We’re looking forward to introducing you to Drew Wayne Roberts. Check out our conversation below.
Drew Wayne, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One of the moments that made me feel proud recently was the premiere of my latest film, Hermit. It was an invite-only event, and we ended up completely packing the house with an incredible, supportive energy in the room. What made it even more meaningful was that I wasn’t just showcasing my own work, I had the chance to bring together and spotlight other filmmakers’ projects. Seeing the audience respond so positively, celebrating everyone’s creativity, and watching something that started as a small idea grow into a full room of people connecting over independent film made my heart feel full. It reminded me why I love doing this and why building community through storytelling matters so much to me.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Drew Wayne Roberts, an independent horror filmmaker, horror movie trivia host, and creator of the Mythos film series which is a collection of short films that reimagine forgotten folklore creatures and drop them into the modern world. The idea behind Mythos is to explore what happens when these strange, ancient beings collide with contemporary life, often in ways people don’t recognize or understand. The plan is to create these shorts one at a time then weave them into anthology feature films.
What makes my work unique is that it’s not just about monsters, it’s about using folklore as a lens to explore deeper human themes like trauma, corporate exploitation, isolation, and the dark side of human nature. Each project is designed to stand on its own but also connect to a larger anthology I’m building piece by piece, often on small budgets with grassroots support. I plan to put these pieces together as anthology feature films when enough of them are complete.
I’m passionate about proving that you don’t need massive studios or million-dollar budgets to tell meaningful stories. Through Mythos, I’m building a cinematic universe from the ground up, collaborating with local artists, and creating space for under appreciated voices in horror to be seen and celebrated. Right now, I’m developing the second installment, SCAMP, which blends psychological horror, dark comedy, and creature mayhem. I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what indie horror can be.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped how I see the world wasn’t just one moment, it was a period in my life over the last couple of years when things got really heavy and difficult. I hit an emotional rock bottom and realized I couldn’t keep going the way I was. That experience pushed me into therapy and forced me to start confronting things I’d been avoiding for a long time.
It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was one of the hardest chapters of my life. But it completely changed the way I look at myself, other people, and the world around me. It taught me the value of empathy, the importance of self-awareness, and that real growth often comes from our lowest points. Now, I approach my work and relationships with a lot more compassion and perspective, and I try to infuse that honesty into the stories I tell on screen.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to sit with failure and uncertainty without letting it define me. Success can be validating, but it doesn’t really force you to grow. Going through hard times showed me how strong I could be when everything felt impossible, and that I could rebuild myself from the ground up. It taught me patience, humility, and the importance of boundaries. Lessons I never would’ve learned otherwise.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is leading with real kindness. Not just in words, but in how I show up and collaborate. And while I don’t claim to have it all figured out, I try to approach everything I do with honesty, self-awareness, and the intention to grow. For me, kindness isn’t about being passive or pleasing everyone, it’s about taking action, supporting others, mutual respect, and creating something meaningful together.
I want to work alongside people who bring genuine passion and energy to the table. People who care deeply about what they’re building and how they treat those around them. What I’m not interested in is the manipulative, power-driven dynamic that often dominates creative spaces — using or exploiting people emotionally to get ahead. Too many good, well-meaning people end up getting taken advantage of and either burning out or becoming jaded. That cycle needs to change.
I want to prove that kindness, when paired with boundaries and discernment, is a real strength. One that can shape better art, better communities, and better collaborations. When authentic, compassionate people come together and support one another openly, they can create incredible things. That’s the kind of environment I’m committed to building.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Something I’ve come to understand deeply (often the hard way) is how much strength there is in sincerity. We live in a world that often rewards manipulation, image, and self-interest, and because of that, a lot of people mistake kindness, vulnerability, and authenticity for weakness. But I’ve seen the opposite. I’ve learned that those qualities, when backed by boundaries and intention, are incredibly powerful.
I also understand how deeply people crave to be seen and valued for who they actually are. So many creative spaces, and honestly, most spaces in general, are shaped by ego and power dynamics, and that can crush a person’s spirit. But when you create an environment rooted in genuine support and honest collaboration, people flourish. They take bigger risks, they care more, and they build things that matter.
That’s why I put so much emphasis on building communities and creative projects where sincerity isn’t just welcomed, it’s the foundation. It’s something I try to embody in my own work, and it’s something I hope more people come to realize isn’t naïve or idealistic — it’s essential.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ghoulsnightproductions
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/ghoulsnightproductions
- Other: My new film project crowdfunding page: www.indiegogo.com/projects/mythos-scamp
SCAMP instagram page: @scampmythos
Hermit instagram page: @hermitmythos
Image Credits
Bailey Tapert
Josh McFadden
Brandon Blanc
