Janelle Monáe Hosts Horror Panel at USC

The actress led a discussion on fear and creativity with industry professionals at the Norris Cinema Theatre.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Horror

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Janelle Monáe presented a horror-themed event titled The Brains Behind the Blood at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. The program featured conversations on overcoming creative challenges in the film industry with a panel of professional artists.

Why it matters

Monáe organized the event to celebrate the expertise of professionals within the horror industry. It provides a unique community space for students and enthusiasts to discuss the craft behind Halloween-themed cinema.

This marks the 2nd time the horror-themed panel series has been held since its inception in October 2025.

The players

Janelle Monáe

A multi-hyphenate artist and actress who established this horror panel tradition at USC.

Michael Abels

An award-winning composer known for his collaborations on major horror films.

Saisha Beecham

A professional makeup and special effects artist who shared insights into industry craft.

JT Mollner

A filmmaker and screenwriter who participated in the discussion on creative challenges.

Jason King

The Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts who introduced the event participants.

The details

The event format included individual conversations followed by an audience question and answer panel, all introduced by Dean Jason King. Participants included makeup artist Saisha Beecham, screenwriter JT Mollner, and composer Michael Abels.

2017: Michael Abels scored the film Get Out.
2019: Michael Abels scored the film Us.
2022: Michael Abels scored the film Nope.
October 2025: Monáe started the horror-themed panel tradition at USC.
October 13, 2026: The event took place on a Tuesday.

Industry Dynamics

The event highlights the growing trend of academic institutions partnering with industry stars to provide professional mentorship. This initiative aligns with the USC School of Cinematic Arts mission to bridge the gap between Hollywood craft and student education.

The event offered students and the local community direct access to insights from seasoned professionals regarding the horror genre. Attendees were able to engage in a question and answer panel to better understand the creative mechanics behind popular scary films.

The takeaway

Horror remains a vital medium for exploring complex creative challenges within the entertainment industry. Aspiring filmmakers can learn from the technical and narrative strategies discussed by experts like Michael Abels and Saisha Beecham.