Spotlight Feature: Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies & Beyond

“Do you like scary movies?” -Ghostface from Scream (1996)

This is the question Ivotres Littles explores through her platform, Horror Movies and Beyond. Her YouTube channel is a treasure trove of horror content, from scary movie reviews to celebrity interviews to explorations into the unknown. Through her features, she analyzes, in an entertaining way, what makes horror so enticing.  

For anyone who wants to keep up with the horror film industry, Horror Movies and Beyond is a terror-ific resource! Ivotres delivers a plethora of fresh content on a daily basis reacting to new trailers, spotlighting actors and film creators, and giving her take on new scary movie releases.  She doesn’t just scrape the surface either; she dives into the dark, murky depths of these narratives to examine their deeper meaning.

Ivotres is making great strides when it comes to broadening the discussion of horror and its place in pop culture. She not only hosted the BIPOC Horror Content Creator panel at Midsummer Scream in 2023 but is also returning this year to moderate other panels at the event, including Satanic Hispanics: Unveiled, a discussion on Latinos in horror.

It’s content creators like Ivotres who are elevating the horror genre and revealing its complexities in eye-opening ways. It’s such an honor to have her as a guest on Vamp Jenn’s Corner. In the following interview, we talk about her creative journey, scary movies and more.  

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Q: Thank you, Ivotres, for taking the time to talk to Vamp Jenn’s Corner! I’m so happy to have you as a guest. So, let’s take it back to the beginning. How did Horror Movies and Beyond come into being? How did you get your enterprise started?

A: It all started with my blog called Nerdtastic Girl. That was my first introduction to interviewing celebrities from all types of movie genres. It soon became too complex, and I decided to narrow it down to one specific genre. At first, I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it. It took me a while to figure it out. Then, I remembered that most of my best childhood memories was surrounded by Halloween and horror movies. So, I decided to go with what makes me the happiest and the rest is history.

Q: Your YouTube channel features a variety of content. You’ve reviewed all sorts of horror films, talked to many actors, directors, and authors, and have created many entertaining and informative videos. What have been some of your most memorable moments? Any celebrities or movies you were really thrilled to feature?

A: All my reviews and interviews are memorable moments. However, there are some interviews that stand out more than others. When I interviewed directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and producer Chad Villella for Scream 5, it was very emotional. I grew up watching the Scream franchise. So, when Dewey died in the movie, it felt like my heart was being ripped out because he was my favorite character. I cried during the interview. Second greatest moment was when I interviewed Orlando Jones (MadTV, Evolution) about his film “Till Death Do Us Part.” I was so excited to talk to him. He was so nice and funny. Good times.

Q: I appreciate that you’re candid about the life challenges you’ve experienced. What motivates you to keep going? Do you feel the creative process and your platform, Horror Movies and Beyond, help with that?

A: I think more people should talk about their struggles of trying to survive in this strange world. It keeps you humble and gives people hope when they’re going through bad times. I’ve always been a creative hard worker. However, I do struggle with depression and anxiety. To overcome that, I forced myself to stay busy. In other words, Horror Movies and Beyond gives me a purpose to strive for the best. I love what I do. I hope to bring a little light to my audience in every video.

Q: So, of course I have to ask, what is your favorite scary movie, and why?

A: My favorite scary movie is John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). It was the first horror movie I watched with my parents. That was a great memory.

Q: I was so excited to see that you’ll be returning as a special guest this summer at Midsummer Scream! What was the experience like for you last year? Is there anything you can say about what we can expect from your appearance at the event this year?

A: Last year, The BIPOC Horror Content Creator panel was an accelerated learning experience. It was my first time hosting a panel on stage and I was so nervous. I didn’t think we would have a large crowd; I was so wrong. We filled up the room and people were standing against the walls. It was a great feeling to see so many people come to listen to us. This year, I will be hosting two panels – How to Make a Horror Movie: Producer Edition, and Satanic Hispanics: Unveiled (Latin Horror Panel). Both panels have talented filmmakers from all levels in the film industry. I can’t wait for people to hear their stories.

Q: Horror is the heart and soul of the content you create. What do you appreciate about this genre? What do you feel it has to offer that other genres don’t?

A: One thing is for sure, you must have thick skin and an open mind to love horror movies. I grew at a time when horror movies went above and beyond to gross you out or to scare you to death – sometimes both. Nowadays, most horror movies are quite tamed by comparison. However, it’s starting to get back to its roots. I’m very happy about that. Since the beginning, the horror genre allows creative freedom to explore the darkness with the smallest flashlight possible. Most of the time, you must feel your way through the negativity, doubts, misconceptions, biases, and hate just to enjoy your favorite horror movie, book, etc. That’s why I believe horror fans have the strongest souls in the world. I’m proud to be a horror fan!

Q: Parting is such sweet sorrow, but before we do, are there any teasers you’d like to share about upcoming projects?

A: I have so many ideas to make my show larger than life. I hope soon I will be able to bring them to life. For now, I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. And I appreciate all those who have supported me along the way. Thank you!

Where to Stalk

Horror Movies and Beyond official website

Horror Movies and Beyond YouTube