THE FILM

VAMPIRE THERAPY

A moonlit night. A cabin in the woods.

When an lonely and exhausted therapist receives a visit from an unexpected guest — a world-weary, wise-cracking vampire — a quiet evening transfigures into a darkly hilarious battle of wills and wit.

Written and Directed by William Oliver Watkins
Co-Directed by John Beaulieu
Starring Tonia E. Anderson and William Oliver Watkins
Run time: 16 minutes
Genre: Dark Comedy

WATCH THE TRAILER

THE CHARACTERS

The Vampire Neferkare

Dr. Grace Davis, Therapist

Neferkare Khaemwaset Ahmose (just call him “Kah”) was born around 1346 B.C., and was a close family friend of Prince Tutankhamun. It’s been said Kah was an “inappropriate influence for the young monarch,” and there are still unanswered questions surrounding Kah’s involvement in King Tut’s premature demise. A sensualist by nature, Kah is beginning to question the meaning of an endless existence devoted solely to the pursuit of pleasure. Kah is played by William Oliver Watkins.

Dr. Grace Davis first met Kah in her volunteer work as a suicide prevention counselor. A light night call came in that a man was threatening to jump from the roof of a Manhattan building. Despite her best efforts, the man did jump. But instead of plummeting to his death, Kah floated on air, laughing hysterically at his prank and seeming to be quite pleased with himself. Grace was not impressed. When she did not run in terror, but rather begin asking him questions about why he felt compelled to engage in immature antics, she unwittingly took on the most challenging case of her career. Grace is played by Tonia E. Anderson.

STILLS

THE FILMMAKERS

William Oliver Watkins

Actor, Writer and Director

Will is an NYC-based actor and writer. Previous films include Attempted Burglary (Best Narrative Short Nom, Cincinnati; Official Selections: MVAAFF, BAFF, Asheville) and The Personal Question. Will is originally from Cincinnati. Other writing. Screenplays. Ascension, Focus Group, Markdown. Stage Plays: Black, White & Blue (published in 25 Plays from The Fire This Time Festival), Equitas; Hero Complex, Me, Myself & O, Free Will. WilliamOliverWatkins.com

Tonia E. Anderson

Actor, Writer and Producer

Tonia is an NYC-based actor and writer. Acting – recent film/television credits include: Beyond the Gates (CBS/Paramount), Vampire Therapy and Chilltown (in postproduction). Writing – recent stage plays include: The Price, Riders and Friendshift. An army brat born in South Carolina, she remains wide awake and gripping the steering wheel as she continues her journey to becoming the artist of her dreams. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. ToniaAnderson.net

Sebastian Fabres

Post Sound Mix and Music

Sebastian is a Latino-American director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in the horror genre. With a distinctive cinematic style, he crafts atmospheric and thought-provoking narratives that push the boundaries of fear. Beyond horror, Sebastian has also directed a wide range of projects, including music videos and commercials, showcasing his versatility and storytelling prowess across different formats.

Emily Hartford

Stage Director and Educator

Emily gets an honorable mention for her work as director of The Right One — the one-act play on which Vampire Therapy is based. Without her, TRO wouldn’t have been such a big hit and there probably wouldn’t be a Vampire Therapy short film! Emily is a theatre and media director, intimacy director, creator, artistic leader, and educator. She is a Creative Partner with Flux Theatre Ensemble. Her musical audio drama, Metra: A Climate Revolution with Songs, created with Ned Hartford, is live now wherever you get podcasts! Her first short film, Type A, premiered at the Woods Hole Film Festival and has appeared in festivals across the country. Emily teaches and serves on the Faculty Leadership Committee with Playwrights Horizons Theater School/NYU-Tisch. Drama League Directing Fellow, Member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, SDC Associate Member. EmilyHartford.com.