Entertainment
“Hitch Hiking Is Safe”: The Ultimate Oxymoron
We’re thrilled to introduce Ylia Trotter, an amazing screenwriter from New Zealand who is making waves in the industry! His latest project, “Hitch Hiking is Safe,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Dark Comedy Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. He has brought an intriguing mix of dark humor and suspense to life in this short film. The film, which draws from Trotter’s own experiences and a surprising conversation about the dangers of hitchhiking, explores the chilling yet comedic scenario where both the driver and the hitchhiker are serial killers.

The Genesis of “Hitch Hiking Is Safe”
The inspiration for Hitch Hiking Is Safe struck Ylia during a casual lunch with friends. Growing up in the remote area of Te Arai, New Zealand, Ylia frequently hitchhiked into town as a teenager. The conversation at lunch took a dark turn when his friends shared their fears of hitchhiking—one feared the driver might be a serial killer, while another worried about picking up a dangerous hitchhiker. This sparked the idea: what if both the driver and the hitchhiker were serial killers, completely unaware of each other’s true nature?
Ylia quickly realized the potential for a dark comedy. The concept evolved beyond a simple gag into a deeper exploration of the two killers’ psyches. As the story unfolds, these outcasts, who approach killing in different ways, find themselves recognizing a kindred spirit in one another. What begins as a humorous situation develops into a poignant moment of self-realization, as each character sees a reflection of themselves in the other.
Overcoming the Challenges
The production of Hitch Hiking Is Safe was not without its challenges. Filmed over three days, the shoot was plagued by unexpected rain, which, while initially a logistical nightmare, ultimately added to the film’s stormy horror atmosphere. In a fortunate twist, the script’s dialogue even mentioned the possibility of rain, making the weather an unintentional yet fitting backdrop for the film’s events.
In addition to battling the elements, Ylia and his team embarked on a unique journey of documenting the entire filmmaking process. They created weekly one-minute vlogs throughout pre-production, shooting, and post-production, culminating in a 20-minute documentary. This content not only engaged their audience but also helped them successfully crowdfund the film’s production budget. Although Ylia is proud of this achievement, he admits that the additional workload of creating so much content alongside the film was intense.

A New Filmmaker on the Rise
Hitch Hiking Is Safe marks Ylia Trotter’s debut short film, but his passion for filmmaking has been a lifelong pursuit. From creating Lego stop-motion movies as a child to vlogging and working in video production, Ylia has always been drawn to visual storytelling. After working at an agency and eventually starting his video business, Sharehouse Video, with his wife, he finally took the plunge into screenwriting during the 2020 lockdowns.
With his first short film now complete, Ylia is focused on honing his writing skills. Hitch Hiking Is Safe was a learning experience, designed to see how his words translated to the screen and to gain valuable lessons for future projects.
What’s Next?
For Ylia, the next step is more writing. He has a feature film script in the works, along with several other ideas he is currently outlining. With Hitch Hiking Is Safe just beginning its festival run, Ylia is eager to see how it performs and is hopeful for success on the circuit.
Connect with Ylia
If you’re interested in connecting with Ylia for future projects, you can find him on Instagram at @yliatrotter. Though he’s not currently a member of any film organizations, he’s always open to new opportunities and collaborations.
On the Horizon
As Hitch Hiking Is Safe begins its festival journey, Ylia Trotter is at an exciting crossroads in his filmmaking career. With a unique voice and a passion for darkly comedic storytelling, he’s a new filmmaker to watch. As he continues to write and develop new projects, Ylia is poised to make a significant impact in the world of independent film.
For more updates on his work and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to follow his journey on Instagram.
From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:
Entertainment
Miley Cyrus Is Engaged to Maxx Morando

Miley Cyrus is officially off the market: the pop superstar is engaged to musician Maxx Morando after four years together, and the speculation about “that ring” has finally been put to rest. The engagement caps a quietly steady relationship that has unfolded mostly out of the spotlight, marking a new chapter for Miley after years of highly public romances.
Engagement finally confirmed
Reports from major entertainment outlets confirm that Cyrus and Morando are engaged following her recent red-carpet appearance in Los Angeles.
Observers noticed a new diamond ring on her left-hand ring finger, and sources close to the singer have since confirmed that the jewelry is indeed an engagement ring. The news comes after days of online buzz and fan speculation, which began almost as soon as photos from the event hit social media.
The love story with Maxx Morando
Maxx Morando is a drummer and musician who has performed with bands like The Regrettes and has also worked as a producer and collaborator behind the scenes. He and Miley were first linked in late 2021, reportedly after meeting through mutual friends and hitting it off on a low-key first date that eventually grew into a long-term relationship. The pair have kept things relatively private, appearing together at select fashion shows, award events, and premieres rather than turning their romance into constant social-media content.
That very on-trend engagement ring
The ring that set the internet on fire features a cushion-cut diamond set on a chunky yellow gold band, a bold, fashion-forward design that fits Cyrus’s eclectic style. The piece is reported to be by designer Jacquie Aiche, whose jewelry is frequently worn by celebrities and known for mixing bohemian influences with luxury materials. Commentators note that the thick band and substantial stone are in line with the current trend toward statement engagement rings that feel modern and personal rather than traditional and dainty.
Fans react to Miley’s new chapter
Longtime fans who have watched Miley grow from Disney Channel star to Grammy-winning artist see this engagement as another milestone in her evolution. On social platforms, many have highlighted how different this relationship feels compared with her past, pointing to the couple’s low-key approach and shared creative interests as signs of a more grounded partnership. Others are already speculating about wedding plans, guest lists, and whether the singer might channel her “Flowers” era energy into a bridal look that breaks all the rules.
What this means for Miley’s image
Cyrus has spent the last few years redefining herself musically and personally, from the success of “Flowers” to acclaimed live performances and a more polished public image. This engagement to Morando reinforces that arc, presenting her as an artist who has found balance between rebellion and stability, independence and partnership. While no wedding details have been announced yet, the announcement alone ensures Miley and Maxx will remain at the center of pop culture conversations for months to come.
Entertainment
Mariah Carey’s One Holiday Hit Pays her $3.3 Million a Year

Mariah Carey did not just land a Christmas hit; she locked in a seasonal paycheck for life. Every year, All I Want for Christmas Is You is estimated to pull in somewhere between 2.5 and 3.3 million dollars in royalties, from streaming, radio, licensing, and all those store playlists that flip her on the second the Halloween decorations come down. Over three decades, that adds up to tens of millions tied to a single song, turning one holiday anthem into a textbook example of how a perfectly timed pop track can become a retirement plan in glitter.

What keeps it so sticky is how audiences respond to it emotionally. Fans describe the song as an instant mood-lifter: the kind of track that makes people abandon their carts in Target, sing in the dairy aisle, or scream the chorus in the car like a full-blown music video moment.
People love the mix of old-school Motown-style production, sleigh bells, and Mariah’s big, joyful vocals—it feels nostalgic without sounding dated, and romantic without being corny to most listeners.
For a lot of millennials and Gen Z, hearing that opening piano riff is the unofficial signal that the holidays have “officially started.”
Of course, the obsession is loud enough that the backlash is, too—but even the complaints prove its impact. Some listeners say they are tired of hearing it everywhere, from October onward, but that is partly because it dominates every Christmas playlist, radio rotation, and TikTok trend. Whether people are passionately belting it out or dramatically rolling their eyes, the engagement keeps the streams flowing—and the royalties stacking. Love it or hate it, All I Want for Christmas Is You has become the soundtrack to December, and Mariah collects a festive multimillion-dollar “thank you” every single year.
Entertainment
How The Grinch Became The Richest Christmas Movie Ever

The Grinch didn’t just steal Christmas—he stole the box office. The 2018 animated film The Grinch turned holiday chaos into serious cash, grossing around $540 million worldwide on a modest $75 million budget, making it the highest‑grossing Christmas movie of all time. That is more than seven times its production cost, which is the kind of holiday return every studio dreams about.

Meanwhile, the 2000 live‑action How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey laid the groundwork for this green empire. That version pulled in roughly $345–347 million worldwide on a $123 million budget, turning a prickly Dr. Seuss villain into a perennial box‑office player and a meme‑ready holiday icon. The nostalgia around Carrey’s performance is a big part of why audiences were ready to show up again almost two decades later.
The Money Behind The Mayhem
The 2018 film did not just earn big—it earned smart.
It opened to more than $$67 million domestically in its first weekend and kept playing steadily through November and December, ultimately pulling in about $272 million in the U.S. and roughly $267 million internationally.
Then there is the profit. Trade estimates peg the film’s net profit in the neighborhood of nearly $185 million once theatrical revenue, home entertainment, and TV/streaming deals are baked in. That is before counting years of reruns, licensing, and holiday programming packages—every December, the Grinch gets another quiet deposit while everyone else is wrapping gifts.
Grinch vs. Everyone: Who’s Really On Top?
Here is how the Grinch stacks up against other Christmas heavyweights by worldwide box office:
| Film | Year | Worldwide Gross (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Grinch (animated) | 2018 | $510–540 million | Highest‑grossing Christmas movie ever |
| Home Alone | 1990 | ~$476 million | Longtime champ, now second place |
| How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live‑action) | 2000 | ~$345–347 million | Built the modern Grinch brand |
| The Polar Express | 2004 | ~$315 million | Holiday staple, trails both Grinch movies |
Different sources list slightly different totals, but they all agree: the 2018 Grinch sits at the top of the Christmas money mountain.
Why The Grinch Keeps Printing Money
The secret sauce is that the Grinch is more than a movie—he is a business model. Every version of this character hits a different emotional lane: Jim Carrey’s 2000 Grinch is pure chaotic energy and quotable nostalgia, while the 2018 Grinch is softer, cuter, and perfectly engineered for modern families and global audiences. Together, they keep the character relevant across generations, which is exactly what studios want from an evergreen holiday IP.
On top of box office and home sales, the character feeds theme‑park attractions, holiday events, branded specials, apparel, toys, and seasonal marketing campaigns. The Grinch went from “I hate Christmas” to “I own Christmas,” quietly turning grouchiness into one of the most profitable holiday brands on the planet.
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