Jane Schoenbrun discusses the fictional Camp Miasma slasher franchise created for their new film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, using it to parody the familiar rise, decline and reboot cycle of long-running horror series. The franchise’s elaborate opening-credits sequence establishes a world of sequels, merchandise and fan culture, while also supporting the film’s critique of Hollywood’s commercial exploitation of horror.

The film stars Hannah Einbinder as an emerging director asked to revive Camp Miasma, who seeks out its original “Final Girl”, played by Gillian Anderson, as reality begins to distort around them. Schoenbrun said the credits were filmed on the final day, after the creative team had spent production building props including videotapes, posters, games and costumes; titles such as Miasma 3000 and Psychic Warriors deliberately echo real horror-franchise excesses. The fictional killer, Little Death, wears a large vent on their head and uses an oversized spear, while the increasingly absurd sequels underline Schoenbrun’s affection for genre conventions.