Film Name: Very Frightening Tales
Director: Dale Fabrigar
Writers: Tricia Aurand, Marc Paoletti
Starring: Christopher Dukes, Madison Ekstrand ,Joe Estevez, Eric Roberts, Sally Struthers
Seven tales of terror that include a ballerina, a retiring hit-man, a mysterious package, a deadly nightmare, an insightful fortune teller and an actor who would kill to get a part.
In a new Exclusive Interview on Blazing Minds ahead of Horror-on-Sea I got a chance to ask Director Dale Fabrigar a few questions about the film ‘Very Frightening Tales‘
Very Frightening Tales will play at Horror-on-Sea on Friday 10th January at 10:00am
Q. Your film has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
Variety. Horror comes in many forms, and this anthology presents seven chilling tales, each offering a different tonal shift. From moodiness and eerie creatures to ghostly encounters and dark humour, the stories blend just enough gore to keep the vibe engaging and intense. It’s not overly terrifying, but we hope audiences will find something they like, whether it’s the atmosphere, the humour, or the thrills. Our aims is to entertain, especially if you’re a fan of Creepshow, Tales from the Crypt, or the ambitious The ABC’s of Death.
Q. What attracted you to the script which was written by Tricia Aurand and Marc Paoletti?
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating extensively with both Paoletti and Aurand in the past, and they consistently deliver beyond expectations. When tasked with creating standalone horror shorts, they truly excelled. Both are exceptional storytellers who understand how to craft compelling narratives that are not only rich in tone but also practical to produce within our budget constraints. I’m particularly drawn to each of their unique writing styles and voices. Their scripts always spark my visual imagination, making my work both easier and more enjoyable. Brian DeRozan and Tim Reynolds also deserve recognition for their writing contributions which were essential in shaping both the screenplay and overall vision of the show.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
Previous horror anthologies inspired us, and our goal was to deliberately craft a unique look and style for each episode. With several segments planned, we decided early on to let the script guide the visual aesthetic, rather than forcing a consistent style across all of them. John Lazear, my Director of Photography, was instrumental in achieving a polished, professional look throughout the entire project.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
There were countless memorable moments during the making of the film, but one that truly stands out was filming in an actual haunted mansion. For “The Curse of Stonehill,” instead of using a soundstage, we shot on-location in a supposedly haunted estate. The eerie energy of the place was palpable and brought an authentic atmosphere that greatly enhanced the film, while also inspiring the actors in their performances. Working with the incomparable MICHAEL PARÉ was definitely a highlight. He is my hero. His presence on and off the screen is both elevating and inspiring. Another highlight was having the opportunity to work with the incredible SALLY STRUTHERS in the “Fortune” episode. Watching her take on a dramatic role so entirely different from what she is known for was an absolute thrill to witness and be a part of. You just have to see it!
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
While filming “BRAVE” in the middle of the night in a dry riverbed deep in the desert, our equipment truck got stuck in the sand—a truly stressful situation, to say the least.. Thankfully, our makeup artist came to the rescue; she reached out to her father, who managed to tow us out and get us safely back on the main road. It was a nerve-wracking few hours, but we were relieved it all worked out in the end.
Q. What makes stand out as something different in the horror genre?
This horror anthology is somewhat unique in that a recurring group of actors play different characters and roles throughout the film. We were fortunate to work with a talented ensemble and featured them in as many different episodes as possible, each time in a new role. It was a fun experiment, much like Karen Black in Trilogy of Terror, and the actors really enjoyed the opportunity to explore such diverse characters.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
This film carries a distinct and subtle flavour, likely due to its mix of styles and tones. My producers were intentional about creating something that appeals to a wide range of ages, including a younger audience, similar to Goosebumps. It’s not very gory or terrifying, which may give it a slightly ‘safe’ feel for a horror film. But as films have the power to do, it also explores deeper, thought-provoking themes hidden beneath the surface. Horror wears many masks, and my hope is that audiences enjoy the film with their popcorn, while the subtle elements resonate and leave them reflecting long after the final scene goes black.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Currently, I am excitedly developing a new psychological drama with horror/fantasy elements, with much of the story set in the forest. I am anticipating the challenges ahead of working outdoors, but I’m also looking forward to it. The natural setting is going to bring a unique atmosphere to the film. I’ll just be sure to bring my coat, gloves as well as plenty of bug spray! I also have a Christmas movie in the pipeline – Yes, I do those movies too.
Lastly, I’m currently diving into the development of a bold new horror film inspired by folklore from my Asian-American ancestry. It’s unique, edgy, and packed with the challenges of bringing a never-before-seen creature to life—something truly exciting to look forward to! Stay tuned for more updates in the future!
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
As an independent filmmaker, I understand how tough it is to be out there. The best advice I can give is to just start—don’t wait for the perfect circumstances or a massive budget. Begin with what you have. Embrace the challenge and learn to be resourceful – it will pay off when you have more resources later on. Planning is crucial but be prepared to be open to change. Storyboards, shot lists, and rehearsals will save you time and stress but things don’t always go as planned – especially with smaller budget projects. I’m not saying to compromise your vision, but filmmaking is all about problem-solving, So learn to adapt. Work with THE BEST actors you can and collaborate with a team you trust. Treat them with respect. The people you work with will help you bring your vision to life, so their enthusiasm are just as important as your own. Finally, don’t be afraid to take creative risks and make mistakes—they’re part of the process. Every project, no matter the outcome, is a stepping stone to becoming a better director.
You can follow director Dale Fabrigar on Instagram
Very Frightening Tales will play at Horror-on-Sea on Friday 10th January at 10:00am and is also available now on Tubi and Amazon Prime.
You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
