The Gist 11: 9/5/2025
A roundup of news from this week at Gestalt Media.
I try to have our updates out every Wednesday, but as we’re all aware, life has a way of happening. Schedules get overloaded, and next thing you know…
I See You Shiver…
We have been neck deep in interviews for Self Scare for about two weeks now. No better reason to be busy. These conversations have been some of the most fulfilling and engaging experiences so far. A project that you love is one thing, but to be able to share the absolute joy we all share in this thing together, that’s something else. I’m very excited to bring it to the world.
Some of this week’s interviews include:
Preston Fassel - Award-winning screenwriter and journalist.
Nate Southard - Award-winning author and filmmaker.
Lynne Hansen - Filmmaker and renowned horror artist.
The next few weeks have some incredible talent coming to the stage. Including:
Maurice Broadus
Janine Pipe
Ramsey Campbell
Dacia M Arnold
Lisa Lebel
Candace Nola
Nicole Cushing
Hard Memories
September 27th marks the one-year anniversary of Hurrice Helene. It has been raining for days, there’s a tropical depression off the coast, and everyone in this area is showing signs of stress. Things like this live on. This is a poignant example of how life happens whether you want it to or not. The whole team at Gestalt Media is dealing with our own issues. Some PTSD, some are today’s issues, pushing back deadlines, and forcing flexibility. September feels like it wants to test our resolve. I fully believe we’re all going to be fine. We will adjust. We will push forward.
Cryptic Beginnings
So as life happens, we move, we adjust. It has become obvious that with scheduling, unexpected life events, and sudden unseasonable weather changes, it doesn’t make sense to film in September. First, Gestalt Media is and always will be committed to being a people-first company. This means family first, team members first, mental health and physical safety always come first. So we’re going to push Cryptid to spring. I’m not too upset about it. I know this means we’re going to put out a much better project with a focused and talented crew. It gives us time to zero in on some technology questions, really dig deep into some of the advanced concepts we hope to bring to this and even BIGGER set pieces. How can that be a bad thing?!?
Next!
Which means…
We’re just going to adapt and move. This brings Cat Lady, the creepy little horror short starring Anna Ray, to the front with a Knives Out-style murder mystery following close behind. Every obstacle really does breed opportunity.
But wait, there’s more!
Next week, I’m bringing some videos and stills for you guys. Stay tuned!
The Gist
Self-Scare is loaded with content.
It’s the Helene anniversary, we’re all in the feels right now.
Cryptid has hidden until spring.
Really fun new projects and sample footage are on the way!
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." — Joseph Campbell