Josh Hasty

Last updated
Josh Hasty
Josh Hasty in 2019.jpg
Hasty in 2019
Born
Occupations
  • Filmmaker
  • entrepreneur
Years active2015 - Present
Website joshhasty.com

Josh Hasty is an American filmmaker and entrepreneur. He is the creative director and executive producer at Relavox, a creative production studio he founded with his wife, Lindsey Kowalski. [1] Hasty has worked in the horror entertainment industry, creating immersive seasonal attractions, [2] collaborating with Rob Zombie, [3] and writing and directing the film Candy Corn . [4]

Contents

Josh Hasty has been quoted regarding the importance of creating high-quality, audience-focused content, even during industry disruptions, and advocates for innovation beyond traditional media hubs. [5] [6] He advocates for mental health in the media and entertainment industries [7] and hosted weekly meditation sessions with the David Lynch Foundation for creatives worldwide from 2020-2024. [8] [9]

Early life

Josh Hasty was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. [10] He grew up aspiring to have a career in entertainment and media. [11]

Career

2012–2014: Early career

Hasty’s career began in the independent horror film and entertainment industries. In 2012, he opened Scaredown, a seasonal Halloween event in Waynesville, Ohio, combining haunted attractions with live performances. [2] [12] In 2013, Hasty started a freelance career in video production. He worked with tech startups, real estate firms, and public speakers, using the moniker Relavox. [1] [13]

During this time, Hasty began making independent films. Without funding or resources, Hasty would handle most aspects of production, including making wardrobes and props, set design, operating the camera, music, and editing. [14] These projects include A Mannequin in Static, [15] Judith: The Night She Stayed Home, [16] and Honeyspider. [17] [18] Judith: The Night She Stayed Home is a tribute to John Carpenter’s Halloween and was shot at The Myers House North Carolina, a life-size replica of Michael Myers's house from the film.[ citation needed ]Honeyspider was released by Brain Damage Films on DVD and streaming [17] and won the award for Best Horror Film at Mad Monster Party. [19]

In 2015, Rob Zombie hired Hasty to co-produce, direct, shoot, and edit a feature-length documentary about the making of Zombie's film, 31 . The documentary, In Hell Everybody Loves Popcorn, was included in the Blu-ray and distributed digitally through Lionsgate.[ citation needed ] An exclusive 4+ hour version of the documentary was released on iTunes. [3] A condensed version of the documentary screened alongside the film as part of a one-night theatrical release through Fathom Events. [20]

In 2016, Hasty began production on his next feature film, Candy Corn , which he wrote, directed, produced, and co-composed.[ citation needed ] Production cost $250,000. [21] The film’s cast includes Tony Todd, P.J. Soles, and Courtney Gains. P.J. Soles stated that she came out of retirement to be in Candy Corn after a phone call with Hasty, and working with him reminded her of working with John Carpenter. [10] [22] Entertainment Weekly released the exclusive first look at the film. [23] Epic Pictures acquired Candy Corn for worldwide distribution. [24] The film was released in the U.S. by Dread and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment internationally.[ citation needed ] Hasty co-composed the film's score, which was pressed on vinyl at Abbey Road Studios and released by Burning Witches Records. [25] [21] In 2023, Fangoria named Candy Corn as one of their favorite horror movies taking place on Halloween. [4]

2020–present: Recent work

In a 2019 interview with the Transcendental Meditation Blog, Hasty explained how meditation had become a vital tool for his mental wellbeing, stating, "It's this little sidekick that goes in and clears the clutter from my brain." [7] In 2020, Hasty partnered with the David Lynch Foundation in Los Angeles to host weekly mediations for creatives worldwide struggling with mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [8] [9] In August 2020, Josh Hasty was hospitalized with a lung infections. [11] Hasty said this experience changed his perspective on life and inspired him to create work that promoted positive change and mental and physical health. [9] In 2021, Hasty produced an educational film project with South African psychologist Susan David. [6]

Personal life

He currently lives in Ohio with his wife, Lindsey Hasty, who is also co-founder of Relavox. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "relavox - About". relavox. Retrieved 2024-12-08.[ dead link ]
  2. 1 2 Carter-Novotni, Stephen (17 October 2012). "Step Inside The Horror Movie". Cincinnati CityBeat. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  3. 1 2 Squires, John (2017-03-06). "You Can Watch 4-Hour Documentary for Rob Zombie's '31' On iTunes". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  4. 1 2 Quintana, Dolores (2023-10-06). "13 Of Our Favorite Horror Movies Set On Halloween". www.fangoria.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  5. Kelemen, Andy (2024-03-01). "Size isn't everything; why small towns can offer big returns". shots. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  6. 1 2 Case, Tony (2023-01-27). "Hard times for Hollywood mean sobering reality for talent". WorkLife. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  7. 1 2 "It's This Little Sidekick That Goes In and Clears the Clutter From My Brain". TM Blog. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  8. 1 2 "Meditate". Josh Hasty. Retrieved 2024-12-08.[ dead link ]
  9. 1 2 3 "Meditating with David Lynch, Candycorn, and Envy (feat. Josh Hasty) - Secret Art Project". iHeart. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  10. 1 2 Blem, Tiffany (2019-11-02). "In-Depth Interview with Josh Hasty, Director of New Halloween Film 'Candy Corn'". PopHorror. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  11. 1 2 "Josh Hasty [Interview]". TRAINWRECK'D SOCIETY. 2020-10-16. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  12. "Scaredown: "100% pure, straight out of hell, wish you were never born, evil!"". WVXU. 2013-09-12. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  13. "5 cinematic real estate branding videos that will blow you away". Curaytor. Retrieved 2024-12-08.[ dead link ]
  14. Woods, Vicki (2019-03-25). "Exclusive "Candy Corn" Interview". Morbidly Beautiful. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  15. Barton, Steve (2009-12-01). "Mannequin in Static, A (2009)". Dread Central. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  16. Barton, Steve (2009-11-16). "The Night SHE Stayed Home: Judith: A Halloween Tribute Film". Dread Central. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  17. 1 2 Sorel, Lynn (2015-08-12). "'Honeyspider' Coming to DVD October 6". Horror News Network. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  18. Theetge, Terrence (2015-10-26). "Honeyspider movie preview". WKRC. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  19. Artz, Matt (2015-03-31). "'Honeyspider' Wins Best Horror Film At Mad Monster Party". Halloween Daily News. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  20. Gallagher, Brian (2016-08-08). "Rob Zombie Reveals First 31 Clip, One-Night Only Event Announced". MovieWeb. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  21. 1 2 "relavox - Candy Corn". relavox. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  22. Regev, Nir (2019-09-19). "P.J. Soles talks Candy Corn, acting career, her life, Princess Leia audition". The Natural Aristocrat. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  23. "First look at 'Candyman' star Tony Todd in thriller 'Candy Corn'". EW.com. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
  24. James, Jonathan (2019-05-10). "Epic Pictures to Distribute Josh Hasty's CANDY CORN, Fall Theatrical Release Planned". Daily Dead. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
  25. "Candy Corn - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, by Josh Hasty and Michael Brooker". Burning Witches Records. Retrieved 2024-12-09.