Erich Cannon on Practical Effects and Personal Demons

In this episode of The Dark Mind Podcast, Vincent Midgard sits down with filmmaker Erich Cannon to discuss his feature film His Monster.They explore the film’s roots in Japanese folklore, its addiction allegory, and the emotional terrain of grief, denial, and spiritual drowning that drives the story.Erich also talks about practical creature effects, the influence of The X-Files, writing from personal experience, and why the Oregon coast became the perfect setting for this kind of dread.The conversation also moves through his journey in sobriety, his DIY approach to filmmaking and distribution, his early work as a production assistant, and the hard lessons that shaped Compassionate Disaster Films.They also touch on Braving Rapids, his connection to Phantogram, his producing work on The Cuckoo Clock, and the creative life he is building in Joshua Tree.This is a thoughtful conversation about horror, recovery, folklore, discipline, and the monsters people live with.WebsitesCompassionate Disaster Films: https://www.compassionatedisasterfilms.comDirector Portfolio: https://www.compassionatedisasterfilms.com/erichcannonSocial MediaInstagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/erichcannonInstagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/compassionatedisasterfilmsX (Twitter): https://x.com/erichcannonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatedisasterfilmsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erich-cannon-0b5284a5Where to Watch & StreamHis Monster (2026) & Columbia River Canoe Project (2024)Currently on theatrical and festival tours. Check the official site for screening dates and locations:https://www.compassionatedisasterfilms.comBraving Rapids (2025)Tubi (Free): https://tubitv.com/movies/100038953/braving-rapidsFandango at Home (Vudu): https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Braving-Rapids/4192853Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Braving+Rapids+movieFall City (2018)Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fall+City+movieApple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/fall-cityPoint B (2015)Tubi (Free): https://tubitv.com/search/Point%20BAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Point+B+moviePhysical Media (DVDs)Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Erich+CannonSupport The Dark Mind Podcasthttps://www.patreon.com/c/thedarkmindpodcast