By Phil Herman
Geno McGahee, a talented filmmaker hailing from Massachusetts, has left an indelible mark in the industry with an impressive filmography that includes “Evil Awakening” (2001), “Rise of the Scarecrows” (2003), “Family Secret” (2009), “Scary Tales” (2014), “Lone Gunman” (2013), “Sickle,” and “Scary Tales: Last Stop.” Geno’s passion for filmmaking ignited at the early age of 12 when he started capturing skits with friends. This passion culminated in his first feature film, “Evil Awakening,” released by Tempe Entertainment in 2008.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Geno is the owner and operator of ScaredStiffReviews.com, a platform he has nurtured for years. Impressively, he continues to create movies, and fans can look forward to a promising sequel from his acclaimed Scarecrow series titled “Rise of the Scarecrows: The Last Straw,” on the horizon. Geno’s dedication to storytelling through film remains unwavering, offering audiences a thrilling cinematic journey.
Past:
The beginning of my journey began with a VHS camcorder at 12-years-old. I began making short films, leading to a feature in my 20s called “EVIL AWAKENING.” The next film “RISE OF THE SCARECROWS” would put me on the map and be very successful and it’s just been an ongoing thing from that point for me.
I have done nearly every element in the film business and work for Cinema Epoch, a production company and film distributor. Recently, I was able to fly to California with my crew to work with Cinema Epoch to make two films, DEADLY WESTERN and FATAL JUSTICE, both of which are on Tubi and other major streaming outlets.
The last few years have been really good for me with my film A CHRISTMAS INVITATION winning the best picture award at a worldwide film festival and has also become my most popular film. It’s nice to be a “horror guy” and to show that I have more tricks up my sleeve.
I’ve written 21 films, produced 34 and feel really good about the direction my film journey is going. The fog has cleared a bit in the last few years and I’m beginning to smell the roses and enjoying the momentum my films have had recently.
Present:
I’m gearing up for the premiere of my two Cali films, DEADLY WESTERN and FATAL JUSTICE along with the release of my new horror anthology, SCARY TALES: DEAD ZONE. I am trying to keep busy but it’s tough with regular life interfering and I found out how tough it was to write, direct and edit three films in the span of 6 months while working a 9 to 5 and having family obligations. I like that saying “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” until I edited three movies in six months. I’ll sleep now is my new saying I like.
I’m writing a new Christmas movie. I wrote a coffee shop comedy called BIKINI BARISTAS, which is a throwback to the 80’s style of comedies. I remember watching movies like HAMBURGER THE MOVIE when I was a kid and I wanted to write something that would lean that way. The Christmas movie is another drama that celebrates friendship and family.
I also own and operate Scaredstiffreviews.com A website that I’ve ran for over 15 years.
Future:
I have a battle plan in place where I’ll either go viral or go broke. I am filming a comedy movie early next year, a reboot of my 2009 film SATANIC MEAT CLEAVER MASSACRE and all roads will lead the third and final scarecrow movie, RISE OF THE SCARECROWS: THE LAST STRAW. I’m also looking to remake a 1970’s classic and I can’t stop writing. When I insist I’m going to take a break from everything, I’m always somewhere typing away.
I am just trying and doing my best to make my mark and get my stories out. I will always be writing, filming and looking to find an audience that enjoys my work. The experiences I’ve had in this game have been great and the friends I’ve made through it mean everything. I have this hope that I’ll get a good budget or a film that goes big enough to supply me with one to really show what I can do, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. I’m happy to go down swinging.
