Having joined my previously for a spotlight, I'm thrilled to welcome back Sarah Schultz to talk about her work with Grave Dirt Clothing and some other upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for returning to this. Since last we spoke, you’ve seen an expanse of your company Mort House Productions with the launch of Grave Dirt Clothing. What was the inspiration to get this going?
Sarah Schultz: My husband Josh is the brains for sure. The wheels in his head are always turning, and he will be up until the wee hours of the morning cranking out ideas and making them come to life. The Zodiac Killer backpack and speaker we have on our Gravedirt Clothing website are works of art truly. As for Mort House Films, he designed a new logo. I am the half that gives my stamp of approval and shares on social media! 🙂 We have a script that is just sitting. We have photos and amazing props for the movie just waiting to be used. I hope we can get that off the ground, as well as Eric Lawson's movie, "The Phone in the Door."
Me: What was the process like starting a new genre-themed clothing line? What type of day-to-day work do you do with the operations of the line?
SS: We wanted a store made for everyone. A one stop shop if you will. Our store has literally everything from True Crime to Movie mashups. It's incredible. We make sure the website is with the current favorites and legends, and that what we have showing on the site is available for purchase. We keep up with the times as well. When the world was shut down, we designed serial killer masks.
Me: What has been your most memorable experience with the start of the company?
SS: For Gravedirt Clothing, it's the amazing celebrity testimonials on our website. Our friend David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown) and Brooke Lewis (Netflix's Kinky Killers) have some sweet things to say about Gravedirt.
When director Tony Newton (Witch cast) asked Josh if Dark Web: Mystery Box could be a Mort House Films production, we were ecstatic. That's our first baby. We love seeing our YouTube channel take off with great indie films.
Me: There’s also been a renewed bit of interest in the quarantine-shot feature Amityville Hex with its release on various streaming services. What was it like filming this so close to the other project Dark Web: Mystery Box?
SS: I was still in the groove and enjoying working from home so to say, that I was quick to say yes to the offer! I have high school friends who saw a review on the film, and sure enough Josh and I show onscreen and I felt accomplished. That was amazing.
Me: With an appearance in the upcoming Bluff Skellingtons, what have you taken from your acting roles within your career thus far?
SS: Bluff Skellingtons was great. Josh and I filmed our scene after our first overnight stay at the Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa with director Michael Wurzer. We made a cameo appearance. I have taken new approaches with every role in a positive manner. I like not just sticking to one "type" of role. The people I work with as well have taught me a lot. Every set is a lesson. :)
Me: As well, you’ve also started getting your daughter interested in acting like you. What initially brought this about?
SS: Yes! Khloe has been in an independent film named "Start with Hello" based on the Sandy Hook shooting directed by Ella Warner. Khloe and I were in dark pop singer Miss Krystle's music video Angels in the Valley", and she's done hair modeling as well for local companies in Arizona. She has become a huge fan of Kate Winslet, and aspires to be the next. She has learned to outlet her energy in a positive way through acting.
Me: What have you done to help spur along her dreams of appearing in the industry?
SS: Josh shot photos on Zuma Beach in California a few weeks ago to update her portfolio. She starts acting classes with actress Natalie Sperl on the tenth of March. We have talked to her about how it's fun to play make believe and make it into a career, but it's hard work too.
Me: Beyond this, what other plans, if any, do you have to help further Mort House Productions with new projects?
SS: We have two film projects for sure! We need to make the time to film and get things together to make it all happen. I miss filming. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre fan film and director Eric Lawson's Phone in the Door.
Me: How do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
SS: Yoga and meditation. It helps keep me focused and balanced. Watching old films like Titanic push that along as well.
Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
SS: Don't give up. It's a typical response, but true. You must work hard and if you want it, you can have it. :) Thank you Don
This interview ran as part of our 2024 Women in Horror Movement celebrations! Click the banner below to check out our complete coverage:
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