PANELS & Q&As
Enjoy a variety of panels and Q&As while you're at the event. Everything from hunting cryptids to hearing stories from the set by our Special Guests. Panels and Q&As take place in the Screening Room on the 4th floor. Space is very limited so line up early. VIPs get priority seating.
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HUNTING CRYPTIDS
Featuring Lyle Blackburn
Do real life monsters exist? Learn the fascinating, true stories behind all your favorite cryptids with Texas monster hunter, Lyle Blackburn. From Bigfoot to Mothman, from Goatman to werewolves and all manner of creepy creatures in between, Blackburn has spent decades researching and writing about these subjects, while exploring the vast swamps and forests of North America. Blackburn himself was inspired by the 1970s cult classic, The Legend of Boggy Creek, and has appeared on television shows such as The UnXplained, Strange Evidence, Monsters & Mysteries in America, and Joe Bob Brigg’s The Last Drive-In.
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LESS IS GORE
THE ART OF THE HORROR SHORT
A filmmaker panel featuring Cliff Bogart, Kyle Bogart, Chris McInroy and MC, Kris Phipps
Think making a horror short is easier than making a feature? Think again. Short films are their own strange little beasts, and you only have a few minutes to scare ’em, shock ’em, gross ’em out or just make sure they remember you. We’ll dissect what makes a killer horror short, from that first creepy idea to the final cut, then dig into festivals, promotion, finding an audience, and how one small film can become a bloody big step toward making your first feature.
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Filmmakers and brothers, Cliff Bogart and Kyle Bogart have been directing independent shorts and features in Austin for over a decade. Their horror shorts have drawn over a half-million views online and premiered at festivals around the world including SXSW, Fantastic Fest, and the Friars Club in New York.
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Chris McInroy’s practical effects driven horror-comedy short films have had success at festivals all over the world. His film, GUTS, was nominated for a 2023 Fangoria Chainsaw Award. He likes werewolves and dipping chips in dips.
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Our MC, Kris Phipps, is a filmmaker and creative producer of horror studio, Garth Manor — creators of a prolific run of award-winning short films.
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The Bogart Brothers (top), Chris McInroy (right) and inset, Kris Phipps
STAY TUNED FOR MORE PANELS & Q&As TBA