They Live Inside Us | Short Horror Film

A writer spends the night in a notoriously haunted house in hope of finding inspiration for his latest project. He soon realizes that he is living in his own horror story. "They Live Inside Us" is episode four of THE WITCHING SEASON horror anthology.
THE WITCHING SEASON series is NOW AVAILABLE on BluRay & VHS! Support our filmmaking efforts by purchasing the series through Scream Team Releasing:
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Film Festivals:
WINNER: Best Made in Utah Film - Utah Film Festival 2018
WINNER: Best Musical Score - FilmQuest 2017
BEST SHORT FILM: Horror's Ball Golden Horn Awards 2016.
( / horrorsball )
Written/Directed/Cut: Michael Ballif
Story by: Michael Ballif, Caroman Turner, David Harris
Producers: Jake Watters, Allen Bradford, James Morris
Executive Producer: Michael Ballif
Director of Photography: Michael Ballif
Music: Randin Graves and Slasher Dave
Cast: James Morris, Stevie Dutson
Art Director: Sadie Z Ballif
Production Design: Jake Watters, Allen Bradford
Creature Design and FX: Tyler Russell
Makeup and Gore FX: Jordan Swenson
Gaffer: Allen Bradford
Sound Design/Recording: Michael Ballif, Allen Bradford, James Morris
Production Assistants: Samuel Morris, Adam Zeller
Halloween Decorations by: Vintage Beistle Halloween Collection
Special Thanks: Trevor Allphin, David Harris, Drew Bartholomew, Jaker's Jack-O-Lanterns (Harward Farms, Utah)
Makeup supplied by: Taylor Maid Beauty & Theatrical Supply. (taylormaidbeaut...)
Very Special Thanks: Jake Watters
(Don't Fear) The Reaper cover performed and recorded by Drew Bartholomew
▶ Main Website: witchingseasonf...
▶ Facebook: / witchingseasonfilms
▶ KZbin: / witchingseasonfilms
▶ Instagram: / witchingseasonfilms
▶ Twitter: / witching_season
▶ Contact e-mail: [e-mail]
The Witching Season™ is a trademark of Witching Season Films, LLC

[@thesilentmajority2765]

One of the best written and shot horror shorts I've seen. Very well done!

[@james193945]

"I'm going to write something truly terrifying" *K N I F E T O M E E T Y O U*

[@jayhi5479]

The music at the beginning reminded me of 70's/80's Euro horror

[@supershadow11123]

Jay Hi5 kinda makes me think of Stranger Things, as well

[@rithimreidh2899]

John Carpenter's style.

[@kufujitsu]

Like a dose of "Goblin" in a Giallo movie...

[@nahathsanford9769]

Check this fire - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmnIXnttbLOBpas

[@abdelhaksaouli8802]

its the devil toune every horror movie has it in some sort

[@septemberquest6393]

Love the ending score "don't fear the reaper"...goes well with the credits..👻

[@rustinstardust2094]

It's a great cover! Unfortunately I can't find Drew Bartholomew on iTunes...

[@alexiswilliamsinc]

“Baby I’m your man,” - it was him she should’ve been afraid of the whole time

[@gerademusic]

@@rustinstardust2094 Hi, you can find some more of my music here on youtube (gerademusic) and on bandcamp. Not on itunes or spotify at the moment, but working on it.

[@rustinstardust2094]

@@gerademusic Nice!

[@salsasoul4112]

Music and cinematography are very 1978 Halloween-esque. Great short. Really well done.

[@TheReelRapNerd]

I recently watched the full length movie version of this and I was confused because it was different. Now rewatching this, I see the differences. You did great work on the film but I can't lie, I like this one more! Keep it coming!

[@Mashy8722]

Oh really?! They made a full length feature? That sadly doesn’t happen often! Sucks that u insinuated it wasn’t very good tho. That truly sucks cuz the short was brilliant!

[@lisalebron6190]

That was by far the best short horror film I ever saw, and I watch a lot of short horror films.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Wow, THANK YOU Lisa. We worked very hard on this one.

[@charlese.sylvesterjr.8631]

Witching Season Films This one was excellent! I enjoyed it so much, never knowing what to expect. Just when you thought it was going one way, it took off in a completely different direction. Excellent actors and actresses, along with a great story line. I could not stop watching! This film would've been a great full length feature film! You did a great job! A total M. Night Shamylan feel to it. Hats off to you on this one!👍👏👏👏

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thanks Charles! Stay tuned for the feature length version of this, coming out later this year!

[@MidnightVideo]

:)))

[@silviagutierrez8924]

Hi! I've just bumped into your channel and I've watched a bunch of your videos and I have to say it: I love your work. I'm a huge fan of horror films and I think your short films are really good. The music, the stories, the photograpy... Everything is great. So, I just wanted to say that and I hope someday I could see one of your films in the big screen. Your work deserves it!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much Silvia. That really means a lot. We are currently working on our first feature film now (which happens to be an adaptation of "They Live Inside Us"), so be on the lookout for that!

[@silviagutierrez8924]

I will! That's awesome, good luck!

[@maddiejoyner6608]

IM SO READY

[@john1653]

Maddie: Wow! Where are you? I'll come to you as soon as I can!

[@lavoelove1983]

Marry me Please 😇💍😉❤ hehe :)

[@preythemantis5731]

i LOVE how those hands almost got him holy shit that was good!

[@PIMPSTREZZ-DNA-FAM]

This was so good he went crazy because he was trying to write a horror movie and ended up being the movie

[@rustinstardust2094]

Looking at his list and watching his various prospective stories unfold, I kept thinking, "he's wrong; the scariest creature by far is a sociopath. And it doesn't need to be in the woods at night or involve a chasing/hiding scene..." I'm glad he figured it out. Like the title, they really do live inside us.

[@KatjaNX]

THIS is what true horror is and what a good twist is.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

I really appreciate that. Thank you.

[@elizabethgaspodnetich4322]

In order to write something truly terrifying, you must first be truly terrified. That was really good. I wondered if it was him he was writing about, and now I know. Thanks, that was a pleasure to watch!

[@rightythefox3378]

...and she didn't ask an ENTIRE CROWD OF PEOPLE for some help?!

[@AMbradfordfilms]

Shayla Cunningham It wasn't reality.. it was a story being written by a frustrated writer.

[@PRIVACYISAZOMBIE]

@@AMbradfordfilms Unlike the rest of the short you mean?

[@derpycarrotman2]

Its just horror characters theyre idiots

[@kizzysalahuddin5593]

Yeah that clown was pretty sick wit it. Thumbs up for the clown

[@anamahmad5659]

Music starts playing on it own Me:would have run awayyyy from house He : roaming in house

[@francissweetpotato4883]

I really appreciate this short horror film as it tells actually the devil is in fact inside us and not from others! The writer became a killer and killed his wife which is the most horror thing rather than a masked killer, a clown or a killer in the farmland! 👍

[@abirdie2098]

That was freaking awesome dude great work felt sorry for the actress she had to die multiple times poor woman :(

[@ronnetteharvey2002]

Certainly not boring. Thank you for not jump scaring me. I actually realized my back wasn't on the bed. My nerves had me bent!

[@MartinLCollins]

This series is now part of my Halloween ritual, no matter when the episodes come out. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

martin collins Wow, thank you Martin. That is everything we could ever ask for, ever. Thank you!

[@therealMolochko]

"and that's why I'm here." Wow. Just wow. I watch a lot of these horror shorts on KZbin and elsewhere and most of them are frankly bad. This one is masterful. The cinematography and direction are nothing short of amazing. This is what you look for when watching horror shorts.

[@SoulSeekerDR]

Two things I know to be fact is that there are ghosts and there are monsters, had an experience with both.

[@pjparker007]

It just keeps getting better! This is a gem of a short film.

[@selma8337]

Why didin't she just stayed in the crowd? it was safe there?

[@MarnixCoelmont]

That was HIS writing, HIS looking for a horror story: all the clichés like the woman not staying in the croud or not yelling for help etc are meant to show how bad the story was and therefore he never liked it and started over again, untill he created his own, real horor story...

[@interestedviewer2081]

Because it was his mindset, not her`s.

[@joeldrotts9870]

That was tight. I dig the old school throw-back horror style of the flick.

[@maddiejoyner6608]

Your short films are seriously the best I've probably ever seen and I really really hope you decide to make more this upcoming year. I love the plot twists, the filming, the storylines, everything! A ton of short films blur in together as I watch more and more on KZbin but Ill always remember yours because they're unique and will surprise you with everything you didn't expect. Amazing work 11/10.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Maddie, thanks for the kind words. We're actually working on our first feature-length film right now, which is an adaptation of They Live Inside Us. Stay tuned for that!

[@rickyreed9754]

Ok. Right off the bat (he, he) I caught the John Carpenter's, Halloween Season of the Witch reference. Anyone else? Good one Slasher Dave. The atmosphere and the scene shots also gave you that feel. HUH! Stuffed rabbit? Flying spaghetti monster? The equator ? Really desperate for a villain on his list. Would a Killer Gummy Bear work? LOL...Cornfield, Day 1was short but sweet. And then tearing out more than one page of his notebook. Someone needs a Snicker's. Yup... at 25:10 there's another tribute. Um Pah Um Pah Um Pah Um Pah... I can't carry a tune... Everybody have your Shamrock Mask on? So dude was actually reliving his doomed past over and over again. They live within us... Limbo,? Memories? Hell? LOL...Season of the Witch song. Loved this film. Great job Mr. Baliff. James Morris and Stevie Dutson did a wonderful job at bringing their character's to life. Keep bringing these kind of stories and tales to life Witching Season Films.

[@stu2729]

Probably the best one out of witching season. Really clever twist at the end, did not see that coming.

[@rose-hv6ir]

WOAH. That was so good! The quality of the film itself is amazing as well! I kinda wish this was a full film tbh

[@galewilliams3969]

I absolutely loved this. Intriguing and suspenceful. Real life or friction from a writer's imagination. Well thought and acted. It was awesome.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much. Stay tuned, we’re currently adapting this short film into a feature length movie!

[@galewilliams3969]

@@witchingseasonfilms awesome. Can't wait to watch it. Great work.

[@jackiemarini3203]

I like the short films .But a long movie would be great 😀Thank you.

[@myishenhaines1706]

The title drew me in; the good quality made me stay.

[@michelegianni389]

A real masterpiece. The story is fascinating and moving. The actress talented and gorgeous. Wow!

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

His was great acting too and he was totally HOT to go with it!!

[@Upyrmum]

This is such a brilliant short horror film

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much.

[@isabelledeschnabbnello4144]

yes!

[@mdhasanshaikh6403]

Very nice horror film I love your work..thanks for making and putting lots of effort in it..!!

[@angeldodson5473]

16:23 made me fall out of my computer chair

[@Harm00se]

Awesome twist! Can't wait to watch your next short!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Harmeet Khosa Thank you!

[@BuriedHatchetProductions]

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I just got around to sitting down, and watching the whole thing in full, and wow I haven't felt this excited for a movie in so long. The story was just so special, and the goosebumps I felt at the end when he said 'I JUST KILLED MY WIFE" had me scared! I look at this, and really see no flaws. Amazing acting, amazing writing, amazing directing, and amazing cinematography. I am stoked for the full film, and I will be pre-ordering soon!

[@angieludwell4007]

I love your short horror films they are better than some full length films ive seen, keep doing what you do best theyre brilliant, everything about them, very very well written, produced an directed you are fantastic, thanks for all of your work that you share with us.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you! That means so much to hear. Thank YOU for watching. Stay tuned, we've actually adapted this short film into a brand new feature length movie. Coming soon!

[@angieludwell4007]

I carnt wait to watch it, i think what you do is brilliant, i love your short films but will be waiting an watching out for your up an coming full length versions too, keep doing what you do a total fan.

[@timothywalters2614]

Well done , I've been watching horror movies for years and I can pretty much anticipate what's going to happen but I have to admit you really got me with this film . Good job .

[@wendymonette9958]

Wow, this was extremely well done. Today is the first that I discovered your channel and I am quite impressed with your professionalism and creativity. I'm not in "the business", however I have been watching various venues of horror/thriller/suspense for the past 35 years, and it is encouraging to see those that offer fresh and imaginative ideas that invoke a feeling of fear/creepiness/dread for the viewer. Unfortunately today, gore is mistakenly overused with intent of striking fear in the audience, with failure as the usual result. Keep doing what you're doing folks, you're on the right track, in my opinion. All the best. :-)

[@krychickspp2745]

I loved that!! I watched it strictly based on the title, it sounded too good to skip. At first I thought, no, Im gonna hate this. I'm so glad I was wrong. What a great ending, and the the exit music!! Done perfectly. I am passionate about short films and screen a lot of them for a community I have on G+. I see many terrible ones but a lot of great ones too. I feel it's very hard to get a short film right no matter the genre, but when one does get it right, like this one does, it deserves major kudos!! Wonderful!

[@mareir]

I really wish he'd picked the flying spaghetti monster...🤪 Great film! The little links to the previous installments (news article) are fun.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Nice catch! Most people don't notice. Thanks for watching. :)

[@kristophelesart5360]

Yes wonder how will it looks like

[@dawnwilliams4597]

I am a huge horror and scary movie fan, but have you ever noticed that the victim is almost always running and the killer or bad guy is walking, yet they still keep up with them, or beat them to the scene of the demise of the victim? Just thought I would throw that in.

[@Royfokker73]

I really enjoyed this. I was a bit disappointed that it turned out that he killed his wife at the end, but the final words tied it in better.

[@ConfettiExplosion]

I absolutely love the grindhouse esq intros to your videos.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Great stuff. Very well done. Even the stories discarded by the writer were good. Great music, I love it.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you for watching! If you're interested, we just released our feature-length adaptation of the same story. It's available on all major streaming platforms.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@witchingseasonfilms Thanks. Have a great week.

[@dibyendumukherjee6433]

best short horror film I have seen till dt...or rather the immaculate movie.hats off to all who r behind this masterpiece...Edgar Allan Poe if alive shud have given a 5 stars....

[@hpfan771]

Awesome! I absolutely love the production value and effort put into these episodes! I expect to see more!

[@adamoxendine7682]

Everything About Your Films Are Brilliant! Keep Up The Amazing Work

[@kebenanndavid3724]

This a KILLER of a movie . Wow , I loved it . Cinematography was excellent , could read what you wanted me to , the acting was above par and the storyline had depth . Well done to everyone involved with this movie 👏 take a bow 👏👏👏 Would love to see a feature from y"all . Kudos👌

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot. Stay tuned -- we're adapting this story into a feature length film!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Hey Ghouls! We adapted this episode into our very first feature film. "THEY LIVE INSIDE US" (the feature) will be releasing on VOD October 6th, 2020! The film is available NOW for pre-order on Apple TV/iTunes! See the OFFICIAL TRAILER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqGYlmuiirqKjck.

[@cornerroomcreepshow465]

Stoked to get this in the mail soon!

[@har8397]

Where can we find this film? Also what is the name of the title intro track to witching session please? Thanks!!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

@@har8397 It's available on Amazon Prime, VUDU, Google Play, iTunes, and most streaming platforms! The track was part of the original score done by Slasher Dave.

[@prafuls7687]

The best short horror movie I have ever seen. Simply amazing. Thanks a lot.

[@secondhandguru3558]

You need to create an anthology horror full length film!!

[@canvasfaces]

Excellent. Lots of changes and two great twists! Thank you

[@vadimc2144]

I like that eating while driving guy. Felt really sorry for the cake. Great film, guys!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Rumor has it he directed the film, too! :D Thanks for watching!

[@tylerlee4706]

This is so good! Amazing cinematography, spooky and captivating storyline. I was on the edge of my seat! Keep it up guys!!!

[@tiffanybenefield1980]

That clown though!!! SMH OMG that face alone would scare the 💩 out of anyone. Great job on the make up & costume.

[@dylanregan9439]

Haha damn that was good I laughed too when he popped up and rolled out his chair that was a great transition im really liking this, into the authors mind and writing process style its very unique 👌

[@ovulatinggrashopper4703]

Their acting is phenomenal, I love this channel.

[@mickos_]

This is simply stellar. Excellent acting, cinematography and atmosphere. Soundtrack is pretty badass as well.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you kindly, David! Look out for the feature-length version coming out on October 6th.

[@mrmap1708]

I’ve been watching these shorts for awhile and this is one of the BEST by far!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thank you so much!

[@themousethatroared3371]

That house! Great setting for chill factor, but I'd happily live there as a hermit : ) Great story and film!

[@ninjahvoand797]

This was better than I thought it would be.

[@sophielove7896]

Oh wow...he was jacob boothe the the whole time and he was reliving the murder of his wife. Great film..one of the best by far!

[@mikebb1000]

By far one of the best movies/channels I’ve ever seen 👍👍

[@williamsaloka9043]

This was really great!! The ending was a fantastic twist. Great writing. The acting was top-notch. This actor portraying the writer/ Boothe is a "natural actor". Once again...Really great flick!!!

[@rogermacisaac6069]

This was great I've been watching a lot of horror shorts n I can say this had top notch producing the sound is easy the best I've came across. Good job loved it.

[@janicecurrie3042]

like the twist, He made his very own horror movie

[@layladundalli4627]

I have no words to express my appreciation, your movie is the best

[@humbertojimmy]

Nope, it still wasn't this Halloween that Boothe faced up to his actions... Maybe next time! I just want to say that this was a hell of a story. Very well thought out. Keep doing this!

[@robynewilliams-heller1816]

It was a pretty good movie. Thank for the upload and I'm looking forward to seeing more. I'm now a new subscriber.

[@shannonberger4689]

WOWSERS! Loved everything about this horror film. The clown, for me, is the scariest of all the horror movie clowns. Excellent work to all involved!

[@salmabaig8702]

This was the BEST short horror movie I ever watched I REALLY GOT CHILLS ND STILL IS!!!!

[@elaineel-adly2872]

Excellent work 100%. It's just too scary for me. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent.

[@jen-lnicole2043]

I as well just came across your work...i love how you wrote it from BOTH perspectives as the "guy writing a horror story...while living in one..n the twist at the end. I look forward to seeing more. New sub! 👍

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thanks for the kind words! We've actually adapted this episode into a feature-film that is coming soon. Stay tuned!

[@jen-lnicole2043]

@@witchingseasonfilms YES!!! 👏👏👏😘🕷🕸🎃THIS IS MY FAV TYPE OF STUFF..I ❤

[@VirgoCali89]

This movie reminds me of " Run Lola Run" in my production class. U have to watch it more than 3 times to understand, analyze the background and such things to get the plot

[@seriousmoonlight4546]

I love your channel. The whole Halloween theme is awesome-my fav holiday! Don't Fear the Reaper

[@AMbradfordfilms]

Serious Moonlight Thanks for tuning in! Please share our channel with other like-minded spooks

[@seriousmoonlight4546]

Absolutely! I don't have a friend who doesn't love Halloween!.You've got me hooked! Thanks and keep the spirit of Halloween alive every day!

[@michelek7672]

I LOVED this short, including the soundtrack! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brusolando9851]

Great story and production !! Keep up the good work even where in these pandemic hope all is good . Bring more anthology you’re up there with the best!

[@timothyveres4713]

YYYEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! I've been (impatiently) waiting for a new short film :)

[@Memento_Mori]

This turned out SO good. I love it.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Whitelash Thanks for all your contributions to this idea, Mr. Harris! You were a big part of the early formation of this concept.

[@medeqc]

Amazing work,great story,I will watch this film again for sure. Thank you Witching Season.

[@tylerw5356]

I'm a big fan of this series, as I've mentioned before. I have your amazing poster hanging on my wall. I enjoy it so much and hope that it continues indefinitely, despite your other projects. The quality of this series is fantastic. But, I'm going to give some critical feedback anyway. I think the nostaglia factor is somewhat lost in the stories. The intro promises a throwback that the episodes don't necessarily deliver, at least stylistically. I think it would be a major benefit to really provide the kind of nostalgic throwback in the episodes that the (*Incredible*) intro offers. This is a hot concept right now it seems, as we are all starting to long for the VHS days and the discoveries made while perusing the video store shelves. I do think there should continue to be a link between episodes, (witching season= Halloween or autumn setting for the stories, something that sets an overall expected tone or atmosphere to be expected). I also love that these are available in 4k, by the way. That is excellent. No one out there is doing the quality work that you all are. You need to be getting the credit you deserve.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Hey Tyler! First off, thank you for the support, feedback, and constructive criticism. As someone who can look at the series a little more objectively than we can, it's really great to hear your perspective. I can definitely see your point, and can understand how the intro establishes a certain precedent that viewers might be expecting. What I primarily hoped to get across in the intro was a promise to deliver a horror series that captures a certain nostalgic feeling of Halloween. That has and continues to be our main focus with this project. As the creator of the series, I've had to strike a delicate balance between allowing writers and directors the freedom to create something that feels like it an individual's voice, while keeping a consistent through-line and consistency to the product of the series as a whole. It actually became a lot more difficult than I thought originally going into this. All that said, I do think it would be awesome to do an entirely new series, or even a new version of The Witching Season, that really embraces that 80s VHS video-store era vibe. Thanks again for the kind words and support, it really means a lot.

[@tiahnalorin9167]

Wow; I was not expecting that ! Love it !! 👍🏼😱

[@HorrificNightmaresJM]

Definitely my favorite short, I know you're working on a feature length film of this and I can't wait. The intro alone is worth the price of admission. Totally blown away. If you run more of these, I have to have it in my collection!!!! Loved it!!!

[@defroen]

That atmosphere! Gave me chills.

[@AmunDeus]

Loved it, fantastic job!! The cinematography, story, and costume design were awesome, amazing production value!

[@joanwallace1373]

This was awesome! Great writing, directing, acting, I was captivated and enjoyed it to the fullest, so KUDOS!

[@JerseyJournalsProductions]

That was amazing ! I can't wait to show my brother and friends !

[@witchingseasonfilms]

J.J. Productions Thanks for the support, JJ! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@Nettsinthewoods]

Excellent! Superb photography. Thought provoking too. Thank you.

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Thanks for the kind words, Annette. Glad you enjoyed the film. Look out for the feature length version coming October 6th!

[@ischabee]

So incredible, excellent work, everybody!

[@witchingseasonfilms]

Ah, thanks Ischa! Great meeting you at FilmQuest!

[@judevarga-fitton5911]

Superb, what an excellent storyline!!

[@cindylefebvre9412]

Fantastic!! This is such a superb, intelligent, mind-blowing short film! I've been watching so many lately and this is right up in the tops for what I've seen. Simply elegant excellence. Great concept. ✨😄❤️✨

[@bbjjbb61]

I wish someone would do a short of the Showers creepy pasta. That would be badass

[@flerma223]

So, he killed his wife when he was trying to write the screenplay for his movie, and as punishment, he had to relive that night over and over again?

[@blaze2001]

I guess lol its good concept though

[@IvorPresents]

looks that way

[@twinklestar620]

Frankie Lerma is that what it is?

[@christiangarza8122]

Shining

[@robertslone7046]

This was simply awesome!!!!!!

[@rebeccaaustin3065]

Excellent! Great actors, sound, lighting and an awesome ending! Then, "Don't Fear the Reaper"?! 🤩

[@RavenVargas27]

Oh man paranormal and ghost houses right up my ally this one is spectacular

[@rhi7782]

I loved everything about this! It is without a doubt my favorite! Brilliant.