Press
Video
Salem Horror Festival 2018
Join panelists Matt Leslie (SUMMER OF 84), Paul Tremblay (THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD), Scott Thomas (KILL CREEK), Lisa Kröger (MONSTER, SHE WROTE) and Melanie R. Anderson (MONSTER, SHE WROTE) as they discuss the craft of writing for horror. From its various formats and many sub-genres to how horror has evolved over the years, these creators will do a deep dive, discussing their personal projects, what inspires them and what made them want to write horror.
Podcasts
Knight Light
We have an exclusive interview for all of you this time around! We are bringing a companion episode with our breakdown of Summer of '84. Our HeadKnight, Prince, sits down with the screenwriters' Matt Leslie and Stephen J. Smith to discuss Summer of '84, their history with genre, and their future projects that they are currently working on.
VCRWORLD Podcast
Brian and Drew are joined by screenwriters Matt Leslie and Stephen J. Smith to discuss their breakout movie Summer of 84 … and pretty much geek over all the pop culture that still informs what we love today. We find out how they write as a duo and what it took to get Summer of 84 made. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Snakebite Horrorcast
In a very special episode, Mark and the boys are joined by the writers and producer of Summer of 84, Matt Leslie and Stephen J Smith, to talk about two fun horror films, Satan's Slaves and Devil's Candy. The Boys also have a great conversation about Summer of 84, sequel ideas and more.
Heroes of Noise
On this bonus episode of Heroes of Noise Dan sits down with screenwriters Matt Leslie and Stephen J Smith to talk about all things Summer of 84. Learn how they met, their introduction to RKSS, the casting process, future endeavors and more. These guys were great and we wholeheartedly thank them for stopping by Heroes of Noise to chat it up.
I Like to Movie Movie
Garrett and Dan are joined by writers Stephen J. Smith and Matt Leslie to discuss Joe Dante's The ‘Burbs. They also share insight into their writing process, and their exciting upcoming projects like their directorial debut The Knocking, a series based on the Polybius arcade conspiracy, and Angel of Dust, a film they wrote that is to be directed by RZA and scored by Wu-Tang Clan.
Terror Inpodnito
We're back with another episode of our podcast special, The Gory Details. This week we've got a bit of a writer's round table featuring Stephen Smith and Matt Leslie (Summer of '84) and J.P. Willie (Blood in the Woods). We discuss everything from the state of modern horror to experience working in the industry. Enjoy!
Articles
Variety
A major takeaway from my time on the set of “The Knocking,” Fadida and Fleischman’s low-budget horror project from writer-directors Matt Leslie and Stephen Smith, was a fierce commitment to filmmaking in the most unpredictable circumstances. Here are some glimpses from life on a post-COVID film set.
Variety
Co-directors Matt Leslie and Stephen Smith have completed “The Knocking,” a bloody tale of a serial monogamist that shot for 19 days amid intense coronavirus safety protocols. Shiloh Fernandez (“Burn”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Alexis Knapp (“Pitch Perfect” series) and Ser’Darius Blain (“Jumanji”) lead the cast.
Angel of Dust
Smith and Leslie are writing “Angel of Dust” for Producer Shaun Redick (“Get Out” + “BlackKklansman”). The film is set to be directed by The Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA with an original soundtrack from the legendary hip-hop group.
Variety
“Mad Men” star Rich Sommer and Tiera Skovbye of “Riverdale” are starring in the horror-thriller “Summer of ’84” with production beginning Wednesday in Vancouver, Variety has learned exclusively. Matt Leslie is producing with Jameson Parker and Shawn Williamson from Brightlight Pictures alongside Cody Zwieg who will oversee production for Gunpowder & Sky. François Simard, Anouk Whissell and Yoann-Karl Whissell are directing from a script by Leslie and writing partner, Stephen J. Smith.
Creative Screenwriting
We spoke with freelance journalist Brock Swinson about our process when writing “Summer of ‘84.”
The Village Voice
“Summer of ’84 gains in interest and urgency as it goes. …. The last forty minutes zip tensely along, including the priceless scene of Davey’s father marching the boys right over to that cop’s house and making them each apologize to his face for having gone through his trash and suspecting him of murder. It’s hilarious, uncomfortable, original, and the start of something new in what had until now been a saltily comic retread: It’s scary.”
Sundance Review: Dread Central
“The final moments see a broken Davey, one that realizes his life ahead will be fraught with terror and fear, his childhood safety stripped away by a single monologue. It’s a marvelous twist that upends and destroys that same carefree atmosphere the film spent so long lingering within. …. You’ll leave this film shaken.”
Endicott College’s Soundings Magazine
“If you asked 14-year-old Susie Castillo what she wanted to be when she grew up, she’d stare you straight in the face and tell you she wanted to be a model. The young Matt Leslie, however, would most likely stare back in puzzled contemplation. Admittedly, he says, “I never knew what I wanted to do.” That was, until he discovered screenwriting.”