What does it take to turn a screenplay into a terrifying feature film? On this episode of The Writers Hangout, host Sandy welcomes Daniel Byers, writer and director of Dark Hollow, an independent folk-horror film that blends Appalachian folklore, practical creature effects, and a chilling story rooted in the region’s coal-mining history.
Daniel’s screenplay, originally titled Paradise, won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, helping launch the film’s journey to production and distribution. In this fascinating conversation, Daniel takes us behind the scenes of bringing Dark Hollow to life, from developing its terrifying creature to filming inside a real coal mine and using cutting-edge virtual production technology to create otherworldly environments.
Daniel also shares how his unusual childhood, growing up in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia, influenced his storytelling and fascination with horror. He discusses his early love of monsters, his years as a documentary filmmaker, and how the landscapes and cultures he experienced helped shape the visual world of Dark Hollow.
For writers and aspiring filmmakers, this episode is packed with practical insights, including why a screenplay should be treated as a literary work rather than simply a blueprint, why rewriting continues throughout production and editing, and what Daniel learned from cutting nearly a third of his original film during the editing process.
We also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, the challenges of securing distribution, the importance of marketing, and how changes in the streaming industry are affecting filmmakers. Daniel offers thoughtful advice on film school, finding mentors, building a creative community, and why assembling the right team can be just as important as writing a great script.
Plus, Daniel shares his approach to a productive writing day, how he handles writer’s block, what happens when a real cat refuses to follow directions on set, and his thoughts on the emerging world of vertical filmmaking.
Whether you're a screenwriter, an aspiring director, an independent filmmaker, or a horror fan curious about what happens behind the camera, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at the creative and business sides of making movies.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Daniel’s extraordinary childhood in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia.
- How his early experiences inspired his love of monsters and horror.
- The story behind Dark Hollow and its award-winning screenplay.
- Creating a terrifying creature with practical effects and CGI.
- Filming in a real coal mine and using virtual production technology.
- How a screenplay evolves through writing, production, and editing.
- Why some of the best storytelling happen in scenes that never make the final cut.
- The challenges of independent film financing, distribution, and marketing.
- What aspiring screenwriters should know about film school and finding mentors.
- Why building a strong creative team is essential to filmmaking.
- The pros and cons of vertical storytelling and short-form content.
- Daniel’s writing routine, creative rituals, and advice for overcoming writer’s block.
About Daniel Byers
Daniel Byers is a screenwriter, director, and filmmaker with a background in documentary filmmaking. He earned a BA in screenwriting from Brown University and an MFA in screenwriting and directing from Columbia University. His screenplay Dark Hollow won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, and he went on to write and direct the independent folk-horror feature. His work draws on his experiences across different cultures and landscapes, combining atmospheric storytelling with an interest in the relationship between people, place, and the natural world.
Listen now, and keep writing!
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