For the past several months, Magnetic Drive has been taking shape behind the scenes through long nights, creative collaboration, and countless conversations between cast and crew. Today, we’re excited to share that process with audiences for the very first time. Magnetic Drive: Behind the Scenes is now available exclusively on the Dark Monarch Films website. […]
Today, Dark Monarch Films is excited to unveil the official poster for Magnetic Drive, our upcoming thriller series. Created as a vertical series, Magnetic Drive embraces an emerging storytelling format designed for mobile viewing while maintaining a cinematic approach to suspense, atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling. The series follows Marcus, a rideshare driver confronted by a
Dark Monarch Films is proud to share that its upcoming thriller series, Magnetic Drive, was recently featured in a Reel Chicago editorial roundup highlighting notable productions currently moving through Illinois. Published on June 12, 2026, the article examines several projects contributing to a busy production season across Chicago and the surrounding region. Alongside a Disney
CHICAGO, IL — June 2026 — Dark Monarch Films is proud to announce that Where the Shadows Wait received two major honors at the 2026 Crown Point International Film Festival Best of Fest Awards, taking home Best Director for Riley Robbins and Best Supporting Actor for Jonathan Stephens. The awards were presented during the festival’s
Dark Monarch Films has officially released the teaser for PARTY, a new psychological horror project that explores tension, paranoia, and the unseen forces that shape human behavior. The teaser marks the first public look at the film’s tone and world — offering a glimpse into a story driven by unease, emotional intensity, and a creeping
Dark Monarch Films’ short thriller Where The Shadows Wait has advanced to the 2026 IndieX Film Fest Annual Awards Long List, selected from 2,195 films across 53 countries. The 16-minute short, produced by David Alexander and directed by Riley Robbins, continues to build momentum through festival recognition for its disciplined direction, atmospheric tension, and grounded
Some projects announce themselves quietly. PARTY didn’t. This teaser was about energy, trust, and pressure—what happens when a room fills up, when the music gets loud, and when control starts to slip. We wanted the behind‑the‑scenes process to reflect that same tension: fast decisions, lean resources, and a crew locked in on one goal—make something
One of the biggest myths in film and media is that independent creators and big studios are playing entirely different games. They’re not. The difference isn’t what we’re doing — it’s scale. That’s the part people rarely say out loud. @darkmonarchfilms Once you have an audience and a way to reach them, you’re not
Let’s clear something up. Film festivals are tools, not finish lines. Somewhere along the way, filmmakers were taught that festivals are about premieres, packed theaters, and industry discovery. That can happen — but for most independent filmmakers, that expectation becomes a trap. You end up measuring your worth by selections instead of leverage. Here’s how
Momentum doesn’t always come with a screening. We’re honored to share that Where The Shadows Wait has received an Honorable Mention at the Macoproject Film Festival 2025. While the film was not selected for screening, the recognition itself matters. It’s an acknowledgment of the work’s strength, originality, and creative promise—and a reminder that progress in
