By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In the world of horror cinema, few debuts carry the weight of visual flair quite like that of Marc Klasfeld. Best known for his iconic music videos for artists such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even a memorable Tom Jones project, Klasfeld has transitioned seamlessly into feature filmmaking with Do Not Enter (2026), his directorial debut in the horror genre. Released in theaters and on demand March 20, 2026, by Lionsgate, the film—adapted from David Morrell’s novel Creepers—delivers a pulse-pounding blend of urban exploration, supernatural dread, and the perils of chasing online fame.
In an exclusive conversation with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Klasfeld opened up about the inspirations, challenges, and sheer joy behind bringing this chilling story to life. The result is a film that feels both intensely personal and thrillingly ambitious.
From Childhood Darkness to Cinematic Terror
Klasfeld’s passion for eerie, abandoned spaces traces back to his childhood. He recalls a vivid memory of exploring an abandoned parking lot armed only with a flashlight. “The moment you turned off the flashlight, it was dark. And when I say dark, I mean you couldn’t see anything. There was no ambient light. There was nothing.” That primal fear of total blackness stuck with him—and became a driving force in Do Not Enter.
The film follows a group of thrill-seeking urban explorers known as the Creepers, who livestream their daring entry into New Jersey’s abandoned Paragon Hotel. Once a luxurious spot with mob ties—rumored to hide a $300 million stash from gangster Meyer Lansky—the hotel now stands as a decaying relic haunted by ghosts and darker secrets. The Creepers see it as the ultimate viral stunt, but they soon face deadly rivals and supernatural entities that test their sanity and survival instincts.
Klasfeld emphasized the film’s balance: “I really wanted to do something that was entertaining that was equal parts horror and adventure.” He stayed true to the script while weaving in social commentary on social media’s seductive dangers—how far people will go for likes, views, and fame, only to pay a heavy price.
Shooting in the Shadows of Bulgaria
Finding the perfect location proved challenging. Real abandoned buildings are often unsafe, filled with hazards like broken glass and unstable structures. After an extensive search, the production landed on an extraordinary site in Bulgaria: a massive, eerie concrete hotel from the Communist era. “It’s gigantic and it’s so eerie,” Klasfeld said. “Hopefully that comes across in the movie.”
The crew shot at night to avoid sunlight flooding through the huge windows, adding to the atmosphere—and the unease. “When you would walk away to go to the bathroom or get a bite to eat, it was a little weird,” he admitted. The isolation and darkness amplified the tension for cast and crew alike, mirroring the characters’ descent into fear.
A Career of Iconic Moments
Klasfeld’s path to this debut is anything but conventional. His music video portfolio includes legendary clips that defined eras, and he’s worked with everyone from rap icons to rock legends. One standout memory? Directing a bizarre Tom Jones video where scientists “studied” what makes the singer so irresistible. Shot in New Jersey—the same state where Do Not Enter is set—Klasfeld even brought his family to the set. “My family doesn’t really know a lot of the artists I work with… but they knew Tom Jones,” he laughed.
He shared an intriguing industry anecdote about Charlie Puth’s “See You Again.” Initially sidelined for the Furious 7 soundtrack in favor of bigger names, Puth’s version ultimately prevailed because no one could top it. “You just never quite know with these things,” Klasfeld reflected. “What’s going to explode.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers—and the Joy of the Craft
When asked for advice to those breaking into directing, Klasfeld kept it simple: “Just do it. Don’t think about it. Especially these days… If you want to make a movie, just go out there and do it and fail and keep learning from your failures and just keep doing it. Just don’t stop.”
He credits his NYU film school experience but stresses hands-on action over theory. His own mindset on set remains grounded in gratitude: “I’m just so lucky to be doing this. It’s quite ridiculous what we do in entertainment… There’s no moment of the day where I don’t realize how fun this can be.” That appreciation fuels his serious approach to every project.
What’s Next?
While Do Not Enter offers thrills, scares, and a commentary on fame’s dark side, Klasfeld isn’t slowing down. He’s already in early pre-production on his next project: “a straight horror movie… hardcore horror.” Fans can expect more chills when he returns to discuss it.
For now, Do Not Enter is a bold, entertaining horror-adventure hybrid that captures the rush of exploration and the terror of what lurks in the shadows. As Klasfeld puts it, it’s meant to jolt audiences—and deliver pure, unfiltered fun.
Catch Do Not Enter in theaters or on demand now. And heed the title… or don’t. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
About Paul Salfen: Paul Salfen is a Dallas-based TV host, producer, editor, writer, and consultant who currently holds the positions of co-host of Drew Pearson Live on KTXD (London Broadcasting), co-host of The ANE Show on iHeartMedia, and producer/writer for AMFM Magazine.
About Christine Thompson: Christine Thompson is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Writer and Video Editor of AMFM Magazine and AMFM Studios LLC.
