Haunted by Passion: Michael Eauslin’s Cinematic Descent
Welcome Michael, we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
Who is Michael Eauslin and how did the passion for creating begin?
I'm a 52-year-old actor, producer, and director from Wisconsin. I also spent time in Hollywood, California, furthering my acting career. My passion for creating film began in 2017, when I realized I had gained enough experience behind the scenes as a production assistant to take a chance on making a film myself. That moment sparked everything that followed.
Can you tell us a bit about your previous work?
In 2017, I created my first film—a documentary on some of the animals in the Galápagos Islands. I spent a week there filming and taking photographs. That project was a personal success: it was nominated twice for Best Documentary, became a semi-finalist in three festivals, and one of my photographs was selected as a winner and displayed in an art gallery for 90 days. I also received the Audience Choice Award at another festival. From that moment on, I knew my passion for filmmaking was about to go full speed ahead. Since then, I’ve directed or produced four other films and am currently working on my fifth.
“The Forgotten Asylum” plunges into a chilling narrative of abandonment and abuse—what inspired this unsettling yet compelling story?
The movie came purely from my imagination. I wanted to tell a story that would grab the viewer’s attention and keep them engaged all the way through. It took a lot of time and thought to figure out how I wanted the movie to unfold and progress, but the process was creatively fulfilling.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: “The Forgotten Asylum”
You not only wrote and directed the film but also acted in it. What was it like emotionally to inhabit a world you created—especially one so dark and tormented?
It was definitely different compared to roles I’ve played in the past. Mentally, I kept thinking about how disturbing my character, Dr. Watson, really was. He’s someone I hope I’d never meet in real life. Getting into that mindset was a challenge, but it also made me appreciate the depth and range of emotion required to bring such a dark character to life.
Your use of mixed media—phones, different cameras, subtle AI—is striking. What drove those choices, and how did it influence the viewer’s experience?
Originally, using different types of cameras wasn't something I planned. But since some of my actors lived far away, I gave them the option to self-tape their scenes. Some only had access to a cell phone camera, so I made it work. I don’t think the viewer minds the variety in footage because the story itself is captivating and keeps them wondering what’s going to happen next.
How do you view the role of horror today—should it scare us, warn us, heal us, or something else entirely?
I believe horror should primarily scare you—but I also think it can serve a healing purpose. Sometimes, horror allows people to confront and process fears they’ve carried from their past. It’s a powerful genre because it taps into very real emotions.
What reactions do you hope to elicit from audiences watching your project ?
So far, viewers have been really impressed with the storyline, my editing skills, and the overall presentation. Many believe this film could go places and potentially win awards—which is both humbling and motivating.
In future projects, do you plan to explore similar genre intersections, or are there other genres you're eager to explore ?
I’m currently working on a Halloween-themed horror film, which I hope to release by fall 2025. But I also want to branch out—I’d love to produce and direct a comedy. I enjoy making people laugh and don’t want to limit myself to one genre. Exploring different styles keeps my creativity alive.
What’s the strangest or most unexpected thing that happened during filming—especially with so many locations and types of cameras involved?
While filming some of the basement scenes, we heard unexplained noises—like footsteps—despite no one moving. It was eerie and definitely added to the already creepy vibe of the set. Moments like that made the experience even more memorable.
This marks the conclusion of the interview featuring our esteemed artist, Michael Eauslin. Our community is growing steadily, with a continuous influx of skilled filmmakers and screenwriters joining us. Explore our other interviews, and consider scheduling one for yourself to showcase your creative endeavors.
