Bobby K Lost Thousands on His Horror Fest. Then Realized He Was Measuring Wrong

Join us for a conversation with Bobby K, the founder of NEPA Horror Fest. We talk about the origins of the festival, the challenges of running community events, and why creating a space for indie films, music, and art matters so much. From Murphy’s Law stories to what it takes to bring Hollywood-quality experiences to local communities, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at passion, perseverance, and horror on the big screen.

Topics covered:

• The history and evolution of NEPA Horror Fest

• Why Bobby K started the festival and how it’s grown since 2015

• The challenges of running local community events

• The importance of showcasing independent films and local talent

• Why drive-ins and nostalgic venues matter for culture and connection

• Balancing financial struggles with the reward of community impact

• What’s new at the 11th annual festival, including the night market and live music

• How to support and attend this year’s event

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Murphy’s Law stories
03:00 Local music and festival memories
06:20 Why start a horror film festival in NEPA
07:30 Growth of the festival and major guests
09:00 Bringing Monster Mania–style events to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
10:00 Why indie films need a platform
12:00 Nostalgia and the drive-in experience
13:20 Film submission process and global reach
15:00 Defining success beyond the numbers
17:40 Event details: October 11th at Circle Drive-In
19:40 Night market, live music, and family-friendly atmosphere
21:50 Why supporting local culture matters