Directed by Philip Gelatt, the documentary series set to premiere on Substack explores five acclaimed horror authors' intricate lives and inspirations.
In a fresh take on literary documentary filmmaking, First Word on Horror will debut exclusively on Substack on February 7, 2025. This fifteen-part series, directed by Emmy and WGA-winning filmmaker Philip Gelatt, profiles five of the most compelling voices in contemporary horror literature: Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez.
Each episode serves as an intimate portrait, allowing viewers to step into the authors' lives as they reflect on their inspirations, philosophies, and writing techniques. The series not only showcases their literary talents but also features them reading their own short stories, creating a seamless blend of fact and fiction that unveils the creative processes behind their haunting narratives.
“First Word on Horror is a love letter to writers and the human experience,” says Gelatt. “It captures the transformative power of storytelling, reminding us of the simple joy found in reading a gripping tale.”
The authors featured in this inaugural season are no strangers to acclaim, each boasting accolades as New York Times bestsellers and numerous awards. The series takes viewers on a journey through their varied backgrounds—ranging from a harrowing Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska to the pervasive fear of growing up under the Argentinian dictatorship, and from the exhilarating energy of the early DC punk scene to a fateful hunting trip on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana.
Produced by Will Battersby, with key contributions from Director of Photography Sean Kirby, Composer Peter Scartabello, Editor April Merl, and Sound Designer Ben Cheah, First Word on Horror stands as a testament to the innovative storytelling ethos of its production company, Etch. Known for its provocative and imaginative projects, Etch aims to infuse dark magic back into moving images while maintaining ownership and creative control through novel production and distribution approaches.
For those interested in the nuances of horror literature, First Word on Horror promises to deliver a captivating blend of personal anecdotes, rich storytelling, and the exploration of the psychological landscapes that shape the authors’ works.
As February approaches, horror enthusiasts and literary fans can anticipate a series that explores the genre’s depths and celebrates the transformative power of storytelling. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into First Word on Horror, a series poised to redefine how we engage with the narratives that haunt and inspire us.
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