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November 25, 2025 103 mins
In this episode, indie filmmaker Joe Begos shares insights into his career, detailing his journey from a young horror fan to a prominent independent director. He recounts his early love for horror films, guided by the impactful box art at his local video store, and his decision to forgo film school in favor of hands-on experience. Begos discusses pivotal moments in his life and career, including a life-changing accident that influenced his creative process and the evolution of his unique filmmaking style. He delves into the making of his films such as 'Almost Human,' 'Bliss,' 'VFW,' and 'Christmas Bloody Christmas,' highlighting the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking. The conversation also covers his collaborations, filming techniques, and his experiences with larger budgets, all while maintaining creative control. The episode provides an in-depth look at Begos' passion for genre films, his innovative approach to storytelling, and his dedication to his craft. 00:00 A Bloody Start 00:34 Welcome to Vember 01:50 Introducing Joe Begus 02:49 Joe Begus' Early Career 05:33 Almost Human and Beyond 09:15 The Mind's Eye and Bliss 15:22 VFW and Christmas Bloody Christmas 19:24 Joe Begus' Unique Style 27:32 Setting the Scene: Jimmy and STIGs Vibe 27:50 Behind the Scenes: Filming Jimmy and STIGs 28:37 The Roadshow and Collaborations 29:59 Creating During the Pandemic 31:15 Challenges of Filming on a Budget 32:47 The Evolution of Jimmy and STIGs 37:09 Childhood Influences and Video Store Memories 48:20 Early Career and Filmmaking Journey 50:34 Working with Stewart Gordon 52:20 Making Almost Human 54:39 Navigating the Studio System 58:05 Alien Fascination and Pop Culture 01:02:45 Shooting on Film: Challenges and Rewards 01:04:02 Discussion on Jimmy and STIGs 01:04:35 Connecting with Horror Section Studios 01:05:31 The Unexpected Breakthrough with Eli Roth 01:08:04 The Cliff Incident in Europe 01:13:47 The Evolution from Mind's Eye to Bliss 01:15:50 Directing VFW and Overcoming Challenges 01:27:20 Christmas, Bloody Christmas and Big Budgets 01:37:06 Promotions and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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