Sadie Katz has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry, balancing roles as an actress, writer, producer, and documentarian. Over the past two decades, she has become a prominent figure in indie filmmaking, with a special focus on the horror genre. With the establishment of her production company, See You Next Tuesday Films, Katz is committed to telling edgy, female-focused stories that challenge conventions and push boundaries.
Katz’s dedication to her craft has earned her the AMDOC’s Sadie Katz Award for Hustle, a fitting tribute to her relentless work ethic and passion. As a mother raising two children—Gen Z artist/model Griffin Katz and Gen Alpha toddler Gideon—she has seamlessly balanced her career with motherhood. Her personal life is equally fulfilling, as she is engaged to fellow documentarian Myles Reiff, with whom she shares a home in Atwater Village. When she’s not on set, Katz is active on the neighborhood council and eagerly anticipates the release of her next project, The Beast Inside, this December as well as the action indie, Clutch coming early next year where she stars with Kaiwi Lyman, Vernon Wells and Michael Pare.
“I’m lucky enough to have starred in over a dozen films,” Katz says, reflecting on her long-standing relationship with the horror genre. Fans of indie horror might recognize her from the much-discussed Wrong Turn franchise, which, like many horror films, has polarized audiences but always sparked conversation. For Katz, that dialogue is part of the fun.
“Horror, at its core, is about fantasy,” Katz explains. “Even at its scariest, it allows us to escape reality. In a time when people often forget that movies are supposed to be entertaining, horror never loses sight of that. It keeps film fun.”
Katz’s appreciation for the genre goes beyond the scares. She recognizes the unique bond between indie horror filmmakers and their fans. “The coolest thing as an actress and producer is that horror fans are the biggest supporters of indie film,” she says. “Everyone likes to talk about Sundance as a champion of indie films, but most of those movies have million-dollar budgets. Horror films, on the other hand, can thrive on streaming platforms like Tubi, Amazon, and Netflix, right alongside big-budget productions. That’s a huge accomplishment, and it’s thanks to the horror fans who make it possible.”
In an industry where indie films often struggle to compete with mainstream blockbusters, Katz’s success in horror has been a testament to the genre’s loyal fanbase. “Horror fans understand all stages of filmmaking,” she emphasizes. “It’s not just about watching a movie—it’s about supporting the entire process, from production to release. I owe a lot to the fans who’ve made it possible for me to carry feature-length movies time and time again.”
While Katz has become a name synonymous with indie horror, she draws much of her inspiration from fellow actresses who share her dedication and resilience. “There are so many indie actresses whose hustle and talent inspire me,” she says, listing names like Augie Duke, Jessica Morris, Felissa Rose, Tiffany Shepis and Eva Hamilton. “This industry is long and hard, and it’s tough to stay in it. These ladies just keep working and booking roles—they’re forces of nature.”
This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among women in the indie film scene fuels Katz’s desire to tell more female-driven stories through See You Next Tuesday Films. Her production company is not just a business venture—it’s a platform for women to explore characters and narratives that aren’t often seen in mainstream cinema. With each project, Katz is committed to giving a voice to women whose stories need to be told.
When asked about her legacy in the horror genre, Katz is refreshingly humble. “Gosh, that’s a big question,” she says. “I know this sounds goofy, but I’d love for people to remember me as someone who was really nice. HA!”
But beyond her kindness, Katz’s legacy will undoubtedly be defined by her contributions to indie film and her advocacy for female-focused storytelling. From her work on Scorned (2013) and Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014), to her directorial debut with the 2017 documentary The Bill Murray Experience, Katz has consistently pushed creative boundaries while staying true to her indie roots.
As Katz looks toward the future, there’s no doubt that her career will continue to evolve. Her upcoming release, The Beast Inside, promises to be another thrilling entry in her growing body of work. With her production company thriving, a supportive fanbase, and a family that inspires her, Sadie Katz is a force to be reckoned with in indie cinema.
Through the ups and downs of the film industry, Katz has remained a resilient, passionate artist dedicated to her craft and her community. Whether she’s captivating audiences on-screen, directing behind the camera, or shaping the next generation of female filmmakers, Sadie Katz’s impact on indie horror and cinema at large will endure for years to come.
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