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(L R): Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper, Chris Messina as Will Harper, and Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer Harper in 20th Century

‘The Boogeyman’ Director, Rob Savage, Talks Jump Scares & More With iHorror!

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Written by Ryan Cusick

June 9, 2023

Rob Savage gained recognition for his work in the horror genre and is known for his innovative approach to filmmaking.

Savage first gained attention with his found footage horror short film called Dawn of the Deaf in 2016. The film revolves around a group of deaf individuals who are forced to navigate a world plagued by a sudden outbreak of zombies. It garnered critical acclaim and was showcased at numerous film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival.

Salt was a horror short film that followed the success of Dawn of the Deaf and was released in 2017. Later in 2020, Rob Savage gained significant attention for his feature-length film Host, which was shot entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Host was released on the horror-focused streaming platform, Shudder. Next up was a film, Dash Cam, released in 2022, delivering some shocking visuals and moments to moviegoers.

Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer in 20th Century Studios’ THE BOOGEYMAN. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Now in 2023, Director Rob Savage turns up the heat and brings us The Boogeyman, expanding the world of Stephen King’s short story that was part of his Night Shift collection published back in 1978.

“My vision when I first came on board was if I could make people feel like that terrified kid again, waking up in the middle of the night, imagining something lurking in the darkness” – Rob Savage, Director.

(L-R): Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper and Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer Harper in 20th Century Studios’ THE BOOGEYMAN. Photo by Patti Perret. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

After watching Rob’s films and having a discussion with him, I know that he will be compared to some of our modern horror and suspense filmmakers that we have come to love, such as Mike Flanagan and James Wan; I believe that Rob will go beyond that and be in his own category. His distinctive visual style and bringing fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and a unique artistic vision to his films are only scraping the surface of what’s to come. I cannot wait to watch and follow him on his future storytelling journies.

During our conversation, we discussed the collaboration process with Stephen King’s short story and how it was expanded upon, Stephen King’s feedback on the script and production, and jump scares! We delve into Rob’s favorite Stephen King novel, along with his favorite adaptation from book to screen, the boogeyman folklore, and much more!

Synopsis: High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer are reeling from their mother’s recent death and aren’t getting much support from their father, Will, a therapist who is dealing with his own pain. When a desperate patient unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a terrifying supernatural entity that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims.

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Ryan Cusick is a lifelong horror enthusiast whose passion for the genre began at the age of three. A devoted fan of all things horror, Ryan's favorite film is the iconic A Nightmare on Elm Street, which helped spark a fascination with the genre that continues to this day. From classic slashers and creature features to modern psychological horror, he enjoys exploring the many forms horror storytelling can take. Beyond watching films, Ryan is an active member of the horror community and regularly attends horror conventions, film festivals, screenings, and fan events. He enjoys connecting with filmmakers, actors, content creators, and fellow fans while staying current on the latest developments in the genre. His interests extend to horror history, practical effects, independent filmmaking, and the passionate fandoms that have helped keep horror thriving for generations.

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