Hollywood After Dark began as a late-night, no-holds-barred recap of the day’s movie news — a show built from my years working in theaters, studying film, and loving every aspect of cinema. Through the pandemic and beyond, it became a space to celebrate what makes movies magical.

But the industry is changing. Theaters are fading, physical media is niche, and IP reigns supreme. So I’m shifting gears. Hollywood After Dark is evolving into a deeper editorial look at film — shining a light on overlooked indie gems, exploring the rise of AI filmmaking, and amplifying the voices behind short films, fan films, and experimental projects.

AI in film is controversial, sure — but I believe it has the power to democratize storytelling. Just like picking up a camera or a pencil, these tools can unlock creativity in ways we’ve never seen before. And I want to be part of that wave — not just riding it, but helping guide it.

Years ago, I ran a small site called Flash Your Shorts to highlight short films online. It never blew up, but it connected me to real creators with real passion. That spirit lives on here. Think of this space as a love letter to cinema — part blog, part podcast, part platform for the weird, wonderful, and wildly independent.

Is this ambitious? Hell yes. But if you’re here for real conversations about the state of film, passionate perspectives, and maybe a few rants along the way… you’re in the right place.

— Matt Jarbo