SIUE Students Earn Emmy Recognition for Chilling Horror Film “The Lesser Key”

SIUE Students Earn Emmy Recognition for Chilling Horror Film "The Lesser Key"

A passion for storytelling, late-night filming sessions, fake blood and a love for horror movies helped a team of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students turn a classroom dream into Emmy-winning success.

SIUE students Aidan Keen, Thomas Drake and Andrew Dalan earned recognition in the Fiction - Long Form category at the 2026 Mid-America Emmy Student Production Awards for their original horror film, The Lesser Key. The project captured the attention of judges with its haunting atmosphere, cinematic storytelling, and ambitious production quality created entirely by students.

The film follows two low-level criminals, William and Isaiah, who are desperate to join a crime syndicate. After accepting a deadly assignment to kill a debtor named Charles, the pair unknowingly unleash supernatural consequences. Charles, revealed to be an occult practitioner, curses Isaiah with his dying breath, transforming him into a terrifying revenant possessed by a demon. The story spirals into a dark battle involving guilt, grief, and survival.

For Thomas Drake, who served as director, writer, and co-producer, the project represented both a creative challenge and a personal milestone.

"I always wanted to do a horror film, but I honestly didn't know if I could pull it off," Drake said. "Seeing Andrew Dalan's earlier horror short gave me the confidence to finally go for it."

Inspired by films such as "Nosferatu," "The Witch," "The Lighthouse," "Evil Dead," and "The Exorcist," Drake worked to create a moody visual style that blended supernatural horror with crime drama influences reminiscent of "The Sopranos."

The production itself became an unforgettable learning experience. With six actors, multiple shooting locations and weekend-only filming schedules stretching from February through May, the student filmmakers faced challenges common to professional productions.

"Scheduling was probably the toughest part," Drake explained. "But I learned how important pre-production really is. Having time to prepare helped us stay organized and productive."

One particularly memorable moment came during Isaiah's dramatic death scene (spoiler alert!), which relied on a limited amount of fake blood and only one opportunity to get the shot right.

"We only had one chance," Drake said. "Luckily, it worked out and looked great."

Beyond the award itself, the recognition highlights the growing creative talent emerging from SIUE's television and film community. Drake says the team is already planning its next project and hopes to expand its filmmaking network throughout the St. Louis region.

"I'm honored to earn this award," he said. "And I know it's going to be one of many."

PHOTO: The Lesser Key