We usually think of fear as something to escape, but humans have a bizarre habit of running straight toward the things that terrify them. Silver Compass Studios has officially begun principal photography on What Are You Afraid Of?, an ambitious feature-length documentary exploring humanity’s enduring fascination with getting scared out of our wits.
Filming is currently underway and will continue straight through the 2026 Halloween season, officially wrapping in mid-November.
The Heart of the Haunt
At the center of the documentary is the Boo Crew Haunted House in Rochester, Illinois. Far from a corporate cash grab, this is a volunteer-built, charity-driven attraction operated by the Rochester Lions Club.
By following the designers, actors, and brave souls who walk through the doors, the film examines what happens to our brains when fear becomes something we intentionally seek out. Also, it delves into what our love of terror reveals about human curiosity, emotion, and imagination. Then, there is the lesser-asked question: why on earth do some people feel compelled to create fear for others as a hobby?
The Method to the Madness
“One of the questions that started this film was simple,” said Director Ben Harl. “If fear is meant to keep us safe, why are we so fascinated by it? Why do we sometimes choose to move closer instead of backing away?”
To answer that paradox, the documentary will seamlessly document the Boo Crew from early construction through their live performance nights. It also features interviews with psychologists, historians, and legendary creators working in the haunted-attraction and horror-storytelling industries.
Why We Love the Rush
As Harl notes, “Fear as entertainment is one of the strangest and most revealing things humans do. Some people don’t just want to feel fear, they want to design it, perform it, and shape it into an experience for someone else.”
Ultimately, What Are You Afraid Of? promises to show that creating and experiencing controlled fear isn’t just weird—it’s a deeply meaningful display of human creativity.
