Two women with contrasting hair colors posing together against a dark background. — Trash Queen Directors Emily Tullock and Gabrielle Rosson

Indie horror filmmakers Gabby Rosson and Emily Tullock are creating Trash Queen, a sci-fi horror comedy, starring Tullock and legendary scream queen Lynn Lowery. They joined the Scariest Things to talk about what goes into developing a self-funded independent horror film. It is the journey of many an ambitious creator, and we talked about all of the joys and difficulties of crafting a horror movie. If you have ever wanted to produce a movie yourself, this may be an instructive conversation, so join us as we take a trip to the dump, for all the right reasons.

Part of the Scariest Things’ mission is to provide an opportunity for independent horror filmmakers to reach audiences. Whether they are established short-film creators or launching their first feature film, independent filmmakers can struggle to build a fan base. Film festivals do a great job of this. But what about securing the resources to get the film made so it can screen at festivals? It’s a chicken-and-egg problem. You have to start somewhere. Creators Gabrielle Rosson and Emily Tullock found our Site through a recommendation from fellow filmmaker Luke Zwanziger, who participated in The Scariest Thing’s Overlook Short Film Roundtable in 2025. It’s all about building a horror community.

A small horror press outfit needs to contact independent filmmakers. Movie folks need to get the word out about their movies. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. Gabrielle sent us a message, and the movie concept intrigued us. So, we arranged an interview. We had a chance to discuss their concept, their relationship to horror, and their creative process.

Here is the elevator pitch for Trash Queen:

Trash Queen is a blood-soaked, female-driven horror-comedy about what happens when a woman who’s spent her entire life being overlooked…finally becomes impossible to ignore.

After a bite from a trash-dwelling alien cannibal leaves her craving human flesh, Sophia, a painfully underestimated office worker, spirals into a grotesque, hilarious transformation. When her washed-up musician boyfriend, Jack, is also infected and trapped in the Town Dump, she’s forced to chase after him and face off against the Trash King.

To survive, Sophia must stop trying to fit in and fully become something else. Something powerful. Something terrifying.

The Trash Queen.

Both women have been in the film industry for about ten years. Rosson has several short films in her directing portfolio, and Tullock is a comedienne with several acting performances and a pair of directing credits to her name. This will be their first feature film direction for both of them. The two of them have finished their script, and, with a fair bit of chutzpah and moxie, they have assembled a cast.

Emily Tullock plays Sophia, the film’s lead protagonist.

Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies) plays Marcy, an off the grid resident of the woods.

Kevin Keppy (Smile, Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities) plays Gordo, a monstrous figure.

Jonathan Stoddard (The Roaring Games) plays Jack, Sophia’s boyfriend

They are still casting for the movie, so if you are a Washington actor or actress and are wanting to be in a locally made horror movie, send your resumes to trashqueenfeaturefilm@gmail.com.

The Fundraiser:

If, after listening to them describe their project, you think this movie should be made, you can be part of their brand-new crowdfunding effort. In this day and age, it is the essential model for getting production off the ground. If you want to BE in the movie, there are pledge levels to be an extra in the movie, and even a speaking role! There are plenty of stretch goals, so if you’re feeling generous, there are plenty of rewards available.

The Scariest Things will update you on the progress of making this movie. I hope we’ll be able to go up and visit them once the shoot is underway. We will update you with behind-the-scenes material and production footage!

The Interview:

Here is the interview link for the making of Trash Queen. You can also download this podcast from iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you stream your podcasts.