Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley : Horror’s Next Generation of Filmmakers NO DRAMA with Chandler Crump, Charlie Dennis, Helena Hawkes, Jared Leaf, and Ariel Zengotita
SHOW NOTES
Horror has always been a space for bold voices. In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley sits down with five up-and-coming filmmakers fresh off their short films premiering at the 50th Anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival. Chandler Crump, Charlie Dennis, Helena Hawkes, Jared Leaf, and Ariel Zengotita were selected for NO DRAMA, a global talent experience powered by Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Each filmmaker brings a distinct point of view, using horror as a lens for personal expression and sharp social commentary—making their shorts as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Together they reflect on their inspirations, the challenges of creating horror in short form, and the thrill of premiering their work at one of the largest film festivals in the world. From first encounters with the genre to behind-the-scenes stories about collaborators and surprises, this conversation captures the humor, heart, and ambition of a new generation of horror storytellers.
Meet the filmmakers and their films:
Each filmmaker brings a distinct point of view, using horror as a lens for personal expression and sharp social commentary—making their shorts as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Together they reflect on their inspirations, the challenges of creating horror in short form, and the thrill of premiering their work at one of the largest film festivals in the world. From first encounters with the genre to behind-the-scenes stories about collaborators and surprises, this conversation captures the humor, heart, and ambition of a new generation of horror storytellers.
Meet the filmmakers and their films:
- Helena Hawkes — Thick Skin: Body-horror obsession peels back the demons within.
- Chandler Crump — Morty: A stuffed toy’s online counterpart opens a door to something darker.
- Charlie Dennis — The Pigs Underneath: A working-class community trapped by a brutal survival quota.
- Jared Leaf — Spilled Milk: A Black father’s search for answers leads to the Milkman—and a reckoning.
- Ariel Zengotita — Imago: A toxic mother-daughter bond turns monstrous as transformation begins.
Seen on Screen with Jacqueline Coley
"Seen on Screen" is your ticket to the personal narratives behind the scenes at Universal. Hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, each episode invites you into lively conversations with NBCUniversal employees. Together, we explore how the magic of filmed entertainment impacts their lives.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
With a blend of games and questions, Jacqueline guides us through a journey of cinematic discovery, asking guests to reflect on the films that have rocked their world, changed them forever, or even scared the daylights out of them.
At Universal, we believe that behind every film, campaign, and award lies a human story waiting to be told. "Make It Universal" isn’t just a mantra – it’s a commitment to celebrating the diversity, individuality, and collective experiences that make us truly universal. From the directors to the executives, from the famous faces to the unsung heroes, every voice matters.
So, join us as we Make It Universal on "Seen on Screen," where every story is meaningful, every experience is relatable, and every moment is filled with magic. Because when art and entertainment connect with people on a human level, that's when the real magic happens.
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