Talks

Ready for Launch: Creating Fantastic Four's Miniature Ships with Cutting-Edge and Classic Techniques

Reid Collums is a versatile actor, writer, and special effects artist born on January 27, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a career spanning over 15 years in entertainment, Collums has established himself as a multi-talented creative force working across film, television, and digital media.

As an actor, Collums has appeared in a diverse range of productions, from television series like Cold Case, Greek, and John from Cincinnati to the critically acclaimed practical effects horror film Harbinger Down (2015). His television work includes roles in Cooper Barrett's Guide to Surviving Life, Recovery Road, and Real Husbands of Hollywood, showcasing his range across different genres and formats.

Collums has demonstrated equal prowess as a writer, penning scripts for multiple projects including the sci-fi horror feature Wellwood (2025), which he also stars in alongside his wife, producer Camille Balsamo-Gillis. His writing credits extend to various short films and web series, including Knocked, Whiplash, and Super Lunch, highlighting his ability to create compelling narratives across different storytelling formats.

His collaboration with legendary practical effects artist Alec Gillis and studioADI has positioned him at the forefront of contemporary creature feature filmmaking. Through projects like Wellwood and Harbinger Down, Collums has helped champion the art of practical effects in an increasingly digital landscape, working to bring tangible, visceral horror to modern audiences.

Collums continues to balance his work as a performer, writer, and creative collaborator, contributing to projects that celebrate the craftsmanship and artistry of practical filmmaking while exploring new frontiers in science fiction and horror storytelling.