Exploring the Dark Realms of Motor City Nightmares: A Conversation with Its Founder, Tommy Brunswick

In the world of horror, few names resonate as strongly as that of showrunner, producer, director, and writer Tommy Brunswick. As the creative force behind Motor City Nightmares, she has built one of the most respected horror conventions in the country, fueled by a lifelong passion for the genre and a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans.

The upcoming Motor City Nightmares event promises to be bold and thrilling. Attendees can look forward to unique photo ops, themed parties, and curated panels. With exciting new celebrity guests and a carefully designed vendor area, the show is packed with surprises waiting to be revealed.

Selecting celebrity guests and vendors is a meticulous process. The team seeks out legends and fan favorites from iconic horror franchises, along with rising stars making waves in the industry. For vendors, originality and quality are key—each participant must have a strong connection to horror or pop culture. This thoughtful curation ensures that every table and guest adds value to the fan experience.

Putting on a show of this scale comes with its own set of challenges—budgeting, logistics, and last-minute changes are all part of the territory. Tommy credits her success to backup planning, adaptability, and a reliable team that shares her vision.

To keep fans coming back year after year, the show constantly evolves. Themes, guests, and activities are refreshed each season, offering something new to entice long-term attendees while welcoming new ones into the fold.

Tommy’s background in filmmaking shapes how she approaches event production. Every show is treated like a live story—with deliberate attention to lighting, sound, and layout—creating a cohesive experience that feels cinematic and curated.

Community feedback plays a key role in shaping each new year. The team actively collects fan responses through surveys, social media, and conversations to improve and fine-tune every aspect of the event.

Balancing creativity with business takes strategy. Tommy starts with a clear creative vision, then builds out the timelines and budgets needed to execute it, always with the fan experience in mind.

For those looking to break into horror event production, she advises starting small and staying deeply connected to the genre. Know your audience, learn the logistics, and build with intention—passion is powerful, but planning is essential.

Signature contests like Miss Nightmare and the fan-favorite costume competitions celebrate fan creativity and offer a platform for attendees to showcase their artistry. These events strengthen the sense of community and invite fans to become part of the show.

Supporting the horror community is central to the mission. From fan-led panels to indie filmmaker showcases, Motor City Nightmares is a place where creators and fans share the spotlight and shape the future of the genre together.

Fans are encouraged to go all-in: wear costumes, join the contests, support the vendors, and connect with fellow horror lovers. For brands and creatives interested in joining as sponsors or vendors, early outreach is encouraged—opportunities fill quickly.

Motor City Nightmares isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of horror culture and the people who keep it alive. With each event, Tommy Brunswick continues to shape the future of genre conventions, one unforgettable memory at a time.

Connect with Tommy Brunswick and Motor City Nightmares:

Tommy Brunswick

IMDb: Tommy Brunswick

Instagram: @tommybrunswick