Scary Funny: An Exploration of Horror-Comedy

• Presented by Hopkins at Home •
• Featuring Luke Kelly-Clyne, A&S '10, Josh Ruben, and Mark Swift, A&S '93 •

Join us this Halloween-season for a spirited exploration of how creators use fear and funny to make horror-comedy work.

Why do we love to scream and laugh—sometimes in the same breath? This panel brings together creators who live at the crossroads of fear and funny to unpack why these genres are natural partners and how to make the blend work. Emmy and NAACP Image Award–winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne (A&S ’10), Head of Studio at Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, moderates a craft-forward conversation with filmmaker Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within, Heart Eyes) and veteran screenwriter Mark Swift (A&S ’93; Freddy vs. Jason, Friday the 13th). They’ll explore the shared DNA of horror and comedy—surprise, tension, release—and how tone, timing, and character turn a jolt into a laugh (and back again).

Expect candid stories from set and writers’ rooms; practical tips on building set-ups and payoffs; guidance on pitching horror-comedy in today’s market; and reflections on working across platforms—from studio features to streamers and podcasts. We’ll also touch on ratings and audience expectations, collaborating with actors and effects teams, and the business of positioning a project so it’s scary enough for genre fans and inviting enough for comedy lovers.