Stephen Cognetti, TFM '04

Stephen is most known for directing the popular Hell House LLC movies. The most recent film in the franchise, Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor, released in 2023. Cognetti is planning another film in the series for 2025.

Gary Dauberman, TFM '02

Gary’s career has largely been focused on the horror genre, with writing and/or executive producing roles on films such as Annabelle, Annabelle: Creation, It, The Nun, It: Chapter Two and The Nun II. He added directorial duties for both Annabelle Comes Home and this year's Salem’s Lot.

Colman Domingo, Former Owl

Colman may be most well-known for his role as Victor Strand in Fear the Walking Dead since 2015, but he has also appeared in series like Lucifer and The Twilight Zone, as well as 2021’s Candyman remake. 

Brian Duffield, Former Owl

Brian has worked on Divergent: Insurgent and Cocaine Bear, and is no stranger to the horror genre, writing for Quarantine, Underwater, Love and Monsters and The Babysitter. His latest project is his directorial debut, No One Will Save You, which premiered in 2023 on Hulu. 

Adam McKay, CLA ’90

Adam may be most known for directing comedies like Anchorman, Step Brothers and The Big Short, but he also boasts producing duties on genre movies Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Fresh and The Menu. 

Monica Moore-Suriyage, TFM ’14

Monica broke out with her short film, Black In Red Out, which led her to being featured in Horror Noire, appearing alongside Jordan Peele. Her horror short, La Ciguapa Siempre, earned 2023 Oscar award consideration after winning Best Narrative Short at the 2021 Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. 

Danielle Pinnock, TFM ’10

You may have seen Danielle on CBS’s Young Sheldon or heard her voice on animated projects for Cartoon Network, Dreamworks and Netflix. Her spookiest role is her current one, as singer Alberta Haynes on the CBS hit comedy Ghosts. 

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, TFM ’09

You may have seen or heard the now Academy Award-winning Da’Vine in films like The Holdovers, The Lost City, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Dolemite Is My Name, or series like The Last O.G., Ultra City Smiths and The Idol. Her current role in the genre is playing Detective Williams on Only Murders in the Building. 

Tyler Sablich, KLN ’14

Tyler launched his podcast, Corn Syrup: A Horror Podcast, in July 2020, with friend Michael Keenan. The two review horror films, interview actors and rank popular horror movies. Their logo was designed by fellow Owl Christian Hochstelter, ENG ’14. 

Jill Scott, EDU ’96

Jill Scott is most known for her singing career, but she has a lengthy acting career as well, in movies like Why Did I Get Married? and series like Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane. For genre fans, she appeared in a 2012 episode of sci-fi drama Fringe and had a recurring role on Black Lightning. 

Ben Semanoff, TFM ’01

Ben has directed for numerous television shows, like Ozark, Tulsa King and Yellowjackets, as well as more horror-oriented series like Stranger Things, The Outsider, One Of Us Is Lying, Candy and I Know What You Did Last Summer. 

Dan Trachtenberg, TFM ’03

Dan is best known for his work in the horror genre, working on episodes of Black Mirror, The Boys, The Lost Symbol and the upcoming season of Stranger Things. He made his directorial debut on 2016’s 10 Cloverfield Lane and also directed 2022’s Prey. 

Jesse Williams, TFM ’03

Jesse is most known for Grey’s Anatomy, but he has also appeared in other shows like Power, Little Fires Everywhere and Station 19. He guested on the last season of Only Murders in the Building, but his most memorable role in the genre may be 2012’s The Cabin in the Woods.