There’s nothing better than watching some of your favorite horror movies/TV shows during the spooky season in El Paso. We all have our favorite “go-to” movies, whether they are produced by a Hollywood studio or an independent film. With indie films, sometimes you might be surprised by who you might recognize in it.
The horror film, Open House, features two people from El Paso
Ryan Leach/LEACH PICTURESRyan Leach/LEACH PICTURES
Directed by Ryan Leach, from New York City, the movie is centered around a realtor who’s trying to sell a house & a local family is interested, so they drive out to check the place out. Little did they know is that this house contains a very dark secret…
I asked Ryan about where the inspiration for Open House came from; even though he’s big into horror movies, the movie itself was created for a more important reason:
“’Open House’ is the biggest film I’ve made so far. I wrote a 47-page horror script, brought a cast and crew together within 26 days, and we shot it in two days on a tiny budget. But the film means even more to me for what it represents. I was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, which affects my central vision, and I’ve been told I couldn’t pursue filmmaking because of it. My goal is to show people with disabilities that the cards you’re dealt don’t have to decide what you’re capable of. You may have to find your own way through challenges, but you can still chase what you love and create something you’re proud of. If my films help even one person believe that, it means everything to me.”
Ryan Leach/LEACH PICTURESRyan Leach/LEACH PICTURES
Ryan Leach/LEACH PICTURESRyan Leach/LEACH PICTURES
As mentioned before, 2 people from El Paso appear in the movie cameos. Miguel Kennedy, who works as a volunteer assistant cross country coach for EPCC &… me.
Daniel PaulusDaniel Paulus
Yup. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say the two of us MET this realtor and…it didn’t end well…
Ryan Leach/LEACH PICTURESRyan Leach/LEACH PICTURES
Ryan Leach/LEACH PICTURESRyan Leach/LEACH PICTURES
So how did we end up in this situation? I discovered his work online & we got to talking on Instagram. He mentioned he was looking for people to pose as victims and then take those photos to be included in a film he was working on, which became “Open House”. I took photos of the two us playing dead, sent to Ryan, & Ryan Leach was so sweet with allowing the two of us to appear in the movie as extras. The wall of “mementos” can be seen in the movie so try to find us on the wall when you watch the movie…
It was an experience that the two of us will never forget. That also includes everyone was worked on Ryan’s film, which is something that Miguel, me, ALL of the extras & all the cast involved are very thankful for.
It’s still wild seeing our names on an end credits screen…
LEACH PICTURES via YouTubeLEACH PICTURES via YouTube
The whole movie IS available to watch on YouTube & you can find it on the Leach Pictures YouTube channel here.
This is another great example on why it’s important to support the local arts. Whether it’s in El Paso, or New York, or wherever… the love of creating art is strong and should continue to be supported, no matter what.
The Best Horror Film From Every Year
Counting down more than a century’s worth of monsters, demons and things that go bump in the night.
Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci
12 Places That Belong in the El Paso Landmark Hall of Fame
El Paso has plenty of famous landmarks, but locals say these 12 beloved places deserve some recognition too.
Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba
9 Rock + Metal Albums That Would Make SICK Horror Movies
Some rock and metal albums tell stories — these would make absolutely sick horror movies if they were adapted into films.
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner