An Interview with Phil Herman, Writer and Producer of The Usher

by Mike Haberfelner

July 2026

Your upcoming movie The Usher - in a few words, what's it about?

The Usher is an old school slasher with a modern edge. It’s set inside a once-grand movie theater that has become the hunting ground of a mysterious killer known only as "The Usher". At its core, it’s a love letter to the golden age of horror while telling an original story about revenge, obsession, and the ghosts of the past. We want audiences to feel like they’ve stepped into a creepy theater where every shadow could hide a killer and every ticket could be their last.

You're currently running a fundraiser for The Usher - so do talk about your campaign for a bit!

Crowdfunding has become such an important part of independent filmmaking because it allows fans to become part of the journey instead of just watching the finished product. Our campaign isn’t simply about raising money it’s about building a community around The Usher. We’ve created perks that let supporters become part of the film through producer credits, IMDb credits, merchandise, and even opportunities to appear in the movie itself. Every donation, whether it’s five Dollars or five hundred, helps us bring the vision to life. And if someone can’t donate, sharing the campaign is just as valuable. Independent horror has always thrived because fans support one another, and we’re incredibly grateful for every person who’s helping us make The Usher a reality.

https://crowdfundr.com/Usher2026crowdfund

With The Usher being a slasher movie, is that a genre especially dear to you, and some of your genre favourites?

Absolutely. Slashers are the films that made me fall in love with horror. Growing up with classics like Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, My Bloody Valentine and Black Christmas taught me that great horror isn’t just about the kills it’s about suspense, atmosphere, memorable characters and creating an iconic villain. Those movies have stood the test of time because they gave audiences characters they never forgot. That’s exactly what we’re hoping to achieve with The Usher.

(Other) sources of inspiration when writing The Usher?

Movie theaters have always fascinated me. They’re magical places where people escape reality for a couple of hours, but they’re also incredibly eerie when they’re empty. Long hallways, dark auditoriums, projection booths, flickering lights they’re naturally creepy. I also wanted to celebrate cinema itself. The Usher isn’t just another slasher. It’s a film made by people who genuinely love movies, and I think audiences will feel that passion throughout the story.

What can you tell us about The Usher's approach to horror?

We’re focusing on practical effects, tension, atmosphere and character rather than relying on jump scares every few minutes. We want the audience to care about the people before the horror begins. Of course there will be creative kills and plenty of blood for slasher fans, but we’re trying to build suspense the way classic horror films did. Sometimes what you don’t see is even scarier than what you do.

Do talk about The Usher's director James Panetta, and what's your collaboration like?

James Panetta is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly talented, but what impresses me most is his passion. Independent filmmaking demands endless hours, constant problem-solving, and a willingness to wear multiple hats. James does all of that without ever losing sight of the story. Our collaboration is built on trust. I’ll write something ambitious, and instead of telling me it can’t be done, James starts figuring out how we’re going to make it happen. We challenge each other creatively, and I honestly believe that’s why our projects continue to get stronger.

The Usher isn't your first time working with James Panetta - so what can you tell us about your previous collaborations, and how did the two of you first meet even?

James and I first connected through our shared love of independent horror filmmaking and Debbie D [Debbie D interview - click here] who was working with him, and it didn’t take long to realize we had the same goals. We both wanted to create films that respected the audience while proving independent filmmakers could produce quality work on limited budgets. Since then we’ve worked together on several projects, including Survive the End, Amityville: Descendants of Darkness, The Actor’s Curse and now The Usher. Every production teaches us something new and each project strengthens our friendship as much as our working relationship. We’ve become more like family than simply collaborators.

Back to The Usher: What do you see are the main challenges of bringing your movie to the screen from a producer's point of view?

Independent filmmaking is always about balancing creative ambition with financial reality. Every Dollar has to appear on screen. Finding the right locations, coordinating schedules, securing equipment, creating quality practical effects and making sure everyone has what they need are constant challenges. But honestly, those challenges are also what make independent filmmaking so rewarding - when everyone believes in the project and works together, amazing things can happen.

Anything you can tell us about The Usher's cast yet, and why exactly these people?

We’re assembling a cast filled with talented performers who understand this genre and truly care about the project. We don’t cast based on popularity, we cast based on talent, professionalism and whether someone fits the character. Many of the actors we’re working with have become friends over the years, and they’ve consistently delivered incredible performances in our previous films. That trust is invaluable because everyone comes to set committed to making the best movie possible. So far we have Ralph Rey, Deanna Marie, Johnny Logan Harley, Will Devokees, Debbie D, Ron Cote, Shawn Rey, Danny Griffith, John Wallace, Kristina Santiago, Mel Heflin, Will Horton, Phil Herman.

I think much of The Usher's success also depends on finding the right location - so do you have any particular cinema you'll film at in mind already, and why exactly there?

The theater is almost another character in the movie, so finding the perfect location is incredibly important. We need a cinema with personality, one that feels like it has decades of stories hidden within its walls. Without giving too much away, we’ve been exploring several possibilities, and we’re determined to find a location that immediately draws audiences into the world of The Usher. When people see the film, I want them to remember the theater just as much as they remember the killer.

Once the budget's in place, what's the schedule - and any idea when and where The Usher might be released yet?

Once funding is complete, we’ll move into final pre-production before cameras begin rolling this fall. We want to make sure every detail is in place before filming starts because preparation makes all the difference. As for release, the goal is to bring The Usher to do a theatrical run first before expanding to streaming platforms and physical media. We want horror fans everywhere to have the opportunity to experience it.

Any future projects beyond The Usher you'd like to share?

We’re fortunate to have several exciting projects moving forward. The Actor’s Curse: A Tale of Twisted Fate has just found distribution with Blood Pact Films, which we’re incredibly excited about. Survive the End is currently in post-production, and there are several other horror projects in development that I can’t quite announce yet. There may be a big announcement on an old favorite returning again. But as a writer, I’m always creating. Once one project finishes, another story is already waiting to be told.

Your/your movie's website, social media, Crowdfundr, whatever else?

The best place to keep up with everything is through our official social media pages, where we post casting announcements, behind the scenes updates, production news, and campaign information.

Our Crowdfundr campaign - https://crowdfundr.com/Usher2026crowdfund -  is currently live, and we’d love for horror fans to check it out, support if they’re able, and share it with fellow horror lovers. Every share helps us reach another potential supporter.

 Also check out the Usher Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1304320918548530

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Phil Herman at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find Phil Herman here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai

Thanks for the interview!

Thank you so much for having me. It’s always a pleasure to talk about filmmaking and the passion that goes into creating these projects. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share The Usher with your readers, and I hope they’ll follow the journey as we bring this film to life. Your support of independent horror and independent filmmakers means more than you know. I can’t wait for everyone to step inside the theater… and meet The Usher.

© by Mike Haberfelner

Legal note: (re)Search my Trash cannot
and shall not be held responsible for
content of sites from a third party.

Thanks for watching !!!