Inside V/H/S: Halloween: Home Haunt – Creative Freedom and Family Fears with R.H. Norman & Micheline Pitt-Norman

Since its debut in 2012, the V/H/S franchise has become one of the most influential anthology series in modern horror. With its gritty, found-footage style and changing roster of genre filmmakers, V/H/S has redefined the possibilities of short-form horror storytelling and given rise to some of the genre’s most memorable voices. The franchise’s latest installment, V/H/S: Halloween, continues this legacy with a fresh lineup of scary talent — including R.H. Norman and Micheline Pitt-Norman, the powerhouse creative duo behind the chilling Home Haunt segment.

We caught up with R.H. and Micheline to discuss the making of Home Haunt, the freedom and challenges of anthology filmmaking, and their thoughts on the evolving landscape of horror. Their candid insights offer a compelling look behind the scenes of one of Shudder’s most talked-about originals, and a testament to the enduring power of creative risk-taking in the genre.

The V/H/S Phenomenon

For over a decade, V/H/S has stood as a beacon for creative freedom in horror. Each film in the series is composed of distinct segments, written and directed by different filmmakers – none of which know what each is filming during the production process.

This structure, says Micheline Pitt-Norman, is what makes V/H/S so special. Shudder doesn’t give any thematic or content direction. “The only real restrictions are the number of shooting days and the budget,” she explains. “But in terms of concepts, the producers and Shudder are open to almost anything. You rarely find that kind of freedom as a director or writer.”

R.H. Norman amplifies this sentiment, adding, “V/H/S is known as a proving ground for talent. It’s a pressure cooker—they throw promising filmmakers into the deep end and say, ‘Sink or swim.’ It’s intense, but that environment pushes you to do your best work.” It also urges storytellers to get to the heart of their stories quickly.

The franchise’s reputation as a launchpad for new and more experimntal voices is well-earned. Alumni like Scott Derrickson, David Bruckner, Radio Silence, and Johannes Roberts have all contributed to V/H/S before going on to helm major studio projects. Many, like Bruckner and Radio Silence, have returned for multiple installments — a testament to the creative camaraderie and respect that defines it.

Creating Home Haunt: A Family Affair

When the Normans were invited to pitch a segment for V/H/S: Halloween, they knew they wanted to do something personal. “Halloween is such a family-centric holiday in America,” says Micheline. “We were fascinated by people who build these elaborate home haunts—the DIY haunted houses that pop up in garages and front yards every October. There’s a real sense of community and creativity there.”

But beneath that communal spirit lurks something darker and more sinister, as Home Haunt explores. “We wanted to show how the line between performance and reality can blur,” R.H. adds. “When you’re scaring people for fun, what happens if the scares become real? How does that affect the family dynamic?”

The segment follows a family as they construct their annual haunted house attraction, only to find themselves caught up in supernatural events that threaten to tear them apart. “It’s about the joys and tensions of working together under pressure as a family,” says Micheline. “Fear can reveal hidden truths. Sometimes, the scariest stories are the ones that hit closest to home.”

R.H. Norman & Micheline Pitt-Norman

Home Haunt is a coming of age story about the suppression of childhood wonder as adolescents are thrust into young adulthood.

“I think we really captured the theme of family relationships and the way they change over time. As we grow up, that sense of childhood wonder often gets lost — not because we outgrow it naturally, but because other children start to bully or shame each other for the things they love,” R.H. says.

“Kids are pressured into acting older than they are, and the ones who still want to hold on to their sense of wonder often get pushed aside or made to feel like outsiders. That’s what happens with Zack’s character. It’s heartbreaking — when he talks, you can hear the pain in his voice and see it on his face. There’s still a part of him that wants to do these things with his dad, to be a part of the family unit, but all the teasing and pressure have made him lose that part of himself,” he continues.

Creative Risks and the Anthology Format

One of the defining features of V/H/S is its willingness to embrace risk and experimentation. “Anthologies are the perfect place to try ideas that might not work in a feature-length film,” says R.H. “You have to grab the audience’s attention quickly and deliver something memorable in a short time. That’s a great challenge for any filmmaker, and it forces you to be creative.”

Micheline agrees, noting that the found-footage format adds another layer of complexity. “It’s a very immediate, immersive style,” she says. “You have to think about how the camera becomes part of the story. In Home Haunt, we used the home video aesthetic to make the supernatural elements feel even more unsettling.”

The couple collaborated closely on the script and direction, balancing their individual strengths. “We both come from visual backgrounds,” says Micheline, who is also a celebrated designer (look out for her Vixen fashion line) and artist. “We wanted every frame to feel intentional, even within the chaotic energy of found footage.”

Working with Shudder and the Horror Community

Shudder, the streaming platform behind V/H/S: Halloween, has become a home for innovative genre content. “They were incredibly supportive,” says R.H. “They encouraged us to go wild with our ideas. That kind of backing is rare, especially in horror.”

The duo also credit the broader horror community for their success. “There’s a real spirit of collaboration,” says Micheline. “We’ve been lucky to work with people who genuinely care about the horror genre and want to see new voices succeed.”

One of those supporters is James Wan, creator of Saw and The Conjuring franchises. “James is probably the nicest, most creative person I’ve ever met in the business,” says R.H. “He’s humble, generous, and always excited about new talent. Having his feedback and support was surreal.”

The Art of Short-Form Horror

Anthology horror presents unique storytelling opportunities — and challenges. “You have to be economical,” says R.H. “There’s no room for filler. Every scene, every scare, has to count.”

For Home Haunt, that meant crafting a tightly focused narrative with a strong emotional core. “We wanted viewers to care about the family,” says Micheline. “If you’re invested in the characters, the scares hit harder.”

The segment’s success lies in its ability to balance grounded family drama with escalating supernatural terror. “It’s easy to go over-the-top with horror, especially in short form,” says R.H. “But we found that the more real the characters felt, the more effective the scares became.”

R.H. points to the found-footage format as another aspect of the franchise’s influence. “It forces you to be creative — both technically and narratively. You have to build tension with limited resources and make every shot matter.”

The pair hope that Home Haunt will inspire other filmmakers to explore the possibilities of short-form horror. “There’s so much you can do in a limited amount of time,” says Micheline. “It’s about finding the emotional core of your story and letting that drive everything else.”

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

For those hoping to break into anthology horror, the Normans offer practical advice. “Find stories that mean something to you,” says R.H. “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Anthologies are the perfect place to experiment.”

Micheline adds, “Collaboration is key. The horror community is incredibly supportive. Reach out, share your work, and be open to feedback. You never know who you’ll meet—or who might become your next creative partner.”

They also stress the importance of perseverance. “It’s a tough industry,” says R.H. “But if you care about what you’re making, that passion will come through. Audiences can tell when a story is personal.”

The Future of V/H/S and Genre Filmmaking

With each new installment, V/H/S continues to push the boundaries of horror, offering a platform for fresh voices and bold ideas. Home Haunt exemplifies the spirit of innovation and creative freedom that has defined the series since its inception.

As anthology horror gains new traction with audiences, V/H/S remains at the forefront — proving that sometimes, the most terrifying stories are the familiar ones set in familiar places, told by filmmakers willing to deviate from conventional narratives.

About the Filmmakers

R.H. Norman and Micheline Pitt Norman are a Los Angeles-based writing and directing team known for their visually striking, emotionally resonant horror stories. In addition to their work on V/H/S: Halloween, they have collaborated on a variety of genre projects, blending elements of family drama, dark humor, and supernatural terror. Their unique voice and commitment to creative risk-taking have made them rising stars in the world of modern horror.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.