Behind the Scenes of My First Horror Film Journey with DemonCode

Gaining a co-star acting role in the independent horror movie, DemonCode, has been a journey full of unexpected lessons and rewarding moments. Playing Max Pauli, a German physicist who uncovers a dark secret, pushed me beyond my comfort zone in many ways. I want to share some insights from this experience, especially about learning a German accent, working with an amazing team, and how a simple table read helped calm my nerves.

Finding Max Pauli’s Voice

Max Pauli is a complex character. As a physicist, he’s analytical and cautious, but the story drags him into something far darker. Portraying him meant I had to adopt a convincing German accent, which was a real challenge. I spent hours listening to Fritz Lang being interviewed by William Friedkin and practicing the rhythm and intonation. It wasn’t about sounding perfect but capturing the essence of Max’s background.

Collaborating with Corey Trahan and the Cast

Working with director Corey Trahan was a highlight. Corey’s vision for DemonCode was clear, and he was open to ideas, which made the set feel like a creative space rather than a pressure cooker. And the stories behind some of the opening shots of the movie are already legendary in a hilarious way. They'll have to wait to be shared until the movie is released.

Working with Adam Huss, Moriah Boone, Justin Bratton and Jay Krymis, what a great group of accomplished professional actors, can't say enough about how encouraging, open and kind they are, as well as every single person on the cast list.

The Table Read That Changed Everything

Before filming, we had a table read where the entire cast gathered to read through the script aloud. For me, this was a turning point. I had been nervous about delivering my lines with the right accent and emotion, but hearing everyone else’s voices and seeing the story unfold in real time helped me relax.

But getting the feedback that the accent and character was enjoyed by all was an instant shot of confidence. The anxiety about debuting the sound and style of a german physicist was gone and I was able to relax enough that I was retaining Max's speech even while off set.

Lessons for Aspiring Filmmakers and Actors

This journey has been humbling. I learned that making a film, especially in the horror genre, requires patience, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Here are a few takeaways for anyone starting out:

• Practice your character’s voice early. It helps build confidence and authenticity.

• Value your director’s vision but don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Collaboration improves the final product.

• Use table reads to your advantage. They are a safe space to explore your role and get feedback.

• Appreciate your cast and crew. Even if you don’t work with everyone directly, their support matters.

  
  

Moving Forward with DemonCode

Looking back, DemonCode was more than just a film project. It was a chance to grow as an actor and storyteller. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team and to bring Max Pauli’s story to life. For anyone dreaming of acting, it takes work and study. If you want to do that, you can do this.