Tracy Ross talks to area filmmakers John Holt and Austin Madding about their upcoming film “The Dooms Chapel Horror” and their contribution to the short film anthology “Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories.”
Holt says his love of horror began in his childhood. His mom was into the genre and used to buy him magazines about the latest in horror movies. Madding didn’t grow up a fan, but had moments when he was younger that exposed him to the industry.
“The Dooms Chapel Horror” began as a short filmed in 2009. This was Holt’s first foray into the found footage genre, a style he likes for its simplistic approach.
Holt says distributors liked the short, and approached him about selling the film if it could be taken from a concept to a feature-length film. He says writer Jason Turner joined the team and whipped up a script. The movie was turned to a documentary-style work to help smooth the transition.
Reviews have come in, and Holt says they’ve been positive. The film isn’t about just horror, it’s about the human element and believable characters. The genre excels when it explores complex themes rather than strive purely for jump scares and throwaway plotlines.
Madding says his work has helped him learn about the genre and develop an appreciation for it.
“The Dooms Chapel Horror” launches June 14.
