Joe Augustyn is a multi-talented individual who has made a significant impact in the film industry. He is best known for creating the horror movie franchise "Night of the Demons", which he wrote and produced. The first film was a huge success, and he later wrote the second installment based on story elements by playwright James Penzi.
Augustyn's passion for storytelling extends beyond the screen. He has also written novels, including "The Nine Lives of Felicia Miller", a story of witchcraft and shapeshifting, and "Dead Rain", an epic zombie adventure. Additionally, he has authored a book of true ghost stories, featuring an in-depth look at the mysterious case of Wright, a "ghostwriter" who has been extensively investigated but never debunked.
Before pursuing a career in film, Augustyn showcased his artistic talents as a painter, winning minor awards in his teens. He was also a published underground cartoonist and studied film at Temple University, where he won a Nissan FOCUS Award for a paper he wrote. This achievement earned him a spot as a producing fellow at AFI's Center For Advanced Film Studies, where he worked on numerous student productions, honing his skills in various roles such as sound work, craft services, assistant directing, and producing.
Augustyn's connections in the industry led him to work with Steve Golin and Joni Sighvatsson, who would later found Propaganda Films. He served as production and location coordinator on their first two features, "Hard Rock Zombies" and "American Drive-in", before branching out as a producer on his own.
In 2001, Augustyn returned to his hometown of Philadelphia, where he continues to write books, short stories, and screenplays. His diverse range of creative pursuits and accomplishments have solidified his position as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
