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Making a Horror Feature While Going To College!

Writer's picture: Misfit ParadeMisfit Parade

Updated: Jan 19

In this week’s episode of Filmmaker Friday on the Messed Up Movies podcast, we welcomed an extraordinary group of young filmmakers who created the impressive horror anthology Welcome Week. Joining us were Jack McDermott, Ethan Zahnley (both directors of the anthology’s framing device and producers), Noah Levine (producer), and Gory Cory (producer, co-writer, and co-director of a segment). We were captivated by their creativity, teamwork, and resourcefulness—qualities that have helped them craft a feature-length film while juggling their studies across multiple campuses, even as far as Edinburgh, Scotland.



The Origins of Welcome Week


The project’s genesis dates back to Jack and Ethan’s high school days, when they directed their first micro-budget feature, Satan’s Servant. After receiving attention from Fangoria, they felt the pressure to follow up, even as their film crew dispersed to different colleges. Their solution? A collaborative anthology that allowed them and fellow student filmmakers from across the country to contribute shorts tied together by a common narrative.


With producers Noah and Gory Cory bringing in filmmakers through their networks, the team assembled a roster of horror storytellers eager to showcase their skills. The result is Welcome Week: a thrilling and cohesive collection of horror shorts connected by a wraparound story about a cursed family whose members meet gruesome fates during their first week of college.


The Challenges of Cross-Campus Filmmaking


One of the most remarkable aspects of Welcome Week is how it came together despite the physical distance between its contributors. Each filmmaker worked with their own crews at separate locations, including five college campuses and one in Edinburgh. Weekly Zoom calls and carefully planned deadlines kept everyone on track, and raw footage was shared via Google Drive to ensure consistency and quality.


The logistical hurdles extended to equipment and locations. For instance, some scenes were shot under the radar on campuses, with students cleverly navigating restrictions. At one point, campus security even interrupted filming, mirroring the guerrilla spirit that defines independent filmmaking.


Building a Unified Vision


Maintaining creative cohesion in an anthology is no small feat, but the Welcome Week team made it work. The filmmakers were given broad creative freedom but aligned their shorts with the overarching theme of first-week college horror. The wraparound’s script served as a guiding text, tying the shorts together while allowing each filmmaker to infuse their distinct style and tone.


Gory Cory shared insights into crafting her segment, including an inventive approach to effects. Unable to film on a campus roof, her team used a Home Depot skeleton for a pivotal falling scene, showcasing their ingenuity under tight constraints. From Scotland’s gothic architecture to American lecture halls, the film’s diverse settings create a rich visual tapestry.


Standout Effects and Creative Problem-Solving


Fans of practical effects will appreciate the film’s dedication to memorable gore. One standout involves a character’s gruesome transformation covered in pustules—an unforgettable image that had us squirming. Despite limited resources, the team pulled off impressive makeup and prosthetics, often relying on crew members to double as effects artists.



What’s Next for the Welcome Week Team?


As this talented group looks toward the future, their ambitions remain sky-high. Jack and Ethan are already brainstorming a thematic trilogy, while Noah is gearing up to shoot another short film. Gory Cory plans to launch a YouTube channel and is in early discussions for a feature project. Their ultimate goal? To build a supportive community of filmmakers who uplift and collaborate with one another.


Where to Watch


Welcome Week is available for rental or purchase on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and iTunes. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can be purchased on the Screenager Productions website. For international viewers in regions like the UK and Australia, the film is free with Prime.


Final Thoughts


Welcome Week is a testament to the creativity, determination, and ingenuity of young filmmakers. This project not only delivers thrills and chills but also serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible when passionate artists come together to tell a story.

Missed the episode? Listen to it now on the Messed Up Movies podcast and make sure to follow Jack, Ethan, Noah, and Gory Cory for updates on their upcoming projects. These rising stars are just getting started.

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