Life & Work with Gabriel Theis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Theis.

Hi Gabriel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I wrote, directed, and produced my first feature, “The Curse of Professor Zardonicus,” in my senior year of college. It was a found-footage dark comedy that was distributed by Buffalo 8 and can be now be found on Tubi. Dread Central interviewed me about the film and dubbed it a “cult classic in waiting.” Since then, I have written editorials for them, including essays and interviews. 

After moving out to Los Angeles, I was signed by Industry Entertainment after meeting my rep through Roadmap Writers. At the same time, I also started to contribute to other publications such as Fangoria and Polygon. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and moved to Los Angeles less than a year before the WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike, so it hasn’t exactly been a smooth journey. However, I’ve been incredibly inspired by the resilience and solidarity of the screenwriting community and have more optimism for the entertainment industry as a result of the historic deal that they reached. 

Obviously, these tumultuous times came with personal struggles that most of us face. That’s why I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported me, especially my wife, who took the risk of marrying a screenwriter (it’ll be worth it, I promise) and has made it possible for me to endure the twisted and seemingly impossible game that is Hollywood. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a screenwriter and director, as well as a contributor to publications where I write analyses of genre films and conduct interviews with screenwriters, actors, and directors. 

My proudest accomplishment was getting signed by such a reputable management agency as Industry Entertainment, which is in no small part thanks to Roadmap Writers. 

I’m also proud of the work I’ve done as a contributor, which has allowed me to interview some of my favorite people in the industry, including Ben Collins & Luke Piotrowski, the screenwriting duo behind the Hellraiser reboot. I’ve also gotten to write editorials on films that deeply inspire me, including the cult-classic proto-found-footage thriller “The Last Broadcast” and John Carpenter’s satirical alien-invasion flick, “They Live.” 

Being an independent filmmaker myself, I love to support fellow artists by promoting their work through my freelancing. I’ve written pieces on independent films, theatrical productions, promotional launches, and book releases. So, if you have a project that you believe could be a midnight movie or cult sensation, feel free to reach out! 

I also have a Substack where I write exclusive content for my subscribers, including a series on the production of “The Curse of Professor Zardonicus” entitled “Micro-Budget Misadventures.” 

Finally, I co-host a podcast, “Not That Bad,” where my co-host and I defend infamous movies that deserve their day in court. So, if you want to hear the case for the Star Wars prequels or Spider-Man 3, you can find us on any podcasting platform. 

How do you think about luck?
The film industry is so volatile that luck will always play a factor. I know how grateful I feel to have found representation or to have gotten distribution for my feature. I’ve found that you have to embrace the variable of luck while also putting in the work and the hours to amplify your chances. 

While there’s no way to ever guarantee that you’ll find representation, given the competition out there, you can educate yourself on the needs of the market and make yourself competitive. Networking is a critical part of this. Surround yourself with people that can educate you and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. That way, when that lucky shot comes around, you’ll be ready to take it. 

Contact Info:

• Website: gabrieltheis.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabe_theis