realized there was another way I might want to do it.

And now as I go about my busy day, I’ll be brainstorming. Wander-writing in my mind as I go for a walk, buy stamps, do a show, and share a huge announcement.

Which leads me to—

LIFE ADVENTURES

The huge news of the week is the imminent release of our horror film DEAD MEDIA on streaming!

The film will be available for rent or purchase on multiple streaming services starting Tuesday, October 27th—just in time for Halloween!

And, yes, it does feel weird to promote a film about a haunted DVD on streaming. But that weirdness is offset by the fact that I’m currently doing lots of work on the bonus features for the physical media release of the movie. (Tentative release date: Early months of 2027.)

Anyway, I’m very excited and very anxious about the streaming launch. I’ve watched the film with audiences over 30 times now. I’ve got to hear people applaud, laugh, and even scream “shit, no!” a few times.

I’ve got to hear people’s thoughts during the post-film Q&A sessions. I know what fascinates them, favorite lines, parts of the film they ponder.

I’ve become used to being there with the film. And now I’m sending it out into the wilds of the internet, all by itself.

On the morning of October 27th, I need to figure out a way to take an awkward “first day of kindergarten” picture of the film as I tearfully usher it out the door.

I know people enjoy the film. It is both a wild, fun creature feature AND a soulful, thoughtful character study. I’m proud of it because it’s unique. I think that will serve the film very well in the long run. But in the short term, it’s a bit nerve wracking.

So, if you can, on October 27th and the following days, please check out Dead Media! If you enjoy it, you can leave us a nice rating or review on Letterboxd, Rotten Tomatoes, or IMDb. You can tell your friends about it on social media or, perhaps the biggest ask, in person!

Thanks for all the support and I can’t wait to share the horror with you.

LIGHT PLUGS—

One more Los Angeles screening of Dead Media:

Oct 23rd - 7:30 pm at Eastwood Performing Arts Center!

The events of the film happen on this date, Oct 23rd, so I’m very excited for our first annual “the night it happened” screening. Cast & crew Q&A moderated by Laser Webber!

We’ll also be selling posters made by my friend, artist Christopher Jones (Young Justice, Doctor Who), and Christopher will be there in person to sign them!

MY GOAL FOR THE WEEK--

My main focus will be promoting the streaming release of Dead Media, but I also want to continue the forward movement on the next film. So my goal for next week: Write the second scene of the new film.

YOUR GOAL FOR THE WEEK--

I would LOVE to hear what you're working on in the comments below. What's your goal? How can I help you literally finish your monsters?

A LITTLE SKETCH--

This week’s sketch is me imagining myself watching Dead Media on my television, 5 feet from where I edited it on my computer.