15-year-old horror director Aeris Danet has been absolutely dominating the competition at 2025 film festivals, winning award after award for her film NEBULOUS! She’s also an actress, a writer, and a lifelong horror fan. Watch this episode so you can say you “knew her when” because Aeris Danet’s horror career is going to be HUGE before we know it!

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LINKS for More Aeris Danet:

• Aeris Danet Official Website = https://aerisdanet.com/
  
• Aeris Danet on Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/aerisdanet/
  
• Aeris Danet’s NEBULOUS on Instagram = https://instagram.com/nebulousmovie
  
• Aeris Danet on YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/@aerisdanet
  
• Aeris Danet on IMDb = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11926833/
  
• NEBULOUS feature film IndieGoGo campaign = https://igg.me/at/NEBULOUS

FULL Written Transcript: HorrorFam.com Podcast Interview with Aeris Danet

*HorrorFam.com Podcast Intro Music*

Lauren Spear: Hi! I’m Lauren Spear and you’re watching or listening to the HorrorFam.com Podcast – episode number 34 – and my guest today is director Aeris Danet, who is 15 years old and her film NEBULOUS has been making the rounds at film festivals. And I’d love for you to meet her!

And here she is. Hi, Aeris!

Aeris Danet: Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!! *waves with both hands* I’m so happy to be here!

Lauren: *chuckles* Well, I’m happy to have you here! You’re definitely our youngest guest so far…

Aeris Danet: Awesome.

Lauren: *laughs*

Aeris Danet: It’s an honor!

Lauren: Happy to have you on here. Well… I’m going to start where I always start and that’s:

How did you get into the horror genre?

Aeris Danet: I mean… I don’t really know! I mean, like, I always just loved it. I loved Halloween. I loved everything kind of just…creepy.

Every time my family would have a horror movie on, I’d find myself piquing interest in it. And I started suggesting horror movies for us to watch and engaging in that sort of world more.

And through the years it just built. It… It just built!

Lauren: Okay. Yeah. *chuckles* But what…

What are some of your favorite horror films?

Aeris Danet: Ohhh… *overwhelmed breath* That’s SO hard!! *laughs* Okay. I have SO MANY!

Lauren Spear: *laughs because she knows the Choosing Horror Faves struggle*

Aeris Danet: I mean, my favorite franchise is the Final Destination movies. Which… I can’t even choose a favorite out of those! I think I’d have to say the third or the new one?

Lauren: Ah! Yeah! *enthused laugh*

Aeris Danet: Those… Yeah. You know? They’re traumatizing! And, honestly, I really like that about horror movies – when they, like, stick with you. That’s why I really like that franchise.

But I also like Scream. All the Scream movies are great – they’re wonderful. I love the original and I’m SO excited for what they’re going to do with the new one. The 7^th, with Matthew Lillard. *gasps* Oh!!

Lauren: Yeah!

Aeris Danet: Oh my God! I LOVE Stu! I love that character. And I’m excited to see what they bring to that.

Lauren: *relieved happy laugh* I’m so excited! I was like, “Oh my gosh… I don’t know if I’m going to know…” Y’know? Because, like, I’m “old.” I’m in my 40s. So, I was like, “Oh, I hope, you know [that I know something about whatever my young guest is into].” *laughs* So, that’s awesome. I love those [films] too.

My dad is a huge fan of the Final Destination movies!

Aeris Danet: Cool. That’s awesome. I mean, they’re great! I can’t blame him.

Lauren: Yeah. And we really liked the new one. My husband and I went to see that in theaters and, when it came out on streaming recently, my dad was into it too. We loved what they did with music and stuff. It was so much fun.

Aeris Danet: Ooh. The music was so interesting. I watched some behind-the-scenes stuff and seeing how they did all that stuff was really cool. I like deep diving into the behind-the-scenes of movies.

Lauren: Ah, yeah. My husband was watching a video the other day on how they did the, um… *gestures with her hands to illustrate the scene she’s talking about*…trash…scene…

Aeris Danet: *recognizing which Final Destination: Bloodlines scene Lauren is alluding to* Ah!

Lauren: I don’t want give too many spoilers for people who haven’t seen it! But, that was a neat thing to watch the behind-the-scenes for.

Aeris Danet: Of course. One-hundred percent! It’s awesome.

Lauren: But enough about OTHER people’s movies! *uses her hands to signify pushing those topics/thoughts to one side for now* Let’s talk about YOUR movie!

NEBULOUS! Can you tell me more about it?

Lauren Spear (continuing): What’s it about?

Aeris Danet: I mean, it’s about… teenagers! Teenagers going through stuff with a masked killer coming after them. *chuckles* I can’t really say much because it’s still doing its film festival runs as a short film. And I’m trying to build off that idea for the feature.

Lauren: Okay. Yeah. You want to keep it… “nebulous.”

Aeris Danet: Yeah. For sure.

Lauren: Keep people interested.

Aeris Danet: Absolutely! Yeah.

Both: *laugh*

Lauren: And you’re turning NEBULOUS into a feature film… Can you tell me a bit more about that?

Aeris Danet: Yeah. Um… What’s it called…? I’m making it into a feature film and…

The thing is… Okay.

I’m in pre-production for it right now and I have an IndieGoGo page up for it too. I’m taking funds for it because I need stuff for the… Like, location permits! Equipment. Casting. Crew. Extras. Blaugh *sticks out tongue from contemplating the daunting life of an indie filmmaker* It’s like… to pay crew and stuff like that!

Yeah. I mean, it’s like… For the feature film, I’m trying to stick to the same idea I had with NEBULOUS. I’m trying to not really, like, venture off. And that can be hard with it only being 10 minutes. But, you know, I’ve been working on a script. *does an excited horror writer shimmy/dance*  Hopefully people are going to like what the idea is so far!

Lauren: Okay. And is this your first time directing a film? And…

How did you get into directing?

Aeris Danet: Yeah! This is my first time directing. But, I mean, I had written screenplays and books before.

But I knew I just wanted to do it. I had all these ideas! And I was like, “Why not? Like… Why not put it out?”

And I started with NEBULOUS. The idea I had for NEBULOUS.

The thing is, also, I grew up on movies and watching television… But, the thing is, all these people playing “teenagers” are, like, in their 20s and 30s! And I think it’s more realistic when you see teenagers playing teenagers. And I know it’s what I like to see! And I know that people my age are also gonna wanna see teenagers actually, like…

You can see that teenagers can do this stuff. Heh. Yeah.

Lauren Spear: That makes sense. Yeah.

I have an ongoing list of horror movies for teens and tweens that I recommend, but I’m not a teenager anymore and I’m not a parent. So, I always ask guests – like, if I know they’re a parent – “What horror are you showing YOUR kids and tweens?” And, even then, it’s like, “Okay, well, that’s what the PARENTS approve of” but…

It’s interesting to hear what an actual teenager is into! Like… *old person sigh* I haven’t been in high school for a LONG time – I haven’t had any reason [until now] to speak to teenagers! *laughs* So, it’s really interesting to learn that you’re really into Scream and Final Destination and that you like to see teens portraying teens.

Are you into Stranger Things?

Aeris Danet: Oh! Yeah. Um…

Lauren: *laughs* I know that those kids aren’t teens anymore either, but they were originally!

Aeris Danet: Yeah! What’s it called… I thought that was really cool! I remember when it first came out. And it was actual teenagers playing these roles and I thought that was really cool!

And, I mean, like you said, they’re obviously older now. But I still like the concept that they kept that realistic. And… yeah. Great show.

Lauren: Are there any other films that come to mind – besides your own – that follow that [casting formula] that you’ve enjoyed?

Aeris Danet: Hm. Honestly, I can’t really name any that are…

Most or all horror movies that I’ve seen it’s not really… Like, yeah. Teenagers? Not really. It’s adults!

The movies I’ve seen, it’s like extreme. And I can see why directors and casting directors would want adults to play these roles. But, honestly, my thing is that I know teenagers can bring out that intensity. And I know they can do it!

So, y’know? Yeah. Get teenagers into horror! I can’t really say anything on that.

Lauren: That makes sense. Yeah. It’s like… *chuckles* Watching the Friday the 13^th series and being like *raises eyebrow* “Yeah. Okay. These 25-year-old ‘teenagers’…”

Both: *laugh*

Aeris Danet: Yeah. Exactly. “Oh. Okaaaaay.” *laughs* Exactly.

It’s so funny. Watching old movies like that. Where it’s like, “Okay. You know… *throws hands up in defeat* Okay. I’ll deal with it for right now.”

Lauren: *chuckles* I guess it can be kind of fun, too, watching these people who are clearly much, much older pretending to be… YOU!

Aeris Danet: Yes!

Lauren: And you can kind of critique them being like, “Hmm. No.” *laughs*

Aeris Danet: Yeah! It’s like, when you watch it… It just doesn’t flow! When you see these 20-year-olds playing teenagers… Their time as a teenager has passed. They aren’t living up to what 2025 teenagers are doing, so it just sounds all FAKE. It doesn’t sound real. That’s like…

I’m trying to make sure that…

When something doesn’t seem “real” in a horror movie, it kind of brings out, like… It makes it less fun to watch! You know what I mean? Like, they’re still great but the thing is, like, okay… This doesn’t feel like how teenagers my age are experiencing things.

Lauren: It breaks your immersion.

Aeris Danet: Yeah! Exactly.

Lauren: Yeah.

Aeris Danet: That’s EXACTLY it!

Lauren: Yeah. Okay. Well, that’s really cool. I think that’s going to be a really neat take and I can’t wait to see your finished feature film!

Aeris Danet: Thank youuuuuu!!

Lauren: So,

Who are some of your favorite horror directors?

Lauren Spear (continuing): Who’s inspiring you in terms of direction?

Aeris Danet: I like Wes Craven – the Scream movies, A Nightmare on Elm Street.

I really like Jordan Peele movies!

Lauren: Ah, okay.

Aeris Danet: They’re SO unique. They’re so unique. I love that about movies. I love when they’re unique. That is really, like, intriguing to me. I love that all.

James Wan. I love the first Saw movie. Y’know?

Those are my top three. I love that. I love them all.

Lauren: Okay. And…

As a director, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Aeris Danet: Honestly, I’m going to have to go back to… I mean, I didn’t really have any struggles with the short film. But I’m going to go back to the… Talking about the feature film I’m trying to make. You know, going back to the, um…

I need financial support.

You know, the film’s going to get made either way. BUT, the biggest obstacle is financial support. Like I said, I need funds to get all that done. Like locations. Etcetera.

But, you know… *shimmy dance* Promoting my IndieGoGo again! And we’re giving away pretty cool perks too. Like, Horror Family, y’know…? If anybody wants to get on that?? Y’know? *laughs* You can have your name in the end credits which is preeeettyyyy coooooolllll for people! If you wanna get on that during the pre-launch on IndieGoGo. Search up “NEBULOUS.” And… yeah!

Lauren: *chuckles* Yeah. It can really…

As you said, you’re going to be doing it either way, but having the funds to do it right and WELL can really make a BIG difference.

Aeris Danet: Yeah! I want it to be the BEST it can be!

I’m going to get my vision out there either way, but, you know, I want it to be TRUE to it. I want it to be the most… Potential? Like, I want it to reach its true potential! You know what I mean?

Lauren: Yeah. Exactly.

I recently uploaded A Bucket of Blood onto our YouTube channel – I’ve been uploading Public Domain horror movies – and I remember in an interview with Dick Miller… He was talking about how the movie was good but, if they had had just a liiiiitle bit more budget, it would have been REALLY good.

Like, he had issue with some of the…um…*gestures to her facial area* some of the end effects where he’s like… “I wish they had had the budget to do my face makeup so that it actually looked GOOD.”

Aeris Danet: Yeah. For sure.

Lauren: It can go from being a cult B-movie to Legendary status depending on the budget that you have!

Aeris Danet: Yeah!

Lauren: So, yeah. ABSOLUTELY promote your IndieGoGo! *laughs*

Aeris Danet: That’s, like… It’s difficult. But I don’t think it should STOP filmmakers either!

Like, if you love film, GO FOR IT! If you don’t have the budget, you know, still try to make something. If you have that passion – go for it.

I think it’s cool that he [Roger Corman] still did it even though he [Dick Miller] thought it could’ve been, you know, better. But he still got his vision out there!

Of course, we all have our little critiques about what we make. But as long as we’re showing people that we have that potential and ability to go beyond…? I think that’s pretty cool. That’s pretty good.

Lauren: It’s really nice to see HUMANS doing things, too! Especially these days.

Aeris Danet: Yeah!

Lauren: Oh, man… *disassociated chuckle as she briefly trauma flashbacks to how her husband just lost his job of 6+ years because his entire work team was replaced by AI*

Aeris Danet: Oh, yeah. Absolutely! I think people… I think everyone’s, like, REALLY creative! And I think talking to different people about what they’ve made – like different directors now, like, short film directors – it’s REALLY cool. What our minds can make up! How people dive into these different genres of horror. And genres of film.

And… yeah. I dunno. I think it’s really… Like you said! It’s like really… “Wow!” Just… No words. It’s really cool.

Lauren: *visibly happier from seeing someone so touchingly in awe of human creativity* I agree! *happy laugh*

Oh! And…

You also do some acting as well, right?

Aeris Danet: Yeah! I do.

I’m actually gonna be part of this movie named SYN, which is made by Ashland Thomas.

We’re throwing around shooting dates so far. I’m casted as Sami. And that’s all I can say about it right nowwwww. *happy shimmy* But… yeah!

Lauren Spear: And that’s a horror movie too, right?

Aeris Danet: Yeah. It is. It’s going to be a short film and I’m really excited to… I’m excited for people to see what it has in store.

Lauren: Okay. Um…

Do you have a preference between acting and directing?

Aeris Danet: Not really. They’re both so different! And I love things about both of them.

I mean, I like… When I’m writing, I like being able to produce it. And I like being able to show people what to do when I’m behind the camera. You know what I mean?

But the thing is, when I’m writing it, too, I like being able to portray that in front of the camera as well! Like, acting it out. Because I know what I want. And I know how I want the scene to be done.

And it’s like… I know how the scene is supposed to be made, and I know that I can portray it AND I know I can also capture it on film. So, it’s just like, yeah. Just my love for both is just like SO extreme. I can’t even choose! They’re both so amazing in their different ways. But… in ways they also connect. Does that even make sense? I don’t know…

Lauren Spear: No! It makes sense! *encouraging nod*

Both: *laugh*

Lauren: I do both writing and editing and it takes, like, different parts of my brain. It’s like… It’s not even… They’re related, but it’s not even the same thing!

Aeris Danet: Yeah! Completely!

It’s like… It’s HARD doing all of it! But, the thing is, it’s also… encouraging? You know what I mean? Because it shows you that you can do MORE. And it’s like… As long as you have that love for it, you know, you can get it done!

It’s like… yeah. I have… I have, like, a TON of love for everything in the Arts. And props to everyone who can, like, edit like… oof! I…

*Aeris’ video feed freezes and her audio cuts off*

Lauren: Oh! Are… Are you still there??

Aeris Danet: *voice returning but no visual* But I try… *audio interference* But I think it’s wonderful how they’re all connecting…

Lauren: You glitched out for a minute!

Aeris Danet: *audio & video returns to normal* Oh? Oh! That’s…! Sorry!!

But, yeah, I think it’s… Like, yeah. I can’t do editing. I’m terrible at it. I mean, I did it for my short film, but, you know… Props to you! It’s so much work.

But, yeah, I like how they’re all connected! I think anything in the Arts is so interesting. And it’s so… Like, they’re so different in their own ways but, the thing is, they’re ALL a form of ART! They’re all just so unique. It’s so intriguing to me.

Lauren: Yeah! And, you know, even if somebody isn’t PERFECT at something… If you don’t start somewhere and START doing it, you’re never going to GET perfect at it!

Like, I play the ukulele and I’m not great at it, but I’m DOING it. *laughs*

Aeris Danet: *laughs* I get you!! I’m playing the guitar! I’m TRYING to play guitar. Which, you know, I’m not great. But I’m trying! So, I get you with the instrument thing.

But, I think, relating it to how I’m 15… I think you can start at ANY age! I don’t think you’re ever “too young” or “too old” to get into filmmaking or whatever you love. Whatever’s your passion. Y’know? As long as you’re DOING it, you know?

Don’t listen to people who are telling you to, like, not do it because you’re “too young.” That you “don’t know enough.” Or that you’re “too old.” Like, “your time has passed” or whatever. I mean, that stuff… That stuff doesn’t matter! You know what I mean? As long as you have that love and it’s TRUE – and that’s truly what you want to do – then you’re fine. Y’know?

Lauren: Yeah. Yeah! I mean, I started my freelance writing career [writing for pay instead of just as a hobby] when I was YOUR age!

Aeris Danet: Oh?? Cool!

Lauren: Yep. I was 15, so… *chuckles*

Aeris Danet: You grow and you grow!

Lauren: Yeah. *laughs* Exactly.

And I absolutely agree with you. I think that it’s great that you’re starting now.

Aeris Danet: Thank you! I appreciate it. I mean, I just… Yeah. I’ve always had a love for it. So, I was like, “Why not? Why not do it NOW?” Like, I mean, I have my phone and I have a goal! *laughs* Let’s do it!

Lauren: Absolutely! *laughs*

I was like, “You know, I wish I could’ve had a boost up and somebody to be like ‘hey, look at this!’”

Aeris Danet: *laughs* Yeah.

Lauren: And then I was like, “Oh! I could be that person for THIS person!”

Aeris Danet: Yeah!!

Both: *laugh*

Lauren: So, yeah, it’s great to have you on and be able to help you on your journey.

Aeris Danet: Yeah. Thank you so much! I appreciate it a lot.

Lauren: And I also know that

NEBULOUS is making the rounds at film festivals right now…

Lauren Spear (continuing): Do you have any upcoming show dates? And is there a way that people are going to be able to see it, at some point, who aren’t able to go to the festivals?

Aeris Danet: What’s it called…? Ummmm…

I just won… *looks behind her at the award displayed on her desk* “Best Horror First-Time Director” at Chicago Horror Film Festival in, like, May.

But NEBULOUS just premiered at the Scare-A-Con and Milwaukee Horror Con film festivals. It’s, ummm… Oh! Also, I gained another nomination for “Best First-Time Director” – kind of like the same thing as before… Which is awesome! I like getting nominated for stuff.

But it also has another official selection for… Oof. *reading something off-screen and thinking carefully about her pronunciation* Sheboygan Film Festival. I’m totally saying that wrong! But, you know. I think that’s pretty rad!

I think getting into film festivals is pretty amazing. Because… I don’t know. I didn’t think I’d get into any! But I think it’s pretty cool. It’s an honor!

But, NEBULOUS is just doing film festival runs so far.

I don’t know… I don’t think I’ll have it released for anybody to just see normally. Because it’s, like… NEBULOUS is kind of like my Proof of Concept so I can fully make a full feature film. And I know NEBULOUS – the short film – really didn’t… It didn’t capture completely what I wanted NEBULOUS to be, as it’s only in 10 minutes. And I know I can make the full feature film be completely what I want NEBULOUS to be seen by the public as.

Lauren: Right. That makes sense.

Aeris Danet: Mmhmm. Yeah.

Lauren: Well, um…

Is there any way that people can follow along with your horror career?

Lauren Spear (continuing): How can people find you?

Aeris Danet: You can find me at my… For, like, horror career stuff, my website at AerisDanet.com – that’s where I have my resume and NEBULOUS updates.

Also, my Instagram. That’s just where… If you want to see what I’m personally up to. Which is @AerisDanet.

And… yeah! Those are my two things. Instagram and the website.

Lauren: *gently probing/reminding her guest of the missing link* And NEBULOUS, the movie, also has its own Instagram…

Aeris Danet: *realizing she forgot one* Yes!! @NEBULOUSmovie! If you want updates for the short film, that is on Instagram as well.

Lauren: And that’s how people can find out where it’s going to be playing at festivals, and updates about the progress of the feature film IndieGoGo and everything.

Aeris Danet: Yup!

You can also message… Like, message the Instagram account if you want any part of it. People out there – if you want any part of it, want any information on it – give a DM and I’ll answer as soon as I can.

Lauren: Okay! And is there anything else you wanted to talk about before we go?

Aeris Danet: Let’s seeeeeeee… Yes! What’s YOUR favorite horror movie?

Lauren: *thrown for a loop* Mine?!

Aeris Danet: Yes!

Lauren: Oh. Okay. Um. *flustered chuckle* I like The Monster Squad, The Frighteners… I like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein… I’m also a very big fan of the first Scream.

Aeris Danet: Niiiiiiiice.

Lauren: Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd… From there, it just kind of rotates between, you know, whatever I’m in the mood for. But those are kind of always in the top ranks. *laughs*

Aeris Danet: Yeah. I get you completely about that. When I watch… I’ll be in certain different moods for certain things and my answer will change for what my “favorite” movie is. I can never choose, like, a TOP – that’s crazy.

Horror movies, like… They’re all so DIFFERENT! You know what I mean? It’s so hard to choose one! I get you. I got you.

Lauren: *laughs* Yeah.

Aeris Danet: I get you. Yeah.

Lauren: Yeah, I’m…hungry… *embarrassed laugh* It’s right before dinnertime right now so I’m like, “Hm. Maybe The Menu?”

Aeris Danet: Fun! That was a good movie.

Lauren: Yeah! It was. *chuckles, trying not to get distracted by thoughts of food*

Aeris Danet: It was unique. I really liked it.

Lauren: And… yeah!

So, follow Aeris Danet on Instagram and on her website. And follow @NEBULOUSmovie on Instagram as well. And…

Did you have any other platforms besides Instagram or is that, like, your main one…?

Aeris Danet: Those are my main ones!

Lauren: Okay! And I’ll have links to all of that in the transcript. *checks her show clock and sees there’s still time left if her guest wants to utilize it* And is there anything else you want to talk about? That you want HorrorFam.com watchers or listeners to know about?

Aeris Danet: Thank you guys for watching and listening to me!! Y’know? Like… that’s all! *giggles* I’m SO happy that people are tuning in! That’s so fun. I love that! I appreciate it!

Lauren: *giggles and nods* Same here!

Well, thank you, Aeris!

That was Episode 34 of the HorrorFam.com Podcast and you can read the transcript and see a whole bunch of bonus photos and cool stuff at HorrorFam.com/Aeris-Danet And be sure to check for all the links to all of Aeris’ stuff so you can follow along with her budding horror career. She’s somebody that we should all keep an eye on!

Thank you, Aeris!

Aeris Danet: Thank you!

Lauren: Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Aeris Danet: Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! *waves with both hands*

*outro music plays*

All images of Aeris Danet (that weren’t screenshots from the interview) and NEBULOUS were provided by Aeris Danet’s legal guardian. Minors appearing in photographs with Aeris have had their faces blurred. All movie posters were purchased via CineMaterial. All movie stills were purchased via MovieStillsDB.