Connor Thomas Appears Live on FOX 10 to Discuss Bad Omen
On January 25, 2026, filmmaker Connor Thomas joined FOX 10 host Steve live to talk about the award-winning horror short, its festival momentum, and how its 1800s world was built by hand.
Interview: Steve (FOX 10)
Live Air Date: January 25
Topic: Bad Omen (Short Film)
On January 25, filmmaker Connor Thomas appeared live on FOX 10, joining morning host Steve to discuss Connor’s award-winning horror short film Bad Omen and its growing success on the festival circuit.
The live segment spotlighted Arizona’s independent film community and positioned Bad Omen as a standout genre piece—combining historical storytelling, hands-on production design, and modern visual effects.
A Western Monster Film with a Unique Voice
When asked to describe the film, Connor leaned into what makes Bad Omen different.
“It’s a monster werewolf film that takes place in the 1800s. It’s kind of a Western monster film—there’s a little bit of good people, a little bit of bad people, and a werewolf right in the middle of it all.”
— Connor Thomas
Steve noted that genre films like Bad Omen are having a moment and praised the concept as both timely and bold.
“I think films like this are really having a moment right now. You were smart to put something like this together.”
— Steve, FOX 10
A Visual Effects Background Put to the Test
Connor also spoke about how Connor’s background as a visual effects supervisor shaped the project from the ground up.
“I’m a visual effects supervisor—I’ve worked in the industry for over ten years. I knew what I was able to accomplish, and that informed everything from post-production all the way through, and even what I planned from the very beginning.”
— Connor Thomas
That VFX perspective helped Connor design the film with the final look in mind long before cameras rolled, ensuring the ambitious scope remained achievable on an independent budget.
Building the World by Hand
One of the most memorable moments in the interview came when Steve asked Connor about the film’s period setting—and how it was achieved.
“Did you build it yourself?”
— Steve, FOX 10
“I did. After I finished writing the script, I shared it with some friends and they were like, ‘Dude, you have to make this.’ So the first thing I did was go on Craigslist and find props… then I spent about three months every night after work going into a warehouse and building the set.”
— Connor Thomas
Connor explained how everyday materials became the backbone of the world-building—turning limitation into an advantage.
“I used fences, I used pallets—the pallets literally on their sides just creating walls… and it worked really well. When you’re trying to make a bad-looking shack, you can use pretty much anything.”
— Connor Thomas
Festival Momentum and Audience Reaction
Bad Omen continues to connect with festival audiences. The short previously won Best of Fest at the City of Angels Film Festival and is currently nominated for Best Horror Short Film at the Chandler International Film Festival.
Connor shared that screenings have sparked enthusiastic post-show conversations with audiences eager to learn how the film’s period realism and creature work were achieved.
“Yesterday our film screened and it was a great response. Afterwards everyone wants to chat with you—how did you create the set, what did you do… Because it’s a period film, and you don’t see a lot of those types of films in festivals with CGI monsters.”
— Connor Thomas
Connor’s FOX 10 appearance was made possible through the efforts of producer Trace De La Torre, producer of the upcoming Bad Omen feature film. Trace De La Torre helped secure the live interview and expand visibility for the short film while it continues its festival run.
What’s Next for Bad Omen
As the festival circuit winds down, there are a few more exciting festivals Connor plans on going to this year with Bad Omen. Later this year into the next Bad Omen will be available online to watch.
With awards, nominations, and national media attention, the short film continues to build momentum for the next phase: the upcoming Bad Omen feature film.
Quick Facts
- Live TV appearance: FOX 10 (Host: Steve) — February 25
- Film: Bad Omen (Horror / Western monster / werewolf)
- Notable recognition: Best of Fest — City of Angels Film Festival
- Current honor: Nominated — Best Horror Short Film at Chandler International Film Festival
- Producer: Trace De La Torre (Bad Omen feature film)
Note: Quotes in this article are drawn from the live FOX 10 interview segment and edited lightly for clarity while preserving meaning.
If you're interested in watching the full interview, you can watch it on YouTube Here.
