Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Braden Timmons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Braden, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
I’ve loved movies for as long as I can remember. Growing up, going to the theater or renting the latest releases became more than just an escape; it was a way to dream. I can still picture myself sitting on the carpet of my childhood living room, wide-eyed and completely captivated by the magic of storytelling on screen. Every film felt like a new adventure, and I lived for the moments when the lights dimmed and the screen came alive.
But for a long time, the idea of making movies felt distant—something other people did. It wasn’t until college that I found the confidence to believe that I, too, could create stories worth telling. I had always carried this desire, but college became the catalyst. Surrounded by diverse people, new ideas, and professors who saw potential in me, I began to understand that filmmaking wasn’t just a dream; it could be a reality. That realization was the turning point—it wasn’t just about loving movies anymore. It was about creating them.
The Birth of Haddonfield Nightmare, Sally, and The Last Nightmare Part One
The first real breakthrough came with The Haddonfield Nightmare. Halloween had always been one of my favorite franchises, and I wanted to pay homage to it while bringing my own creative voice to the table. The idea came from countless hours dissecting horror films with friends, asking, “What would we do differently?” I poured everything into it—late nights, trial and error, and the belief that people would connect with my vision. It was terrifying and exhilarating, but I knew I was onto something when I saw the audience’s reaction.
Sally was born out of a completely different space than my other projects. It was a deeply personal story, one that stemmed from my childhood fears—fears so vivid they still linger in the corners of my memory. Growing up, I was haunted by the idea of a girl with long black hair living in my family’s attic. It wasn’t just a fleeting thought but a fear that stayed with me, especially after seeing The Grudge. That film was more than just a horror movie; it gave me actual nightmares and left a lasting impression on my imagination.
Writing Sally was a vulnerable process. I wasn’t just creating a horror story; I was confronting the fears that shaped my childhood and asking myself why they resonated with me. The result was a story that felt deeply personal yet universal, tapping into the primal fear of what lies unseen in the dark corners of our lives.
Then came The Last Nightmare Part One, which felt like the culmination of everything I’d learned as a filmmaker, and the fact that it only serves as PART ONE of our epic conclusion only makes me so much more excited. It was ambitious, bold, and an actual test of my storytelling ability. I wanted to push the boundaries, take risks, and prove to myself—and others—that I could create something that lived up to the Halloween legacy while standing out as uniquely mine and my team’s.
The Genesis of BAT Productions
The idea for BAT Productions didn’t come overnight. It was born out of a need to create, collaborate, and offer something meaningful to the world. Starting my creative services business felt daunting initially, but I knew I had something unique to offer. BAT Productions wasn’t just about making films; it was about building a community of storytellers with the same passion and drive.
The inspiration came during my time working on independent projects. I saw firsthand how powerful collaboration could be, but I also saw the gaps in resources and support for emerging creatives. BAT Productions became my way of filling those gaps, offering services, mentorship, guidance, and a platform for new voices. The decision to start the company wasn’t just emotional—it was logical. I understood the industry’s needs and believed I had the skills, connections, and determination to succeed.
Why I Knew It Would Work
The logic was simple but profound: I had spent years studying the craft, building relationships, and honing my skills. I knew the demand for fresh perspectives and high-quality production was there, and I was ready to meet it. But beyond the logic, it was the passion that drove me. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Filmmaking was—and still is—my way of making sense of the world, of leaving a mark.
Sure, there were moments of doubt, but every time I watched someone connect with a story I had brought to life, it reaffirmed my purpose. It wasn’t just about succeeding but creating something that mattered. And with each project, I’ve learned, grown, and become even more certain that this is the path I was meant to walk.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of movies to inspire, transport, and connect people across time and space. Growing up, I immersed myself in films, whether watching classics, seeking out hidden gems, or analyzing my favorite scenes frame by frame. But it wasn’t until I was in college that I found the courage to turn my love for film into a career. During those years, I realized filmmaking wasn’t just a passion—it was my purpose.
Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to creating meaningful stories through film and other creative mediums. Today, I am not only a filmmaker and producer but also the founder of BAT Productions, my own creative services business. Alongside that, I am a Senior Academic Success Advisor and part-time faculty member, where I share my love for education and creativity with the next generation of learners.
My filmmaking journey started like many others—with a dream and a camera. From the very beginning, I was driven by a desire to tell stories that resonate with people and connect emotionally. What makes our journey special is the sense of community that has supported us along the way. All of our projects so far have been crowdfunded, which speaks volumes about our audience’s trust and belief in what we do. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to bring people together.
Along the way, I realized the need for a creative outlet for myself and others. That’s how BAT Productions came to life. I wanted to create a space where passionate storytellers could come together, collaborate, and bring their visions to life, whether it’s through films, short-form content, or other creative projects. One of my proudest achievements is seeing how my work has resonated with audiences. Whether it’s a fan reaching out to say how much one of our films meant to them or just a small comment our team sees when someone talks about our work in reviews, those moments make all the hard work worth it.
I’m also proud of the community I’ve built through BAT Productions. Every project is collaborative, and I’m grateful to work with talented and passionate individuals, such as my producing partner Zack Dionne, who is talented in almost everything production-related. I want fans to know that everything our team creates comes from a place of authenticity and passion. My goal is always to tell stories that matter, whether mine or those of the people I work with. I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools to connect, inspire, and create change—and I’m committed to using that tool to make a difference.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal and mission driving my team’s creativity is our passion for storytelling through film. We all love movies—that’s a given. In fact, loving movies is essential if you want to make them. Ultimately, it all comes down to the passion we have for the stories we want to tell. That passion is what keeps us motivated and inspired.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Zack Dionne has been an integral part of our team since we first collaborated in 2021. He joined our debut film, The Haddonfield Nightmare, as co-cinematographer and has served as cinematographer on every project we’ve worked on since. We even had the opportunity to co-write and co-direct The Last Nightmare Part One together.
I’ve been fortunate to work with almost the same team since The Haddonfield Nightmare. While some might say working with different teams on different projects can be ideal, I’ve hesitated because of how well we collaborate. This team has an incredible dynamic, and I see us only improving with time.
There’s a lot more on the horizon for both Zack and me, and I’m excited for what’s next!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batproductionsofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braden.timmons
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-timmons-ms-33914a130/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BradenTimmons
Image Credits
Zack Dionne, Sean Groves, Chad Sumner