Filmmakers Unveil SLAY! Panel at Monsterpalooza
Hear host Kyra Gardner, Jimmi Simpson and effects masters reveal insider secrets this June
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Panel Details And Film Premise
Monsterpalooza (May 30–June 1) has added a must-see event for horror-dramedy fans: a panel dedicated to SLAY! on Sunday, June 1 at 1:00 pm in Exhibit Hall C. Podcast host Kyra Gardner, who co-wrote and directs this twisted high-school thriller, will join James A. Janisse (aka Zoran Gvojic of Dead Meat) to introduce audiences to the weekend of literal back-stabbing that defines SLAY!. The film centers on seven seniors whose rivalry escalates from gossip to gore, blending dark humor with classic genre chills.
Creative Team And Insider Insights
Gardner, best known for her Flesh & Blood & Bone podcast, recruited Emmy-nominated actor Jimmi Simpson to co-write and star in SLAY!. Simpson—whose credits include Westworld, I Origins and House of Cards—praised Gardner’s “twisted genius” in a recent Instagram post, writing, “SLAY is real! It’s in the edit bay and already looking disturbingly awesome.” He thanked collaborators from composer Delaney Harter Rosenthal and Matt Composure to editor Chris Lorusso “cutting like a ninja,” highlighting the communal spirit that drives indie production.
Joining Gardner and Simpson on stage are special-effects makeup legend Tony Gardner and mask artist Bryan Christensen (@b.christensen93). They’ll walk fans through the prosthetics, practical gore rigs and signature killer masks that bring SLAY!’s carnage to life. According to the original announcement, the team will share an exclusive first look at footage and discuss ways viewers can help support the film ahead of its wider release.
Saving Slay From Indie Pitfalls
In conversation with James A. Janisse, Gardner and Simpson will reveal how they navigated the spine-chilling pitfalls of independent filmmaking: from tight budgets to effects delays. Gardner has cultivated a grassroots following for her podcast, which she says translated directly into a network of pros and DIY artists willing to work “below cost” for the project’s vision. Simpson’s off-camera role as co-writer kept tight focus on narrative pacing, he told followers, ensuring SLAY! never sacrificed story for shock value.
A First Look At Future Plans
The panel promises not only a sneak peek of SLAY!’s most gruesome set pieces but also a roadmap for the film’s next steps. Gardner and Simpson will outline festival submissions, digital distribution strategies and potential crowdfunding initiatives to secure finishing funds. Fans can learn how to back SLAY! directly—whether by sharing early social content, attending screenings or grabbing exclusive merch drops.
As an extra draw, Zoran Gvojic will moderate questions and share his signature “behind the screams” commentary, contextualizing SLAY! alongside modern horror hits and cult classics. For attendees unable to make the live panel, Gardner has hinted at a later virtual stream or recorded recap for podcast subscribers.
Tickets for Monsterpalooza remain on sale through the official website. Whether you’re a die-hard indie horror devotee or just love a clever mash-up of teen drama and gore, the SLAY! panel promises insider access to a film in its final chapter.
Registrants should arrive early—Exhibit Hall C seating is first-come, first-served. And don’t miss the chance to meet Gardner, Simpson, Tony Gardner and Christensen afterward for autographs and photo ops. SLAY! might be the feature, but this panel is shaping up to be the weekend’s real killer event.
Trivia
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