Sara Caldwell

2020-05-01 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Sara Caldwell

Producer/Writer

2019 Feature Screenplay Finalist with "Raven Dock"

Sara Caldwell

What is your name, company name, and URL?

Sara Caldwell House of Gorey Productions, http://www.houseofgoreyproductions.com

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

I’m primarily a producer/writer but have also directed short films and worked as a 2nd A.D.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working as a producer on a new online series called Moms N Tots that will begin airing in spring 2020. I also just completed a new horror screenplay, Mother, Maiden and Crone. Yes it involves a witch!

Nice! Who do you consider your mentor and why?

My father, who showed me that you can succeed as a writer and live an independent life without the 9-5 shackles of a traditional job.

Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

It’s one of the few genres that’s always blossomed in the independent world and star power isn’t necessary for its success, so filmmakers can afford to go there. People also love to be scared – it’s cathartic as long as it’s safe.

What do you love most about this business?

The creative and collaborative aspects – it’s so much fun to be on set, all focused toward the same goal.

What do you dislike most about this business?

It’s highly competitive and risky. I've seen many of my former students really struggle in the real world and some give up because it's just too tough financially.

Very sad. What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Getting into the WGA certainly made me proud, as well as having four books published over the years. Also, becoming a lecturer in Film & Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara has been a fantastic experience.

Wow! That's impressive! Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

Find your own voice. To quote Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Yes!!! Anything else you'd like to say?

Thanks for hosting such an awesome film festival!

Thank you Sara for your kind words and being in the Shriekfest family!