Illinois Hell Hole 🌽 😈🕳️

An audio drama by Matt Brookens. (2hours and 20 minutes)
Starring Daran Norris (Fairly Odd Parents), Corey Burton (Star Wars, Animated). Meghan McDonough (Dark Matter)

DROP ON IN 🕳️

Ned Fischer’s life just hit rock bottom. Dumped by his girlfriend, booted from his industrial band, and fired from his job—all in one afternoon—Ned’s already questioning reality when he gets the call: his parents are dead. Plane crash. No survivors.

Back in rural Illinois to settle their estate, Ned inherits a dusty farmhouse, a broke-down cousin, and one very unexpected discovery:

A deeply creepy, bottomless pit in the middle of a cornfield.

“I wish my parents never got into debt,” Ned mutters. Moments later, the bill collector vanishes into the hole—and the debt? Magically erased. Everyone assumes he died at home. “A wish come true,” says a mysterious stranger in a vintage suit. “Like a genie in a bottle swooped in to solve your woes.”

At first, it feels like dumb luck. But as Ned tests the Hell Hole’s power, things get stickier. Old crushes return. Frenemies disappear. Fame seems within reach. And every wish demands a sacrifice. Someone always ends up plummeting into the pit.

“Just don’t be surprised when the shadows come to collect,” warns Moonglow, the town’s unnervingly accurate psychic.

Darkly funny and viciously satirical, Illinois Hell Hole is a supernatural fable about ego, ambition, and the cost of wish fulfillment. After all—The Midwest is the Best… place to die.

TRAILER AND SCENES BELOW!!!

🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽 🌽

Critical Praise ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Illinois Hell Hole impresses with its comic voice, tone, and consistently funny dialog.” – WeScreenplay Analyst

“This is a really good script. It delivers the laughs. The dialogue is clever with great timing—the kind of lines actors love delivering and audiences love to quote.” – WeScreenplay Analyst

What’s Inside:

• A Thrilling Descent into Madness: From eerie farm nights to a hellish chasm in the fields, Ned’s journey will leave you gripping your seat, unsure of what’s real and what’s imagined.
• Chilling Soundscapes: Hear the wind roar through the cursed farmhouse, the distant cries from the depths of the Hell Hole, and the unnerving sounds of Rabin’s return from Hell.
• Dark, Unsettling Humor: Balance on the edge of fear and laughter as Ned’s dumb antics and snotty attitude spread chaos in the corn.

Perfect for Fans of:

• Supernatural thrillers that blend horror with dark comedy. Stuff like What We Do in the Shadows, Ghostbusters, Tucker & Dale vs Evil, Little Shop of Horrors, Hazbin Hotel, Beetlejuice, Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror, Sean of the Dead, Army of Darkness, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and just a touch of Black Mirror.
• It's great for listening on road trips to hell, commutes to grandma's house or while whaling on your pecks at the gym.
• You'll appreciate it most on headphones where you can practically feel satan breathing down your neck.

About the Author:

Matt Brookens is a writer, director, and producer from Springfield, Illinois, known for his darkly satiric style using horror and the supernatural. He’s worked on unscripted shows including Expedition Bigfoot and created dozens of indie horror-comedy shorts and sketches, including Skunk Ape! (picked up by cult studio Troma). His feature The Art of Pain streamed on Netflix and Amazon after a strong festival run.

CAST & CREW

BIOGRAPHIES

1. Corey Burton – NARRATOR – Born Corey Gregg Weinberg on August 3, 1955, in Granada Hills, California, Corey Burton is a renowned American voice actor whose career spans over five decades. Beginning at age 17 under the pseudonym Corey Weinman, he studied radio acting with the legendary Daws Butler and quickly became known for his versatility and ability to emulate classic voices. Burton’s extensive work with Disney includes voicing characters such as Ludwig Von Drake, Captain Hook, Dale, and the Magic Mirror. He has also contributed to Disney theme park attractions, providing narration for Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Holiday and other experiences. Beyond Disney, Burton is recognized for his roles as Shockwave in the Transformers franchise, Brainiac in the DC Animated Universe, and Count Dooku and Cad Bane in various Star Wars media. His performances have earned him accolades, including an Annie Award for his portrayal of Ludwig Von Drake in House of Mouse. Burton’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring a wide range of characters to life have solidified his status as a legend in the voice acting industry.
2. Daran Norris – RABIN – Daran is a veteran actor with more than three decades of experience across film, television, animation, and video games. He has appeared in over 400 productions, including beloved live-action roles like Gordy the janitor on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, attorney Cliff McCormack on Veronica Mars (plus the feature film and Hulu revival), and news anchor Johnny Frost on iZombie. He’s also recurred as Buddha Bob on Big Time Rush and appeared in Desperate Housewives, Party Down, and David Fincher’s The Killer on Netflix. In animation, Daran is best known as the voice of Cosmo, Mr. Turner, and Jorgen Von Strangle on Nickelodeon’s long-running hit The Fairly OddParents, as well as Knock Out in Transformers: Prime, Spottswoode in Team America: World Police, and Jack Smith on American Dad!. His voice credits span iconic shows like Samurai Jack, TUFF Puppy, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Hailey’s On It! for Disney, along with feature films including Bolt, Escape from Planet Earth, Seal Team, and Thelma the Unicorn. Beyond the screen, Daran co-runs a performing arts school in southeast Texas, where he remains active in local theatre and nonprofit work.
3. Matthew Brookens – NED – Born in Springfield, Illinois, Matt went to Columbia College Chicago for his film degree, then went on to write and direct his first feature, The Art of Pain in 2008. While working a career as a graphic designer and videomaker, Matt studied sketch and improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles where he teamed up with fellow comedians to make short comedy sketch videos for Funny or Die. While in LA, Matt worked as an editor/writer for David Zucker (Airplane!, Naked Gun) and Kevin Hart (Jumanji 2017). Matt has edited and produced extensive content for Paramount+ and Lionsgate and has made scads of viral videos for socials, including mega-hit Minecraft YouTuber Aphmau.
4. Reggie Guyton – MOOSE – Reggie Guyton is a celebrated actor, director, playwright, and performing artist based in Springfield, Illinois, whose work spans nearly two decades of immersive theatre and living history. Appointed the inaugural Artist-in-Residence for University of Illinois Springfield’s Our Stage / Our Voices program, Reggie has directed and performed locally while mentoring and uplifting emerging artists through inventive events like Black Futurez: Mixtape. He’s a regular performer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, engaging audiences through living history—and is especially known for his portrayal of Robert Smalls in their acclaimed “Small Beginnings” actor-performance series. Reggie frequently speaks on using storytelling to foster empathy, equity, and deeper connection in theater, emphasizing the power of listening and presence in performance. As a dynamic force in Springfield’s arts scene, he continues to inspire both audiences and fellow artists alike.
5. Meghan Maureen McDonough – LENORE – A Springfield, Illinois native and Sacred Heart-Griffin classmate of writer-director Matt Brookens, Meghan honed her craft at Northern Illinois University (BFA, Acting; Dance minor) and sharpened her comedic edge at Second City. On screen she’s popped up in everything from Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal to indie gems like The Ice Harvest and her festival-winning short The Burger. A Jeff-nominated stage powerhouse, improv ace, and multi-hyphenate mom, Meghan slips seamlessly between laughs and chills—bringing Lenore a depth only a seasoned pro can deliver.
6. Keith Compton – RUCKER – Keith began his acting career at the age of 12 when he acted in plays at school and around the Chicagoland area. During these years, he performed in a variety of classical, contemporary, and musical theatre productions. Keith continued his professional training at Roosevelt University’s Theatre Conservatory Program in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the conservatory with a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance. Over the next decade Keith would work on several big-budget and independent features. His work has taken him to Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Presently Keith is acting in Los Angeles.
7. Kassandra Escandell – MOONGLOW – Kassandra is an actress and creator who has built a following of over 1.1 million fans with her wickedly funny commentary and sharp, deadpan explorations of the macabre. On screen, she brings that same dark charm to roles in projects like Amityville Apt., A Killer Service, Perfectly Disturbed, and Hands of Destiny, as well as cult horror promos for Screamfest Horror Film Festival.
8. John LaFlamboy – BILL the BILL COLLECTOR & SATAN –John is an actor, director, and producer whose work spans theatre, film, and live horror entertainment. Trained at Southern Illinois University and The Hague School for the Arts in Utrecht, John has appeared on stage in productions like Miracle on 34th Street and By the Bog of Cats, and on screen in cult indie films including The Moleman of Belmont Avenue, Sad Café, Squeal, The Adventures of Kitty Zombie, and as Marcus in Matt Brookens’ dark comedy The Art of Pain. Beyond acting, John has become a driving force in the haunted attraction world as founder of Zombie Army Productions, producing two of Illinois’ most acclaimed and immersive shows: HellsGate Haunted House and Statesville Haunted Prison. His philosophy—“Don’t just watch the horror, be in the horror”—redefined the haunted house experience and earned national recognition, chronicled in the long-running web series Days of the Living Dead. Now, John’s haunted legacy takes center stage in the upcoming feature documentary The Fright Stuff, which pulls back the curtain on the artistry, madness, and sheer theatricality behind building nightmares for thousands of guests each Halloween.
9. Nitin Sil – HORTENSE GOODBODY – Nitin is the creator and host of Flashpoint History, the popular YouTube channel and podcast with over 280,000 subscribers and 30 million views, dedicated to making history engaging, accessible, and deeply human. Growing up in Springfield, Illinois, Nitin spent his high school years making ridiculous, over-the-top movies with longtime friend Matt Brookens—an early taste of the creative storytelling he would later bring to his work as a historian and educator. Raised in a family whose work required constant travel, Nitin was exposed to history firsthand from a young age—climbing the pyramids in Giza as a child, visiting the archaeology museum in Cairo weekly, and exploring monasteries in Vienna before fifth grade. This lifelong passion for understanding the past has shaped his belief that history is not just a record of rulers and empires, but of human hopes, dreams, flaws, and choices that continue to shape the world today. With Flashpoint History, Nitin brings that perspective to a global audience, blending humor, narrative, and rigorous research to prove that history is more than dates and battles—it’s the ongoing story of us all.
10. Maria Libri – SHERYL – Maria is known for Say a Little Prayer (2024), Hey Kattan! (2021), and The 91st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade (2023). She is a former on-air reporter for FOX TV and has appeared in other films and television series such as Shameless, APB, and Widows. She received a degree in Psychology at the University of Illinois Springfield. Fun fact: she is engaged to SNL alum Chris Kattan. They reside in Libri’s hometown of Springfield, Illinois, with her three children.
11. Doug Lussenhop – GARY FROM LINCOLN LAND – Doug, better known as DJ Douggpound, is a musician, comedian, writer, and editor whose surreal, quick-cut editing style helped define the cult comedy aesthetic of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! and The Eric Andre Show. A longtime collaborator with Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, Doug has also appeared in Tom Goes to the Mayor, co-wrote and edited Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie, and created the cult web series Pound House. Beyond the screen, he’s a prolific podcaster—co-hosting Office Hours Live with Tim Heidecker, The Champs, and his own Poundcast—where his inventive drops and irreverent humor have built him a devoted following. As DJ Douggpound, he blends comedy and music in a way that’s as offbeat as it is infectious, making him one of alternative comedy’s most unique voices.
12. Jeska Bailey Forsyth – SHEENA & BUELA (RUCKER’S MOM) – Jeska is a Texas-born powerhouse musician with “honeyed, soulful vocals” (Glide Magazine) and the kind of raw, blues-folk energy that has made her one of Austin’s most compelling voices. Known for her standout performances with the Guy Forsyth Band, the Hot Nut Riveters, and the Honeysuckle Rage Riders, she is also a star in her own right, touring internationally with her acclaimed album Conspirators and preparing the release of Murderino—the world’s first true-crime-inspired record. Tackling themes of feminism, survival, and power, Jeska turns the darker corners of human experience into music that is fierce, unforgettable, and deeply resonant. A four-time cancer survivor, classically trained singer, multi-instrumentalist, photographer, and painter, she has been hailed as a “gifted vocalist” (Austin Monthly) and a leader in Austin’s music community, where she advocates for equity and empowerment as part of ATXM’s Sisterhood division. With over 50,000 loyal followers online and a life story that fuels every note, Jeska is breaking cycles, building community, and proving that music can be both healing and revolutionary.
13. Guy Forsyth – ROBERTO / FRED (RUCKER’S DAD) – Guy Forsyth is an Austin, Texas–based musician, singer-songwriter, and storyteller whose electrifying blend of blues, Americana, and theatrical roots music has made him a true fixture of the live-music landscape. Since relocating to Austin in 1990, he built his reputation busking on Sixth Street and performing at legendary venues like Antone’s, earning a ten-year residency and multiple Austin Music Awards, including Best Male Vocalist. A founding member of the irreverent, genre-defying Asylum Street Spankers, Guy helped redefine acoustic performance through wit and musical virtuosity. As a solo artist, he’s released over 20 albums—ranging from fiery blues to reflective folk—toured Europe and the U.S., and opened for icons like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Lucinda Williams. More than a performer, he sees music as storytelling: warm, raw, and rich with emotional truth. Beyond the stage, Guy is deeply rooted in his community—teaching Tai Chi to veterans, supporting HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), and fostering music education and mentorship. Each performance is a journey—part blues concert, part folk tale, all heart.
14. Mindy Turano – MOTHER / MACY / NORA – Mindy Turano is an actress with a passion for independent film and genre storytelling. She is known for her commitment to bold, offbeat projects and her dynamic presence on stage and screen. A Chicago native trained at Southern Illinois University (B.F.A.) and currently living in Los Angeles, Mindy has been involved in many theatrical productions spanning from Chicago to Greece. She first appeared in the dark comedy The Art of Pain (2008) and went on to take roles in the cult horror Fang (2011), the supernatural thriller Dark Realm (2013), the crime drama Officer Down (2018), and most recently the Sci-Fi hit Roswell Delirium (2023). With her versatility and dedication to character-driven performances, Mindy is well-matched to collaborate with filmmakers who push creative boundaries, bringing to life stories that balance grit, humor, and heart.
15. Jeff Williams – BATHROBE GUY / GARBAGE TRUCK DRIVER – Jeff Williams is a Springfield-born painter, musician, and creative polymath whose art and music have shaped the city’s cultural fabric for over three decades. As co-founder of the boundary-pushing indie band N.I.L.8, Jeff wrote and performed provocative songs that blended punk, ska, rap, and political commentary—touring nationally and earning a devoted following before the group’s farewell after 15 years. In parallel, his longstanding passion for visual art—first nurtured through childhood lessons at the Springfield Art Association—flourished into paintings prized by galleries and magazines, many of them drawn from his love of cycling and plein-air landscapes. Jeff’s dual identity as both a gritty rock frontman and a sensitive painter with a painterly eye for motion captures his restless creativity and deep storytelling impulse. He bridges the raw energy of his youth with introspective maturity, always grounded in the community that shaped him.
16. Patrick Russell – NED’S DAD / BANKER – Patrick Russell is a Springfield, Illinois–based actor and visual artist deeply involved in the local creative community. He appears in community theater productions at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, bringing dynamic performances to historical and dramatic roles. Beyond acting, Patrick served as Director of Marketing & Development at the Springfield Art Association, where he helped promote regional artists and coordinate high-profile events. A multidisciplinary creative, he previously launched and operated an apparel brand, Reverie Apparel, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive in fashion and design before focusing his energy fully on his role at the Art Association and contributions to Springfield’s cultural scene.
17. Gina DeCroix Russell – NED’S MOM / WENDY – Gina DeCroix Russell is the owner and artistic director of Dance Arts Studio in Springfield, Illinois, where she’s been shaping the region’s classical ballet education since stepping into leadership in January 2018—after nearly two decades as instructor and choreographer under Grace Luttrell Nanavati. A native of Springfield and alumna of Illinois State University (B.A. in Dance Performance) and University of Illinois Springfield (B.A. & M.A. in Communication), Gina brings both artistry and scholarship to her studio. She served for 15 years as Ballet Mistress and Associate Artistic Director of the Springfield Ballet Company and has taught Classical Ballet II as an Assistant Instructional Professor at ISU’s School of Theatre & Dance. An ABT® Certified Teacher (Affiliate level, Pre-Primary to Level 5) and Giordano Technique–certified, Gina also holds a leadership role as Associate Artistic Director for the Copper Coin Ballet Company. An accomplished performer and choreographer, her résumé spans productions with Springfield Ballet Company, local theatre, and dance festivals—including the Edinburgh Fringe with the Scottish American Ballet. Beyond her artistry, she proudly identifies as “mama to Logan” and partner to Patrick.
18. Brian Magrum – SOUND MIXER – Brian is an Emmy-nominated ADR and dialogue mixer based in Pasadena, California, with more than two decades of experience in film, television, and video games. A veteran of the sound department with over 300 credits, Brian has contributed to major studio projects including Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Men in Black: International, Surrogates, Gladiator II, Smile 2, Killers of the Flower Moon, Barbie, The Umbrella Academy, Reservation Dogs, The Rookie, Criminal Minds, Riverdale, Star Trek: Discovery, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fallout, Andor, and Only Murders in the Building. His video game credits include Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty, Far Cry, Halo, and League of Legends. Currently working with Formosa Group at Paramount, Brian has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most in-demand ADR mixers, collaborating with top directors and studios across Hollywood. A longtime creative partner of filmmaker Matt Brookens, Brian began his sound career as sound designer on Brookens’ feature The Art of Pain (2008) and has continued to support independent projects alongside his studio work. Known for his meticulous ear, collaborative spirit, and ability to elevate both blockbusters and passion projects, Brian continues to shape the soundscape of some of the world’s most recognizable stories on screen.
19. Adam Kunselman – EDITOR – Adam Kunselman is originally from Michigan and is currently based in Los Angeles. He works primarily on documentaries, but loves the opportunity to step outside of his niche when the right project comes along. His work has been nominated for plenty of awards, but not one that anyone really cares about… yet.

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