Interview: James Taylor, FrightFest Co-Festival Manager

For many horror fans, FrightFest is five days of bloody brilliance – an annual pilgrimage of premieres, popcorn and the kind of passionate crowd that applauds when the gore hits just right. But for James Taylor, it’s much more than that. As one of the festival’s co-managers, James has been integral to its behind-the-scenes operations for years, helping to keep the gears turning smoothly – from volunteer coordination and short film programming to the more logistical nuts and bolts of running one of the UK’s most beloved genre events.

First attending in 2007, James originally found FrightFest through a college friend’s recommendation, quickly becoming a regular pass holder before stepping behind the curtain to lend his time and talent. What began as a practical decision (he couldn’t afford a pass that year) became a gateway into the wider FrightFest family. Since then, his role has grown to encompass nearly every corner of festival operations – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Below, James shares his thoughts on the unique community spirit that sets FrightFest apart, the vampire hours required to keep things running, and the camaraderie that continues long after the curtains close.

James Taylor, Co-Festival Manager

1. When did you first attend FrightFest?

My first year was in 2007, the ODEON, Black Sheep was the opening night and I was a full pass holder. My friend had told me about it as they’d been attending from the beginning. I was studying Film and Television at college so had an additional interest as well as enjoying cinema as a whole. The conversation was generally along the lines of; So, it’s 5 days of back to back horror films? In the dark? 5 days!? Sounds fun! From that point it would be a yearly holiday getting a cinema tan while also attending the smaller events, like FrightFest Halloween and the All-nighters.

2. How did you get involved?

One year I couldn’t afford my festival pass, so I decided to volunteer. Try and see the films on my radar, essentially abuse the system. Managed 5 films. But I got to see more of the festival from a different side. Still meet friends for a catch up but also meet new people with different passions concerning genre, film and cinema. It was something that seemed quite interesting. Then after my first year they asked me to come back as one of the Front Of House Managers. I had no experience on that side so I went off to volunteer for a number of different festivals mainly film, theatre, some more random, to see what I could learn, see what they do, don’t do. Then over the years I was asked to do more tasks within the festival to help with the workload. From Volunteer Co-ordinator, Print Traffic and part of the short film selection panel.

3. What are the key qualities needed to perform your roles in the production?

Having vampiric tendencies to embrace the night. We all have lives and things that are important to us so juggling additional things in-between can be difficult at times. I guess you need to be willing to spend your holidays working more. We all do it for the love of the genre, the festival, and fans so it’s not over difficult. It’s also having a wonderful bunch of people supporting you and each other through it. Genuinely couldn’t make this festival happen without the volunteers and core members of the team that offer their own time to join in bringing this event we love so much together. I’m sorry if you’ve just thrown up on your device.

4. What’s the hardest part?

Again, having vampiric tendencies to embrace the night. I mean as a festival fan, it’s always going to be the “FrightFest Blues”. When everything has come to an end and you don’t know what to do with yourself. The audience gets it, the guests get it, the team gets it!

5. What is your most memorable moment of FrightFest so far?

This year or forever? Too many moments and emotions to really count. From being in the same aura of the audience as we all sat and watched Martyrs for the first time, to singing along with fellow volunteers on a final night in celebration, to meeting people and friends you make along the way. Even some of the films you may never have discovered through usual circles.

6. What do you think it is that makes FrightFest stand head and shoulders above other film fests?

Personally, I think FrightFest does well to balance the fans and industry side of things. It’s a festival that doesn’t mind being a little rough around the edges because it’s made for and by horror genre fans. We want to see something different, something less mainstream, something with bite or blood. It still has that air of professionalism and prestige but we do our best to keep our feet on the ground. Easiest way I could describe it is at the end of each night in the Phoenix Arts Club you’ll find filmmaker, film goer and film festival worker all in the same place revelling in the passion for genre cinema. There is a community and family element to it that crosses those three key lines that are generally divided by other festivals.

7. How has FrightFest and the films you feature there evolved since you’ve been involved?

It’s the four boys’ show [Festival Directors], it’s their mix of tastes and preferences so I don’t think a lot has evolved in some regards. I guess if anything the short film showcase is now run by Helen, myself and a selection of judges which means they have no say in some of the weird and wonderful shorts that are programmed. In the background we’re always looking to make the festival work, it’s always a learning experience and we’re always trying to find that perfect moment where you can sit back, press play and watch it all come together.

8. What is your top tip for attendees to ensure they get the most out of the fest?

Enjoy the films, enjoy the cinema, enjoy the comradery. If you are new to the festival and don’t know many people, start a conversation. Not always the easiest but what better way to say hello to someone with ‘What did you think of that last film?’

Whether he’s juggling short film submissions, wrangling volunteers, or just soaking up the collective buzz in the foyer, James Taylor embodies the spirit of FrightFest – passionate, committed, and always ready with a wry comment about “cinema tan lines”. His journey from first-time attendee to co-festival manager is proof that this festival doesn’t just showcase films, it builds community.

As FrightFest 2025 prepares to open its doors once again, it’s people like James who help make the experience more than just a marathon of horror movies. They make it feel like home.