Dubuque Filmmaker Provides Update on Upcoming Horror Movie

Last year, I caught wind of an upcoming horror movie being conceptualized and filmed in Dubuque, IA. Being a film critic and a horror fan in general, I couldn't not be interested. Now, that same film is being readied for a release in 2024.

Are You Dead Yet? is a product of Dubuque, IA. Written and directed by Dyersville native Jayme Schmitt, the film had an Indiegogo page where people could donate and help the film see the light of day. Schmitt and his loyal producers sought $5,000 to finish it, take it on tour, and then see it through a release on DVD and streaming.

I caught up with Jayme Schmitt, who came into the studio alongside Dusty Meier, one of the actors in the film.

Schmitt talked about where things stand with Are You Dead Yet?, which is in the midst of post-production at the moment. It is tentatively slated to premiere on June 14th, 2024. He also wanted to send a message to the folks who might be thinking of making a movie themselves:

I did not go to [film school]. This was one of those things where, when I was in high school, I just picked up a camera, picked up a computer, and just did it. [I] taught myself how to do it. I want to reiterate to anybody out there who has this "want" to do this. First of all, you have to have the passion for it. You do not need to go to school for it [....] If you really want something bad enough, you will do it. And I'm telling you, if I can do this, you can do this. If you want to make a movie, go make a movie.

In addition, Meier also described her experiences working on the set of the film:

I play David in Are You Dead Yet? [....] If you took the love-child of Bruce Campbell and Tom Selleck, that's literally me, that's my character.

Are You Dead Yet? is not some multimillion dollar horror movie. This is a movie made by a group of friends working on a volunteer basis. This is as grassroots of an indie film as you can get.

Consider taking a peek at Are You Dead Yet?'s Facebook and IMDb pages. Take a listen to my interview with Jayme Schmitt and Dusty Meier below!