Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Darkow
Hi Tyler , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the world of storytelling began at the age of nine, when my grandfather gifted me my first camera. That moment was a spark that ignited a lifelong passion for photography which has evolved into filmmaking. From the moment I pressed the shutter, I was hooked. Little did I know, this simple gift would set me on a path filled with creativity, collaboration, and countless adventures in the film industry.
When I first stepped into the art scene in my college years, it was through music. However, my focus quickly shifted once I began working on my first music video. The allure of camera gear and the storytelling potential it held captivated me, drawing me deeper into filmmaking.
As I grew older, my love for storytelling deepened. I found myself not only drawn to acting but also eager to learn every crew position. The magic of filmmaking lies in its collaborative nature, and I thrived in that environment. Each project offered me the chance to network, meet like-minded creatives, and walk away with new experiences and friendships. I firmly believe that filmmaking is the highest form of art, with it’s intricate moving pieces working together to create a final product that resonates with audiences.
Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced the philosophy that you only get back a small percentage of what you invest. This belief has made my experience in the film industry both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being published in various magazines and receiving a few awards for my work. There is a film out on Amazon Prime right now where I played the Director of Photography. It’s gratifying to be recognized for something I created, validating the time and effort I poured into my passion.
These experiences ultimately inspired me to bring The Thing in the Basement Horror Fest to life. Having navigated the festival circuit, I recognized both the strengths and shortcomings of existing events. I envisioned a festival that would address these gaps, leading to what you see today. Of course, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. The pandemic hit hard, and I lost my theater, but the horror community rallied around me. We pivoted to a streaming format, and it has worked amazingly well, allowing us to reach an even broader audience.
Today, I stand as a professional storyteller, continually exploring the depths of my craft. The journey has been both exhilarating and fulfilling, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Each project, each connection, and each story I tell only fuels my passion further. As I look to the future, I remain dedicated to creating compelling narratives and fostering community within the ever-evolving landscape of film.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The main challenge I have ran into throughout the 6 years of hosting this film festival was the premiere of my very first film festival. Several months before The Thing In the Basement’s first Horror Fest, I had negotiated a verbal deal with the owner of a local theater to show the fest’s brilliant official selections on the big screen. Just before the premiere, the owner backed out of our deal, leaving me no where to show the films. Having thought this was the end of The Thing In The Basement, the community rallied around me and we were able to bring the fest online to virtual streaming. We have stayed online every since for the simple reason that all projects now have a bigger audience.
While sorting through the theater struggle, there was also navigating this journey of life as a full-time single father. Finding the balance of work/life while providing and trying to set my daughter up for success at the same time was tough to juggle. Some days it felt I needed to be playing two roles at once. This was until I met an absolutely incredible woman to help shoulder the burdens of life with.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion and profession revolve around filmmaking. While my job title may vary from project to project, one quality that sets me apart is my ability to solve problems on the fly while on set. Creative problem-solving is a key strength of mine, and I take great pride in my understanding of the art form of film, which is constantly evolving.
One of my proudest accomplishments is that my daughter’s face appears multiple times in a documentary I was involved in bringing to life. It has been wonderful to share this journey with her as she becomes more engaged in filmmaking. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to share the screen together in a film that premiered in a theater—a truly memorable experience for both of us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Zero! I don’t believe in luck, just hard work. To get here I rolled up my sleeves and created. I wasn’t willing to settle for anything less than a working creative lifestyle. I stepped onto as many projects as I could, figuring everything else as I went. It has always been important to me that my daughter had the arts as an option when she was older, knowing how hard it is to create that door out of nothing. I had to figure out how to make that into a realistic tangible reality no matter what came our way. I don’t think luck had anything to do with where I’m at. I think grit, tenacity, and determination have the largest role in my life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filmfreeway.com/TheThingInTheBasementHorrorFest
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinginthebasementhorrorfest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thethinginthebasementhorrorfest/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ThinginBasement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingintheBasement
- Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdarkow/
- Soundcloud: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.darkow
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@KingofDads
Image Credits
Chloes Ciara, Lily Darkow, Jessica Perez, Rion Smith, T.K. Johnson, Nicky Smit, Dan McCormack
