We recently connected with Nick Muhlbach and have shared our conversation below.

Nick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The mission behind “Everyday Dread” is to explore and heighten awareness of the subtle, real-world dangers and anxieties that people face in their daily lives. My goal with this series is not just to entertain, but to encourage viewers to become more vigilant and reflective about the unsettling moments that can occur in ordinary situations. By dramatizing these everyday fears, We hope to foster a sense of caution and mindfulness, potentially helping people recognize and navigate threats in their own lives.

At its core, “Everyday Dread” is about shining a light on the quiet, often-overlooked sources of unease that surround us, transforming mundane experiences into moments of suspense and introspection. Through storytelling, We aim to bridge the gap between horror fiction and the real anxieties that shape our behavior, ultimately empowering viewers to confront and understand the dread that exists in the everyday.

Nick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in film began back in high school, where an early fascination with video editing set me on a path that would become my lifelong passion. Initially, I thought I’d pursue graphic design, but discovering the world of post-production and storytelling through moving images changed everything for me.

After graduating from Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, I dove headfirst into filmmaking, cutting my teeth on ambitious projects like my Star Wars fan film “The Rise of Ren”, created with my friend Matthew Thomas. What started as a short film quickly grew into an hour-long feature, giving me my first taste of co-directing and visual effects work. That experience taught me the importance of adaptability and collaboration-skills I carried into my later projects. It also built life long friendships and future collaboration on incoming projects I cannot wait to talk about.

One of my biggest milestones was co-creating “A Shattered Diamond,” my first feature film, with my friend Lou DeNardo. That project was a crash course in everything from casting to location management, and it set the stage for future collaborations. Since then, I’ve directed and edited numerous shorts and features, including “Calendar,” which marked a significant leap in my growth as a filmmaker and team leader. Building Troubadour Films with Lou has allowed us to foster a close-knit, family-like atmosphere on set-something I believe is key to bringing out the best in every project.

“Everyday Dread” is a special project for me because it represents my evolution from director and editor to writer-director. For the first time in nearly a decade, I’m bringing my own scripts to life, blending my love of genre storytelling with a darkly comedic twist-imagine an episode of “Full House” invaded by a slasher villain, and you get the idea. This series has pushed me creatively and reaffirmed my belief in trusting my instincts, embracing my quirks, and letting actors and collaborators bring their own magic to the process.

Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to earn several awards and industry recognition, but what matters most to me is the opportunity to support and elevate Cleveland’s independent film scene. Whether I’m editing, directing, or producing, I’m always eager to help others tell their stories and to keep learning with every project.

I am also a frequent collaborator with Johnny Wu and MDI Film, who I have learned so much from, and created some amazing work with. I look up to him dearly.

Looking back, I’d tell my younger self to buckle in and enjoy the ride-because the friendships, creative fulfillment, and sheer joy of making movies have been worth every challenge. And if I could give one piece of advice to aspiring filmmakers, it’s this: never underestimate the power of a great team, and don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What I find most rewarding about being a filmmaker is the ability to bring stories to life that resonate with people and create a shared experience. There’s nothing quite like seeing a project come together-from the initial idea to the finished film-and knowing that it can move, entertain, or inspire an audience. Winning the Audience Choice Champion Belt at the Indie Gathering International Film Festival for “A Shattered Diamond” was a particularly meaningful moment because it showed that our story connected with viewers beyond just friends and family, reaching a broader film community.

I also deeply value the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Working with talented actors, writers, and crew members to realize a vision is incredibly fulfilling. Each project teaches me something new, whether it’s about storytelling, technical skills, or leadership. For example, directing and editing “Everyday Dread” has allowed me to blend my love for genre storytelling with a dark comedic twist, pushing my creativity in exciting ways.

Moreover, supporting and being part of Cleveland’s independent film scene is a source of pride for me. Helping to elevate local talent and seeing our community grow creatively is a big part of why I keep making films. The friendships and connections made through this work are invaluable, and I’m always eager to help others bring their projects to life in any way I can, especially through post-production work like editing and visual effects.

Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is the joy of creation itself-the chance to tell unique stories, collaborate with passionate people, and contribute to a vibrant, supportive filmmaking community.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey as a filmmaker is driven by a mission to tell stories that resonate on a deeply human level and to help build a thriving independent film community in Cleveland. I want my films to be relatable, capturing the slice-of-life humanity that connects with audiences-much like Kevin Smith’s “Clerks” did for his generation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @muhlbachcinema
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayDread