WallyBird Productions Founder Diane Foster:
To start, please introduce yourself:
Hi! I am Diane Foster, founder of WallyBird Productions and a Director, Producer, Actor, and Mom to 2 amazing teenagers. I was a professional dancer for a very long time and also did a ton of musical theater, so I sing as well! I am from the great state of NJ, the last of six children, and I have been making films in LA since 2003.
What is horror to you, what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
Horror, to me, is the perfect blend of excitement and fear, where the unexpected meets the familiar, creating an adrenaline rush unlike any other genre. What makes a work of art in the horror genre is its ability to tap into our deepest fears and provoke thought while still entertaining us. I love getting to create and bring out the darker side of storytelling. There’s something exhilarating about exploring the unknown and pushing the boundaries. Both Horror and Comedy blended together allows me to do that while simultaneously entertaining and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
What made you want to work in horror?
My passion stems from a desire to empower and amplify the voices of women in storytelling. Horror, often misunderstood as a male-dominated realm, presents a unique opportunity to challenge stereotypes and shed light on female experiences that are frequently overlooked or marginalized. In a genre where fear is a driving force, I see an opportunity to explore themes of empowerment, resilience, and agency through the lens of female protagonists. Too often, women in horror films are relegated to roles of victimization or objectification, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. By stepping into the world of filmmaking, I aim to offer a fresh perspective that celebrates the strength and complexity of female characters. Also, Horror provides a platform to delve into taboo subjects and confront societal taboos head-on. By telling stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature, I hope it will spark conversations and challenge us, ultimately contributing to greater societal awareness and understanding. I aspire to continue to carve out spaces for female-driven narratives that defy expectations and resonate with audiences while also paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering cinematic landscape both in front and behind the camera.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from various sources – from real-life experiences to the corners of my imagination. I draw inspiration from films, books, everyday occurrences, and a lot from relationships and living. Doing different things like taking a class, or going to a museum, connecting with friends, learning through being a mother and from my children, going places I have never been- it all teaches us in different ways. To me being a filmmaker and artist, living life and having experiences that are outside of the work is really important because it all informs, challenges, and inspires the work.
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
I aspire to leave behind a legacy of innovation and fearlessness in the genre and in filmmaking altogether by pushing the boundaries of what horror can be while paving the way for future generations of female filmmakers. I would like to leave a legacy as a trailblazer who amplified the voices of underrepresented communities, including women that celebrated the nature of womanhood and challenged traditional narratives surrounding gender roles. As a mother, I strive to be a person my children can be proud of, instilling and living the things I teach them – by valuing empathy, resilience, and compassion. I hope to show them and others that it’s possible to pursue one’s passions while prioritizing family and personal growth, and ultimately inspiring others to embrace their true selves, pursue their dreams unapologetically, and leave an indelible mark on the world through their art and actions.
What is Women in Horror Month to you and why is it still important this many years later?
Women in Horror Month is a vital celebration that shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in the genre. It’s essential to continue recognizing and supporting women in horror to foster diversity and ensure that their voices are heard and celebrated.
It is a celebration of the women that came before us and a moment to celebrate where we are now. Like everything- women have had to fight to be where we are and that came from the trailblazers before us. Even though there are so many female fans of the genre, it often goes unnoticed. It is vital to the future of storytelling to keep women at the table and to put them in leadership positions. We know our stories best because we live them every day. With my film “Easter Bloody Easter” it was important to tell a story about a grown woman really living in the world and not just a fantasy that a male made up.
Who are some of the Women in Horror who you look up to and who do you want to bring attention to in your field or others?
Some of the Women in Horror who I admire include Mary Shelley and Kathryn Bigelow, and in recent years Amy Holden Jones, Karyn Kusama, Jennifer Kent, Nia DaCosta, and Ana Lily Amirpour, whose unique perspectives have revitalized the genre. I am a huge fan of female filmmakers in many other genres as well including Ava DuVernay and Melina Matsoukas.
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my Easter-themed horror comedy film, “Easter Bloody Easter” that world premieres in Los Angeles on March 21st and releases on VOD March 26 just in time for Easter. You can pre-order here: https://apple.co/3OFAS0C
It’s a wickedly fun ride that blends humor with horror, introduces a new Monster to the genre and is guaranteed to leave audiences hopping, yes, I said hopping, for so much more! You can follow me on social media @dianefosterofficial and @wallybirdproductions on IG for updates and behind-the-scenes, Diane Foster Official on Facebook and TikTok, and WallyBird Productions on Youtube.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my passion for horror, comedy, and filmmaking!