Director Brandon Lazenko chats with 'October Roses' leads >>> What happens when you get the opportunity to produce, direct and write an adaptation of one of the world’s most notable horror masters? You fulfill a few lifelong dreams. Just ask Brandon Lazenko . His most recent film, October Roses , is an adaptation of the short story Nona from master storyteller Stephen King. Lazenko got the opportunity to adapt the story through King’s recently sunsetted Dollar Baby program . The Dollar Baby program allowed aspiring filmmakers to buy the rights to one of King’s short stories for $1. Created in the late 1970s, this program was designed to support new filmmakers by offering access to King’s works. The only rules? Filmmakers could not distribute their adaptations commercially, limiting screenings primarily to festivals and academic settings. King’s program, which ended in 2023, significantly impacted the film industry. Frank Darabont, for example, directed The Shawshank R...
Championing films made in and filmmakers from the Midwest
