This week, we're taking a bite out of George A. Romero's 1977 cult classic, Martin!

Join us as we unravel the mysteries of this unique vampire film, set against the backdrop of 1970s Pittsburgh. We're dissecting everything from Martin's questionable fangs to Cuda's religious zealotry, the unforgettable score, and the film's surprising take on economic decay.

Get ready for a deep dive into the characters, the iconic filming locations, and that truly bleak ending. We'll discuss the powerful themes of isolation, trauma, and the enduring legacy of this indie horror gem. Don't miss it!

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Late Night with the Devil is here! Join Vince and Sara on the Dread Alert podcast for a deep dive into the 2024 supernatural horror film everyone's talking about. This isn't just a movie review; we're breaking down how this independent Australian gem perfectly nails its 1970s aesthetic with incredible practical effects, pulling you into a chaotic live broadcast that goes spectacularly, terrifyingly wrong.

We deep-dive into David Dastmalchian's performance as Jack, the chilling themes of demonic possession, greed, fame, and the blurred lines of reality. We're also digging into topics from the Satanic Panic to Carl Jung, and most importantly, the central question: "What was Jack's sacrifice?" Tune in for all the spooky details! 

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 In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with the minds behind the hit found-footage horror film looky-loo (2025), director Jason Zink and writer Nolan Mihail, to dig deep into the making of one of the most disturbing and innovative indie horrors of the year.

The trio discuss:
How  looky-loo was shot from the perspective of a serial killer documenting his own crimes

The challenges of filming guerilla-style and blending reality with fiction

How the creative partnership sparked between the writer and director

How horror can reflect real-world violence and still be art that makes us think and feel

What fans can expect from looky-loo Part 2  (more cats, more chaos, and more chills)

Jason and Nolan open up about their DIY filmmaking process and why looky-loo proves you don’t need a huge budget to make a terrifying and meaningful movie.

Watch  looky-loo (2025) on TubiTV, FoundTV, and grab the Blu-ray from Scream Team Releasing for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and commentary.

Follow looky-loo:

Website:
https://www.weirdontoppictures.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@weirdontoppictures 

Watch looky-loo:
https://screamteamreleasing.com/search?type=product&q=looky-loo 
https://tubitv.com/movies/100044167/looky-loo 
https://watch.foundtv.com/show-details/looky-loo 

Jason Zink
https://www.instagram.com/weirdontoppictures/
https://www.tiktok.com/@weirdontiktop  

Nolan Mihail:
https://www.instagram.com/orderofthejackalope/ 

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Join Vince on this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast as he sits down with Linus O’Brien, director of the new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, celebrating 50 years of The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show! 

Linus, son of Richard O’Brien, the creator of Rocky Horror and the original Riff Raff, discusses the making of this emotional, fan-focused documentary that explores the show’s origins, its cult phenomenon, and its enduring legacy within the LGBTQ+ community, theater, and midnight movie culture.

In this interview, Linus and Vince dive deep into:

• The making of Strange Journey and its incredible festival success
• Working with Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn, and the original cast to create the documentary
• The influence of Rocky Horror’s fandom and the global shadow cast community 
• Behind-the-scenes stories about Richard O’Brien, the film’s music, and rediscovered archival footage
• How Rocky Horror continues to unite generations of fans and keep theaters alive 

Whether you’re a lifelong Rocky Horror fan, a lover of music documentaries, or just discovering the wild world of cult cinema, this episode celebrates the joy, rebellion, and community that make The Rocky Horror Picture Show timeless.

Watch Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror: Now in theaters

Follow Linus O’Brien & the Documentary:
Website:
https://rockyhorrordoc.com/ 

 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/linus.obrien
https://www.instagram.com/rockyhorrordocumentary

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In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, host Vince sits down with acclaimed horror author Ania Ahlborn to discuss her latest novel, The Unseen. Ahlborn reveals how she masterfully navigates multiple points of view, weaving together a cast that includes a grieving mother, a fractured father, brooding teenagers, and even a watchful child who bears witness to unfolding terror. 

Together, they explore the mechanics of writing through shifting perspectives, the emotional weight of family tragedy, and how ordinary lives unravel when confronted with the uncanny. This conversation offers both a glimpse into Ahlborn’s creative process and a thoughtful examination of how horror reflects grief, fear, and human fragility. 

Whether you are a longtime admirer of Ahlborn’s work or discovering her for the first time, this episode offers a compelling look at one of horror fiction’s most distinctive voices. 

Website: https://www.aniaahlborn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ania.ahlborn.author

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aniaahlborn/

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In this special episode, Vince from Dread Alert Media sits down with acclaimed author Paul Tremblay, winner of the Bram Stoker, British Fantasy, and Massachusetts Book Awards. Paul is known for his outstanding horror novels, including Survivor Song, The Cabin at the End of the World, Disappearance at Devil's Rock, and A Head Full of Ghosts.

Join us as we discuss his exciting new middle-grade/young adult novel, "Another," releasing July 22nd from Quill Tree Books! Discover what inspired Paul to venture into YA , the unique creative process behind "Another" , and its surprisingly creepy yet hopeful themes of art, self-discovery, and navigating a complex world, influenced by his experience as an educator.

Paul also shares some early details about his upcoming adult novel,  "DEAD BUT DREAMING OF ELECTRIC SHEEP," a sci-fi / horror novel inspired by Philip K. Dick, (part of his new 3-book deal with William Morrow), and the upcoming paperback release of his novel "Horror Movie" on August 5th.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Paul Tremblay, a parent looking for engaging and thought-provoking middle-grade reads, or just love a good discussion on horror and writing, this interview is for you!

Find Paul Tremblay Online:

Website: paultremblay.net 

Blue Sky & Instagram: @PaulGTremblay 

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 Step behind the mask as we dissect Scream (1996), the meta-slasher classic that revived the horror genre and terrified a generation. In this deep dive episode, we explore how Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson blended satire, suspense, and self-awareness to create a cultural phenomenon.

What We Cover:

• The innovative storytelling and genre deconstruction behind Scream
• How Scream changed horror movies forever
• Iconic scenes and unforgettable performances (hello, Ghostface!)
• Fun facts and behind-the-scenes details even superfans might have missed
• Scream's influences and lasting legacy

Listen now and rediscover why Scream still makes us afraid to answer the phone.

Support Us on Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/DreadAlertMedia

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 Join us for an insightful interview with Jeff Whitehead, COO of the George A. Romero Foundation, and Ryan Carr, Artist in Residence, as they discuss the fascinating journey of George A. Romero's lost film, "The Amusement Park," from its restoration to its new life as a graphic novel! 

In this conversation, we delve into:

The essential work of the George A. Romero Foundation in preserving George's legacy, including their scholarship, mentorship, and training programs for future filmmakers.

The discovery and restoration of "The Amusement Park," a public service announcement about elder abuse, and how it was adapted into a graphic novel.

The creative process behind transforming the surreal film into a graphic novel, presented by John Carpenter and published by Storm King Comics, with Ryan Carr's unique artistic approach to capturing its grotesque imagery and prominent themes of death and aging.

The universal themes explored in "The Amusement Park," including aging, death, loneliness, and the importance of empathy.

Other exciting projects from Jeff Whitehead, including his radio dramas  "Creepy Places," and the upcoming Season 2 of "Poe Evermore," and Ryan Carr's work on "John Carpenter's Tales of Halloween Night" and "Creepshow".

Support the George A. Romero Foundation's mission to preserve the legacy of a horror legend and nurture new talent! You can purchase "The Amusement Park" graphic novel at comic book stores or from the Foundation's website for signed copies (coming soon) and from the Storm King Comics website. Proceeds from the "Amusement Park" Blu-ray also benefit the foundation, supporting their scholarship, mentorship, and training programs.

_________________________________
Support Dread Alert Media on Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/DreadAlertMedia
_________________________________

Follow Jeff Whitehead:https://www.instagram.com/jeff.r.whitehead/ |  https://podcasts.bloody-disgusting.com/podcasts/creepy-places/ | https://podcasts.bloody-disgusting.com/podcasts/poe-evermore/

Follow Ryan Carr: https://www.instagram.com/ryansamuelcarr/

George A. Romero Foundation: https://georgearomerofoundation.org/ | https://www.instagram.com/thegarfofficial/

Storm King Comics: https://stormkingcomics.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/stormkingcomics/ | https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnCarpenterMovies

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What happens when cosplayers meet the undead? In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, Vince Ventura teams up with A&B Horror Movies to chat with Erin Áine and Kyle Valle, the creative duo behind ZombieCON Vol. 1,  the indie horror-comedy that’s taking over conventions and streaming platforms alike.

The filmmakers talk DIY filmmaking, balancing horror and comedy, and the heartfelt themes hiding beneath all that fake blood. From filmmaking fun facts to convention chaos, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, creative insight, and a celebration of indie horror done right.

Highlights Include:

• How ZombieCON Vol. 1 was made from the ground up
• The perks of working with friends
• How to survive a zombie apocalypse with cosplay and compassion
• What’s next for the ZombieCON team, including their new horror film It’s Watching

ZombieCON Vol. 1 is now available on Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango, YouTube Movies, and on DVD October 14th.

ZombieCON Vol. 1 
Website: https://zombieconvol1.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieconmovie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zombieconmovie


A&B Horror Movies and Aaron’s Movie Page
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/abhorrormovies
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhorrormovies/ / https://www.instagram.com/aaronsmovies8587/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aaronsmovies8587 

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In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with Shirley Jackson Award-winning author Scott Thomas (Kill Creek, Violet) to discuss Midwestern Gothic, a chilling collection of four interconnected novellas that redefine small-town horror.

Scott shares how his Kansas roots shaped his vision of Midwestern Gothic, explores the legacy of guilt woven into the land, and reveals how each story, The Boy in the Woods, The Door in the Field, One Half of a Child’s Face, and Wear Your Secret Like a Stone, confronts the sins of the past and the cost of looking too closely.

Episode Highlights:

• How Midwestern Gothic expands the idea of Gothic horror to America’s heartland
• Writing complex, morally gray characters and slow-burn dread
• The real-life inspiration behind his stories
• His thoughts on empathy in horror and generational trauma
• Favorite horror novels and films that shaped his writing (The Shining, The Exorcist, House of Leaves, and more)
• A sneak peek at the Kill Creek sequel

If you love cosmic horror, folk horror, slow-burn tension, and deep literary insight into the genre, this episode is for you.

Midwestern Gothic is available now from Inkshares, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
Follow Scott Thomas:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottthomascaresaboutyou

X: https://x.com/ninjawhenever

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottthomaswriteshorror

Website: https://www.scottthomaswriter.com/
 

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Award-winning horror author CJ Leede joins us for a deep dive into her novel American Rapture, which was just released in paperback on September 16th. In this episode, we explore the journey behind American Rapture—a harrowing, post-apocalyptic road novel set in the Midwest that blends religious repression, viral outbreak, and the search for identity.

CJ opens up about her writing process, the decade-long evolution of American Rapture, and how releasing the ideas of sin, shame, and guilt shapes both her characters and her own creative journey. We also discuss her inspirations in horror, from discovering Stephen King to exploring catharsis, grief, and empathy through the genre. 

Whether you’re a horror reader, a writer looking for inspiration, or a fan of post-apocalyptic and psychological horror, this conversation is packed with insights on storytelling, creativity, and the power of confronting fear through horror.

Highlights:

• CJ Leede on the paperback release of American Rapture
• How a decade of rewrites shaped the novel’s voice
• Growing up with religion and channeling repression into horror
• Horror as catharsis: from grief to found family
• Music, playlists, and writing rituals
• Roadside Americana, House on the Rock, and weird Midwest inspirations
• Favorite horror and apocalyptic stories (The Shining, Crawl, Atwood’s Oryx and Crake)
• Exclusive preview of Headlights (coming 2026)

Follow CJ Leede: 

CJ’s Website: https://cjleede.com/

CJ’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceejthemoment

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In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Racheal Cain, director of the visually stunning and deeply haunting new horror feature Somnium. Recently released on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, Somnium blends surreal dream logic, practical creature effects, and emotionally raw performances into a powerful story of fear, identity, and self-discovery.

Racheal opens up about her creative influences—from Terrence Malick’s lyrical visuals to classic horror like Rosemary’s Baby and Scream. We discuss the challenges of shooting the film across two different production phases, the decision to use 97% practical effects for the terrifying creature design, and how restraint in horror can make monsters even scarier. She also shares insights into working with lead actress Chloe Levine, whose performance anchors the film, and the themes of reclaiming self and facing fear that drive the story.

If you love indie horror, surreal filmmaking, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most striking horror releases, this episode is for you.

Somnium is available now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other major VOD platforms.

 Follow Racheal Cain and Somnium on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somniumthemovie

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In this chilling episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with acclaimed horror author Clay McLeod Chapman (Ghost Eaters, Whisper Down the Lane, What Kind of Mother, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes) to dive deep into his brand-new YA horror novel, Shiny Happy People (Delacorte Press, Nov. 11).

Chapman reveals how the story blends body-snatcher paranoia, addiction, and the dark side of social media peer pressure, creating a terrifying reflection of modern teen life.

He also talks about his upcoming short story collection, Acquired Taste.

If you love YA horror, body-snatcher stories, or novels that tackle addiction, individuality, and identity through a terrifying lens, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Books & Topics Covered:
Shiny Happy People (YA horror novel)
Acquired Taste (short story collection)
Addiction, peer pressure & individuality in horror
Horror as catharsis & rite of passage

Follow Clay McLeod on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claymcleodchapman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymcleod

X: https://x.com/claymcleod

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@claymcleodchapman

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@claymcleod

Clay McLeod Chapman's Website: https://claymcleodchapman.com/

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TRAUMATIKA HITS THEATERS ON SEPTEMBER 12!

In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, Vince and guest Rebekah Kennedy discuss her role in the upcoming horror film Traumatica, exploring the journey of the film from concept to theatrical release. 

We delve into Rebekah's acting career, her character development for the role of Abigail in Traumatika, and the collaborative atmosphere on set. 

We also highlight the importance of practical effects, the themes of trauma within the film, and the emotional connection that horror can create with audiences. Rebekah shares her favorite horror films and gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming projects.

Follow Rebekah on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekahk/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebekahlkennedy
X: https://x.com/rebekahkennedy

 

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In this episode of The Dread Alert Podcast, we sit down with filmmaker Martin Melnick, director of the haunting new psychological horror film Lilly Lives Alone (distributed by Dark Sky Films). Martin takes us inside the creative process of his first feature film, exploring themes of grief, trauma, memory, and the supernatural. 

We discuss his love for ghost stories and the inspirations behind Lilly Lives Alone—from Japanese horror classics like Pulse and Cure to surrealist cinema and mythological storytelling. Martin also shares behind-the-scenes details on the film’s practical effects, his process for helping to create the nuanced performances from the cast (including Jeffrey Combs), and how he approached difficult subject matter with sensitivity and empathy. 

If you’re a fan of character-driven horror, ghost stories, or indie filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen. 

Lilly Lives Alone is now available on all major VOD platforms via Dark Sky Films. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Dread Alert Podcast for more interviews with the minds behind the most innovative horror films today. 

Martin Melnick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martin_melnick/

Martin Melnick Website: https://www.martinmelnick.com/

Dark Sky Films Website: https://darkskyfilms.com/film/lilly-lives-alone/

Martin Melnick in Fangoria Magazine: https://www.fangoria.com/womb-special-fx-lilly-lives-alone/

Martin Melnick's Favorite Horror Films List:

Don’t look now
The changeling
Let the right one in
Cure
Pulse
Ju-on
Kwaidan
Carnival of Souls
The Innocents
Texas Chain Saw Massacre
The Thing
Ghostwatch 
The Exorcist
The Vanishing
Eyes Without a Face
Night of the Living Dead
Dead and Buried 
The Beyond
Possession
Black Sabbath (the Drop of Water segment)
The Haunting
A Ghost Story
Three Extremes
Candyman 
The Orphanage
Night of the Demons
A Tale of Two Sisters
Tenebrae 
Suspiria (1977)
Deep Red
Scream
Audition
Demon (2015)
The Shining 
Possession
The Reflecting Skin
Dream Warriors
Under the Skin
Hour of the Wolf
Inland Empire
Martyrs 
Possum

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What happens when a serial killer stalks a retirement home? Philip Fracassi’s new novel The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre flips the slasher genre on its head with an octogenarian “final girl,” chilling kills, and raw emotion you won’t forget. 

Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award–nominated author Philip Fracassi joins us to talk about his chilling new novel, The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre. In this conversation, we dive into the origins of his octogenarian “final girl,” the blend of slasher, thriller, and mystery at the heart of the story, and how themes of aging, death, and dignity bring unexpected emotional depth to horror. 

Philip also shares insights into his career journey—from screenwriting for Disney and Lifetime to publishing acclaimed collections like Behold the Void, Beneath a Pale Sky, and No One is Safe. We talk horror inspirations (Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Aliens, and The Thing all make the list), plus the real-life experiences that helped shape the vividly authentic world of the Autumn Springs Retirement Community. 

If you love horror fiction with heart, unique perspectives on aging and resilience, and conversations that celebrate both the chills and the humanity behind the scares—this episode is for you. 

Stick around until the end as Philip teases his upcoming releases, including the historical horror Sarafina and a sequel to Gothic. 

Philip Fracassi's Website: https://pfracassi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipfracassi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfracassi/ 

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