Five FrightFest Facts From Stephen King Simmons writer and director of The Parker Sessions

2021 has been a strange year and although things may not have completely returned to normality one thing to be thankful for is the return of the Arrow Video FrightFest which takes place for real this year at Cineworld, Leicester Square in central London.

The annual five-day four-screen 50+ film extravaganza runs between 26th and 30th August and after a year online, it is wonderful to have FrightFest back with a hybrid event featuring in-cinema and online components bringing audiences a whole host of truly terrifying and terrific horror films.

Below we feature one of those monstrously amazing movies with our regular exclusive interview feature Five FrightFest Facts From and these five are from Stephen King Simmons writer and director of The Parker Sessions:

1. Tell us about your film?
A troubled young woman with a disturbing past goes to see a counselor about her night terrors. Shot in high contrast black and white and split up into four acts. This nightmarish plot will keep the audience guessing until the final act. This is my first feature shot on a micro budget of $15,000. 99% practical effects (only 6 frames have CGI). The goal was to make an atmospheric horror film using unconventional methods to get the end result.

2. How did you get into making horror movies?
I started adapting the Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark series into short films on Youtube, which has gained a cult following. Along with other horror shorts: The Black Balloon, Blood Blaze and Night Terror.

3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?
Prisoners of the Ghostland, Sound of Violence and Dawn Breaks Behind the Eyes look pretty killer. If we’re talking about old titles. The Gate (1987) because it’s a perfect horror film from start to finish with creepy imagery.

4. If you could create your own award to give at the FrightFest, what would it be and why?
The Dybbuk Box. Who wouldn’t want to have that haunting their trophy case?!

5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?
The Parker Sessions. The film is based on true events of my life from my 20’s. I was originally supposed to play Parker until I met Rachell Sean. I used to suffer from panic attacks that would lay me out for hours. My night terrors were so real and freaky to the point I wouldn’t sleep until 6am (when the sun came up).
Currently, working on my second horror script “Lead Belly” which is in the same universe as The Parker Sessions. It is set in the 90’s when I was a teenager with my late brother.

The Parker Sessions plays FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2021 – 11.00 AM Find our more and book your tickets HERE