Leigh Janiak serves as director, writer, and executive producer for Netflix’s new Fear Street trilogy, which is made up of Fear Street Part 1: 1994, Fear Street Part 2: 1978, and Fear Street Part 3: 1666. The films were all shot back-to-back-to-back with the same cast in three different period settings. All of them are connected by an epic narrative, making one terrifying story. Fear Street Part 3: 1666 premieres on July 16.

In 1994, a group of teenagers discover the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected — and they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stine’s best-selling horror series, FEAR STREET follows Shadyside’s sinister history through a nightmare 300 years in the making.

Janiak’s first film, Honeymoon, premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival and was an official selection in Tribeca’s Viewpoints section.

She directed and executive produced the pilot of Lauren Oliver’s Panic for Amazon. Her television credits also include directing an episode of Cinemax’s Outcast as well as multiple episodes of MTV’s Scream.

Janiak and I chatted about bringing this iconic book series to life, the horror genre, which film she’s most excited for fans to see, and more. Watch my interview below to hear what she shared!