Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Bobby Roe’s “Will Helm” is a meta horror-thriller that explores the behind-the-scenes world of sound mixing a classic horror film, blending practical effects with a compelling narrative.
- The film’s innovative use of prosthetics and practical gore effects, crafted by industry veterans, marks a bold creative choice that serves the story rather than gratuitous shock.
- Roe’s independent filmmaking ethos shines through, balancing artistic vision with budget realities, and aiming to spark continued conversation among audiences long after the credits roll.
Bobby Roe, director of the chilling short “Will Helm,” invites audiences to step into a 1994 soundbooth where the line between horror fiction and reality blurs. Starring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills and Mara Marini from “Parks & Recreation,” the film showcases Roe’s knack for meta storytelling and practical effects mastery. With “Will Helm” selected for FilmQuest 2025, Roe shares insights on his creative journey and the challenges of bringing this unique horror-thriller to life.
What drew you to make “Will Helm”? Why this story, and why now?
This is a story we want to tell as a feature, so this is a proof of concept to convey idea to the studios.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
“Working with all practical effects was amazing. Rob Hinderstein (Jurassic Park) pulled off some violent kills for us that I am so proud of.”
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?
“I think the meta moments are stories that I am drawn to. The ‘wait, could this be a real thing?’ audience reactions.”
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
I wanted to do it as a oner. But the blood cleanup, effects made it too hard on a budget.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope they say I want to see the 90 minute version of this.
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
I am not a big gore guy, this is an example of gore for a purpose that propels the story forward and it was necessary.
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?
I had never worked with a full facial prosthetics before. Our 55 year old Wes Craven is actually a 24 year old kid.
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
We are able to execute 90% of our pure vision without studio notes. I only leave out the 10% because budgetary constraints sometimes dictates how a certain scene has to be pulled off.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for FilmQuest, one of the world’s top reviewed genre film festivals?
I have always heard great things about the festival, so it was an honor and look forward to attending.
FilmQuest celebrates the majesty and might of genre filmmaking across fantasy, horror, sci-fi, action, thriller, western, kung-fu, and beyond. How does your film fit within—or push the boundaries of—genre storytelling?
Hopefully it's a horror/thriller story that no one has fully thought could exist in real life.
Where do you see this film going next?
As a feature, but need studio involvement for this one to be executed properly. Can go into that more in interview.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to make people leaving the theatre still talk about the story the next day.”
Cast & Crew
- Bobby Roe — Director
- Zack Andrews — Producer
- Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills) — Lead Actor
- Mara Marini (“Parks & Recreation”) — Lead Actress
Learn more about the film in their website or their film project page.
