Interview with Ky Fields, Founder of KyFx Horror Group
Can you tell us about yourself and your work?
Where do I truly begin? I am a Black Non Binary Multifaceted Horror Creator. I am a special effects makeup artist , author , podcaster , and founder of KyFX Horror Group / Studios - a multimedia platform promoting inclusion and the advancement of Black Horror Content Creators. I use every talent that I have for the progression and expansion of the Horror genre and the people who love it. I would humorously consider myself the Donald Glover of Horror because I am in so many different arenas.
What was the first thing you encountered that made you fall in love with horror?
Hanging out with my aunt as a kid with her being a huge Horror fan. I covered my eyes at first and I quickly began to enjoy that time watching Horror Movies with her. I can remember vividly the moment I fell in love with Horror. I was around the age of 6 and my aunt and a few other family members were watching Final Destination . It was Tod's shower death scene that really changed my life. I couldn’t use the restroom by myself for weeks because I thought I would have a similar demise as Tod , but I couldn’t look away from the screen.
What does the horror community mean to you?
The Horror community is everything to me. Within the past (2) years I have created bonds and friendships with so many amazing people from the community and the support is endless. It has shifted my focus as to why I do what I do. I get on social media or I interview a lot of these content creators and it gives me so much hope and inspiration for the trajectory of the genre. I have a tribe in the community , and it is so refreshing.
You are a special effects artist, what have been some of your most favourite creations?
I had some college friends come to do a swollen eye allergic reaction look for their YouTube channel and it came out so cool and it was really quick to apply. I think that’s one of my favorite looks because the client actually looks like his eye is swollen due to an allergic reaction. It was so sick. I love using Tinsley Transfers because they are so easy to use , especially on set . I decided to take a swollen lip transfer prosthetic piece , cut it in half to make sure that it fit the entirety of the eye ; after application and a quick paint job it came out super cool.
You are the founder of KyFX Horror Group, what has been some of your favourite experiences since launching the community?
Within KyFX Horror Group I interview BLACK / POC / LGBTQ+ / and Disabled Horror content creators from across the globe , introducing their stories and giving them a platform to talk about their love for the genre and what they do within it . The favorite experience I get is watching each interviewees face light up as when I ask them “What made you fall in love with Horror?” or “Who influenced your love for Horror?” . It is so fulfilling to hear the different stories and watch the interviewees reflect on how Horror has made them the person that they are today. It really is a treat.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on your content and love of horror?
Ashlee Blackwell from Graveyard Shift Sisters and Dr. Kinitra Brooks were some of the first Black Horror Scholars that I was introduced to when I first discovered that I wanted to talk my love of the genre to the next level. It was so encouraging to see these intelligent Black women create spaces and expound on conversations that need to be held within the genre to help create proper representation for all. Rick Baker is my absolute favorite Special Effects Artist and is such a powerful figure in the industry. When I was first introduced to him while watching the behind the scenes footage of Michael Jackson’s Thriller , I knew that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to make monsters and zombies. I wanted to make people look scary.
Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect to see from you in 2022?
I have so many projects that I am working on this year from writing literature , to revamping KyFx Horror Group Website and the content features to working on full length films doing makeup. I am wrapped in so many different things . KyFx Horror Group and Monstrosities Voice Podcast is projected to be back in action by Summer 2022.
