220 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team
Oct 31, 2024
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Peyton Elizabeth Lee, star of Hulu's 'Carved' and a Columbia University student, joins Cheryl Meyer, co-writer and advocate for creatives with disabilities. They dive into the art of writing horror and share nostalgic tales from their formative spooky movie experiences. The duo explores the delicate balance between horror and humor, character-driven narratives, and the evolution of their project, 'Carved.' They highlight the importance of collaboration in filmmaking and reflect on how personal journeys shape storytelling in the genre.
The creative journey of 'Carved' was shaped by blending diverse backgrounds, enhancing its storytelling through collaboration between horror and other genres.
Character development is crucial in horror storytelling, with the protagonist Kira's journey symbolizing survival and personal growth amid supernatural chaos.
The film's unique tone balances humor and camp, utilizing practical effects to pay homage to classic horror while engaging a broad audience.
Deep dives
The Creators Behind 'Carved'
The episode features an engaging discussion with Justin Harding and Cheryl Meyer, the creators of 'Carved', a new horror feature available on Hulu. Justin, an accomplished filmmaker with numerous accolades in the horror genre, shares his journey and creative vision for 'Carved', elaborating on the film's development from a short film to a full-length feature. Cheryl, a talented writer with experience in both family dramas and thrillers, discusses her collaboration with Justin and how their different backgrounds enriched the storytelling process. Their collective passion for filmmaking and deep understanding of the horror genre are evident as they share insights about their creative partnership.
The Importance of Character in Horror
A significant focus of the conversation revolves around the character development in 'Carved', particularly that of the protagonist, Kira. The writers emphasize that crafting relatable, three-dimensional characters is vital for audience engagement, even in a horror context where the plot may hinge on supernatural elements. Kira's journey is portrayed as both a survival story and a coming-of-age narrative, as she learns to break free from codependency to find her own strength. This dual narrative adds depth to the film, allowing viewers to connect emotionally with Kira amidst the chaos of the horror elements.
Incorporating Humor and Camp
The episode highlights the intentional blend of humor and camp in 'Carved', which is a tribute to the unique tone of classic horror films. Justin and Cheryl explain that the film aims to balance fright with amusement, creating an entertaining viewing experience that pays homage to beloved campy movies from the past. They discuss how practical effects and absurd concepts, like a killer pumpkin, contribute to this ethos, allowing for a playful exploration of horror tropes. This approach makes 'Carved' accessible to a wide audience while still delivering the thrills expected of the genre.
The Influence of the Horror Genre
Justin and Cheryl also touch on their personal experiences with horror films, discussing the formative influence of iconic movies on their creative development. Their conversations about childhood favorites, such as 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'Jurassic Park', illuminate the lasting impact these films have had on their careers. They assert that horror has the unique ability to evoke strong emotional responses, allowing filmmakers to explore complex themes while entertaining audiences. This understanding shapes their work on 'Carved', encouraging them to incorporate various influences and create a film that resonates with viewers.
Crafting Short Films as a Pathway
The creators advocate for the value of short films as an entry point into the film industry, emphasizing that they provide filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity. Justin shares how his successful short film served as a stepping stone to developing 'Carved', reinforcing that shorts can serve as powerful tools for gaining recognition and opening doors. The discussion illustrates the importance of embracing the process of filmmaking, including the potential for failure, as essential to growth. This supportive stance encourages aspiring filmmakers to experiment and share their unique visions with the world.
On today's eerie episode, we welcome three creatives behind Hulu's new campy horror slasher film, "Carved" - director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee - to talk about horror, and particularly, how to write it. Happy Halloween!