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Dave Lee Madison is an American independent filmmaker, actor, producer, and writer whose passion for cinema has deep roots in his childhood. Born with a love for the art form, Madison was captivated by the original Universal horror films by the age of five, setting the stage for a lifelong devotion to the genre. His first taste of filmmaking came at nine years old when he worked as an extra in Hero at Large (1980), a John Ritter comedy directed by Martin Davidson. This early exposure to the industry fueled his ambition, and throughout his teenage years, he continued to build his resume with roles in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs and James Lemmo’s Heart (1987), starring Brad Davis.
Madison’s career as a filmmaker truly took off with his multifaceted talents as a writer, director, and producer. One of his most recognized works is Mr. Hush (2010), a horror film he wrote, produced, and directed. The movie, which stars Brad Loree (Michael Myers in Halloween: Resurrection), Stephen Geoffreys (Fright Night), and Steve Dash (Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part 2), has become a cult classic among horror fans. Mr. Hush enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical run in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, northeastern Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 7, 2012, and spent six weeks on Redbox’s genre top ten list, a testament to its popularity. In a significant honor, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences requested a copy of the Mr. Hush script in 2012 to be preserved in the permanent core collection of the Margaret Herrick Library.
Another standout in Madison’s filmography is Full Moon Fever (2023), a contemporary werewolf film that blends horror, suspense, comedy, and drama. Directed by and starring Madison, the film follows Hunter Dunne, a husband and father whose life unravels after a brutal attack, leading to nightmares, hallucinations, and a horrific confrontation on Halloween night. Critics have noted its atmospheric quality and throwback B-movie style, with a runtime of 75 minutes that makes it a perfect fit for a double feature. The film showcases Madison’s love for practical effects, using no CGI for its werewolf transformations, and features a strong sound design that enhances its eerie Northeastern forest setting. Full Moon Fever has been praised as a personal favorite among Madison’s works by some reviewers, with its availability on Amazon Prime Video likely contributing to his status as an Amazon top ten filmmaker.
Beyond Mr. Hush and Full Moon Fever, Madison has an extensive body of work. In 2015, he released Middle Village, a film that debuted at the historic Cinemart Theater in Queens, New York. Featuring Brian O’Halloran (Clerks), Ray Abruzzo (The Sopranos), Scott Schiaffo (Clerks), and WWE superstar Gene Snisky, the film received overwhelmingly positive reviews and was included on whatchareading.com’s list of the best films of 2015. It also garnered laurels from the Forwardian Film Festival. Another project, Wit’s End, was scheduled for release in 2020, alongside Darkness Waits, a film directed by Libby McDermott in which Madison appeared, notable for featuring Conrad Brooks’ final performance.
Madison’s contributions to the horror genre extend beyond directing. In 2014, he launched a podcast/radio show called The End of the Night, where he interviewed notable figures in the industry, including Corey Feldman, Doug Bradley, David Naughton, Brian O’Halloran, Tiffany Shepis, and Tony Moran, among others, in its first ten episodes. His acting roles have also continued, with appearances in projects like Emerging Past, where he shared a comedic scene with his childhood idol Stephen Geoffreys, and Malevolence 3: Killer (2018), where he played Agent Smith. In 2016, he appeared in Tom Holland’s documentary You’re So Cool Brewster! The Story of Fright Night.
As an independent filmmaker, Madison has carved a niche for himself by blending traditional horror elements with personal, often psychological narratives. His work reflects a deep appreciation for classic horror techniques, as seen in his use of practical effects and his ability to create atmospheric settings on a modest budget. Despite some criticism of his laid-back filmmaking style—such as extended montages that occasionally prioritize mood over narrative momentum—Madison’s dedication to the craft and his ability to connect with genre fans have solidified his reputation. His films’ availability on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where Full Moon Fever and others have gained traction, has helped him achieve recognition as an Amazon top ten filmmaker, a marker of his success in reaching wide audiences through digital distribution.
Madison’s career is a testament to the perseverance required in independent filmmaking. Balancing creative vision with the constraints of low-budget production, he has built a loyal following and left a lasting impact on the horror and indie film communities. His personal touch—such as casting his daughter Amanda in Full Moon Fever—adds a heartfelt dimension to his work, making him a filmmaker whose passion for the genre resonates both on and off the screen.