Just another night on the job turns into a night of hell when a food delivery driver is lured into the home of a masked serial killer.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Devan Schoelen

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to make a short film in the tone of my favorite slashers of the 80s/90s/00's, but set today. I work in the food service industry and one night I was packing up a DoorDash order when realized that a food delivery app would serve as a great plot point for a modern slasher.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film manages to tell a fresh new story while simultaneously tipping its hat to the tropes of classic genre films that came before it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Like the main character Sean, I am an actor in Los Angeles trying to build my career, while also working multiple jobs to make ends meet. I think it's very easy to get caught up in the hustle culture of a place like Los Angeles that your awareness, and in Sean's case, judgement, can be compromised.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Once I knew the story I wanted to tell, I wrote the script in a couple of days. I let a few people I trust read it, give feedback and then made some revisions. I repeated this process a couple of times and then eventually locked the script. After scouting the location, I made a couple of minor last-minute changes to better feature the unique house that we were shooting at.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I've received excellent feedback from both people I know as well as total strangers. Praising the film's authenticity and fun atmosphere.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

This being my first film, receiving such positive feedback has validated my instincts as I continue to craft my unique style as a writer/director.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I'm hoping to reach a greater audience, as well as find like-minded creatives and potential future collaborators.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I would love to get in touch with producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists. All of these I believe can help get this film get in front of audiences that will cherish it.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

To me, making a horror movie is like designing a rollercoaster. My goal is to take people on a fun ride.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Are food delivery apps really safe?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

As this film begins its festival run, I'm currently working on my next horror short film.

Interview: November 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

DeadDash

Just another night on the job turns into a night of hell when a food delivery driver is lured into the home of a masked serial killer.

Length: 12:38

Director: Devan Schoelen

Producer: Devan Schoelen

Writer: Devan Schoelen

About the writer, director and producer:

DEVAN SCHOELEN was born and raised in Red Bluff, CA. At the age of 6, he managed to stumble across Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece Jaws and was quickly enamored. The intrigue continued to build, and after crossing paths with the horror section at his local Blockbuster, there was no turning back. He fell in love with classics such as Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer and When A Stranger Calls. At 18, Devan moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. He is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and currently studies at The Groundlings. DeadDash is Devan’s directorial debut.

Key cast: Devan Schoelen, Maria Olsen, Stef Beaton

Looking for: film festival directors, sales agents, distributors, journalists, producers, buyers

Instagram: @devan_schoelen

Hashtags used: #horror #film #shortfilm #deaddash #doordash

Other: IMDb

Funders: Self-Funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Horror Haus Film Festival/Santa Clarita - 10/29; Fright Night Film Fest/Shelbyville, KY - 11/10-11/12