Exploring the Craft of Horror: Phillip Gellat Discusses The First Word on Horror
(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)
The Cinema Group’s own Jonathan P. Moustakas recently sat down with acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller Phillip Gellat to delve into his latest project, The First Word on Horror. This fifteen-part documentary series, produced by Etch Studio, profiles some of the most notable contemporary horror writers, blending their creative philosophies with immersive storytelling. The conversation offered an illuminating look at Gellat’s creative process and the inspirations behind this groundbreaking series.
The Genesis of the Project
The First Word on Horror Title Card // image courtesy EG PR
When asked about the origins of The First Word on Horror, Gellat shared that his lifelong passion for horror literature and his love of storytelling inspired the series. “I grew up reading Stephen King, Clive Barker, and H.P. Lovecraft,” Gellat reflected. “Many years later, I became friends with one of the featured authors, Larry Baron, who had such a fascinating life—growing up in rural Alaska, working as a dog sled racer, and surviving near-death experiences. I knew I had to capture his story on camera.”
What began as a single film featuring Baron quickly expanded into a multi-episode series. “Once the piece on Larry went well, I knew I wanted to explore the lives and creative minds of other influential authors,” Gellat explained. “The series gradually came together as I added incredible writers like Steven Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, and Mariana Enriquez, all of whom bring unique voices to the horror genre.”
Diverse Voices in Horror
Paul Tremblay in The First Word on Horror // image courtesy EG PR
A significant focus of the project was ensuring diversity among the authors profiled. “Women are such avid readers and vital contributors to the genre,” Gellat remarked. This sentiment led to the inclusion of Elizabeth Hand and Mariana Enriquez. “Paul [Tremblay] introduced me to Elizabeth, and I knew Mariana was making waves internationally. She was gracious enough to sit down for an interview during her New York press tour.”
The mix of writers, Gellat noted, brought together a spectrum of creative energies. “It was a blend of personalities that worked so well,” he said. “Each of them has a distinct voice, which made for a rich exploration of what horror truly means.”
Crafting a Horror Documentary
Creating a documentary about horror literature required a stylistic approach as unconventional as the genre itself. “Horror in a documentary setting is a tricky one,” Gellat admitted. “We didn’t want it to feel like traditional true crime. Instead, we interwove in-depth interviews with the authors alongside visual interpretations of their short stories.”
Gellat described the editing process as an organic evolution. “We developed a unique visual language for each reading,” he explained. “The result is a hybrid of part horror film and part author interview—creating something that feels immersive, compelling, and true to the spirit of horror.”
From Literature to the Screen
Author Stephen Graham Jones. // image courtesy EG PR
The series not only profiles the authors’ creative philosophies but also underscores the integral relationship between horror literature and other forms of media. “Horror has always had a profound impact on cinema,” Gellat noted. “The vast majority of films and TV series in the genre originate from someone sitting at a keyboard, crafting a story.”
Gellat sees horror’s current popularity in film and television as a reflection of the resurgence in horror literature. “It’s an exciting time for the genre,” he said. “Writers like the ones featured in this series are pushing boundaries, and their work is finally getting the attention it deserves.”
Challenges and Aspirations
When asked about the challenges of creating The First Word on Horror, Gellat confessed that narrowing down the featured authors was the hardest part. “There are so many voices I’d love to include,” he admitted. “If this series is successful, I hope to expand it to profile even more writers.”
In terms of the project’s impact, Gellat hopes viewers will discover new authors. “I want audiences to fall in love with these writers’ work, to explore their books, and share their discoveries with others,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal—celebrating the art and creativity of horror.”
What’s Next for Gellat
(Photo by Will Ragozzino/Getty Images)
As The First Word on Horror prepares for its February 7th release on Substack via Etch Studio, Gellat hinted at future projects. “We’ll have another project releasing on Substack later this year,” he shared. “I’m also working on a long-anticipated video game that I’m excited about. There’s a lot to look forward to.”
A Blend of Horror and Humanity
In The First Word on Horror, Phillip Gellat has created a series that bridges the gap between fact and fiction, revealing the intimate, often haunting, creative processes of today’s most prominent horror writers. With its unique blend of documentary and storytelling, the series promises to be a compelling exploration of the genre’s enduring appeal.
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Watch The First Word on Horror Trailer Below:
The First Word on Horror
Synopsis:
The First Word on Horror profiles five of today’s finest horror writers, offering an intimate look at their lives, inspirations, and creative philosophies. Blending interviews, visual storytelling, and immersive readings of their work, the series provides a haunting exploration of how human experience transforms into artistic expression.
Release Date: February 7th, 2025, exclusively on Substack via Etch Studio.
FIRST WORD ON HORROR- FULL Episode Release Dates
February 7 - Stephen Graham Jones
February 21st - Paul Tremblay
March 14th - Elizabeth Hand
April 4th - Laird Barron
April 24th - Mariana Enriquez
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