Skip navigationCreateA Horror Movie To Save The Forest! Interview with the Writer / Director!
Can a horror movie save the planet? The answer and more on this weeks episode!!!
"Each Arbor Day, a New Jersey campground closes while locals whisper about disappearances and eerie sightings. A curious visitor hears five chilling tales revealing the deadly force stalking the woods." - Arbor Day: The Root of Evil synopsis via IMDB
Welcome back Beautiful Souls to another fun filled episode of The Horror Pop Extravaganza! Or is this is your first visiting The Manor? If so, you are greeted with calm and kindness.
LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SHOW NOTES.
This week on the show we are bringing you another special interview episode!
What's cooler than a brand new independent holiday themed horror anthology? How about a brand new independent holiday themed horror anthology with rad new killer and a mission to plant a forest through ticket sales?
If you answered yes to the following question than hold on to your britches as Pops is joined by Writer/Director Michael Jayne. Michael honors The Manor with his presence to discuss is rich history in the industry, and his new horror film, Arbor Day: the Root of Evil. Below you will find Michael explaining Arbor Day's origin and mission in his own words:
Why This Film Matters
This one is personal. After suffering a stroke in May 2025, I created this project as part of my recovery. Because I couldn’t handle a traditional production schedule, we built a different model: five directors, five stories, one antagonist, and a feature shot in just seven days on a budget under $55K.
The mission behind it is simple:
every ticket sold (and future physical media sale) plants a tree to support the Arbor Day Foundation. A horror movie that gives something back.
In this humble little ghost's heart, this may be the coolest and most easy to support mission a horror movie has ever had. What do you think Beautiful Souls? Is a movie that plants trees a cool idea? Lets us know in the comments. The discussion ranges from a Fox approved Firefly Fan Film to the struggles of trying to get a movie from script to distribution and everything in between.
Once again, everyone here at The Horror Pop Manor would like thank Michael Jayne from bringing so much light and joy to this interview. We hope to have you back in the future to discuss any new projects you might have on the table. Next week Lil Duke and Pops are heading to a tropical paradise with Send Help. With the boys get stranded or make it off the island alive.
Be sure to tune in to find out. Be sure to follow Arbor Day: The Root of Evil on all the socials and become a cultivator to bring the film to your town!
