We were lucky to catch up with Phil Herman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Phil, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

Being an indie filmmaker, the constant challenge lies in securing the necessary budget. My partner, Joel D Wynkoop, and I typically finance our films straight from our own pockets, occasionally utilizing pre-sales and crowdfunding on platforms like Indiegogo, though it often falls short of our requirements. On top of that, unforeseen expenses have a way of cropping up during production. Yet, with our combined experience of over 30 years in the world of filmmaking, we’ve learned to navigate these financial hurdles, always finding a way to deliver our completed projects in a timely manner, driven by our passion for the craft.

Phil, 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?

Throughout my journey as a filmmaker, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the genre with classics like “Burglar from Hell” and “The Jacker Series.” What sets my story apart is that I’m still actively creating movies today. My films cater to horror genre enthusiasts, often made on a tight budget. Over the course of more than three decades, I’ve delivered memorable movies, providing a launchpad for many actors and actresses who’ve moved on to greater things thanks to these projects. These films, I like to say, serve as a working resume, promising viewers a good time and a break from reality during weekend gatherings with friends, complete with pizza and beer.

While we never quite made it to Hollywood, our work reached a broad audience through small-time distributors, streaming, and self-distribution. We get the word out, and audiences have told me they get a great experience for their investment. My skills as a writer, director, producer, and even actor have developed over the years, largely thanks to the talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

My journey began as a 14-year-old kid with no professional training, armed with a bulky Hitachi VHS camcorder. It was primitive editing, but it was how things were done in the ’80s when Shot On Video (SOV) was prominent. Technology evolved, and our films progressed, but we always operated on a budget, even temporarily buying high-quality equipment to ensure clean edits and great sound.

As we expanded beyond my neighborhood, our movies became more complex, with in-depth scripts, actors, and various locations. We gained recognition, featured in magazines, and graced convention floors and video store shelves. My childhood friends, Bryant Sohl and Barry Gaines, were integral to my early success, each wearing multiple hats in the filmmaking process. The release of “Hell on Earth: Arena of Death” was a milestone, taking nearly six years to complete but ultimately setting us on a path to further filmmaking endeavors.

Though I held the reins on storytelling and getting our movies out, my dedicated team played a crucial role in ensuring our projects came to life. With the advent of the web and computer editing, our work spread far and wide, even reaching a new audience for our older movies. The power to edit and distribute has shifted into our hands, reducing costs and allowing us to maintain creative control.

Now, my current team—Joel D Wynkoop, Marcelo Fabani, Derek Braasch, and James Panetta—continues to work together on our latest projects. We’re currently immersed in our upcoming film, “I Slay on Christmas,” set to be released in December 2023. However, I must admit that I’m gradually feeling the burnout and believe it’s time to reach the next level. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to secure the funds needed for our movies. Therefore, I’ll be exploring opportunities with bigger productions and financial backing to keep the indie spirit alive in a film industry dominated by remakes, sequels, and reboots. This is our moment to shine as indies and bring original ideas to the forefront.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Amidst the multitude of creative artists out there, what sets me apart? Well, it’s the fact that I’ve been at this for over three decades. That level of consistency and appreciation from the audience speaks volumes. I firmly believe that not every movie has to be an award winner because everyone has unique tastes and preferences. There’s no need to conform to a standard film school graduate template; I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, even if it raised a few eyebrows. Those who comment and then vanish are not the ones who truly matter. What counts is that I’m still here, doing what I love and earning respect in the process. The key is to be yourself, unapologetically different, as that’s what makes you an artist. Embrace your uniqueness and strive to create your masterpiece; your canvas is yours to paint.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I used to be averse to social media, considering myself a rather private individual. However, when I finally joined Facebook, I stepped into a whole new world. The doors it has opened are truly invaluable. I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with people from all corners of the globe, and the impact on my sales, viewership, and movie reach has been nothing short of amazing. It’s quite remarkable how a few emails can get you in the right circles, and contracts and deliverables can be seamlessly handled online, all without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0379108/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.herman.969?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Jacker666?si=9oT_LjHRE-DK_4ON
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1421706025278203/?ref=share_group_link

Image Credits
Nancy Herman