A group of friends are targeted by a mysterious assassin in Director Tim Story’s satirical-horror, The Blackening.

Story’s film recounts the tale of seven Black friends who reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin where a twisted killer forces them to play a deadly game.

On July 1, after the DGA membership screening in Los Angeles, Story discussed the making of The Blackening during a Q&A moderated by Director David E. Talbert (Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey).

During the conversation, Story spoke about his pre-production process. “Every weekend I read the script again, so that you’re going into the week, you have to know the script better than everyone else. No one should know the story better than you.”

Answering Talbert’s question about how he’s been able to keep alive in this business, Story replied, “You’re always auditioning for your next picture. Why wait? Keep moving. This industry. There’s so many ups and downs about it. There’re so many things happening in rooms you’re not in. I just find that when I’m given opportunities, as long as I think I can do a good job, I go for it and I don’t wait.”

Story’s other directorial credits include the feature films Tom & Jerry, Shaft, Ride Along, Think Like a Man, Barbershop, Fantastic Four; and episodes of episodes of Scorpion, Queens, White Famous and CSI: Miami.

Story has been a DGA member since 2001 and has served as an Alternate on the National Board and as a member of the Western Directors Council and the Theatrical Creative Rights Committee.