Adam R. Steigert

Adam Richard Steigert (born December 31, 1986)^[1] is an American filmmaker, known for his films OMBIS Alien Invasion, A Grim Becoming, Fang and The Horrific Evil Monsters. He co-founded the Buffalo-based production company 388 Studios in 2018.

Adam R. Steigert
Born	(1986-12-31) December 31, 1986 (age 38) Hamburg, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Filmmaker (since 2008), writer, producer, federal employee
Years active	2007–present
Known for	Independent horror and science fiction cinema; pro se federal litigation

Adam Richard Steigert
Steigert at an event for his film STAR [Space Traveling Alien Reject] (April 2017)
Born	(1986-12-31) December 31, 1986 (age 38) Hamburg, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Filmmaker
Years active	2008–present

Life and career

Steigert was born in Hamburg, New York on December 31, 1986.^[1] His parents were Warren Richard Steigert and Jean M. Sanders, and he was raised by his grandparents, William and Kathleen Sanders.^[2] He formed the production company DefTone Pictures Studios with Stephanie Wlosinski, writing and directing the 2008 film Bitez and the 2009 film Gore.^[2] His most popular film involves zombies in Prisoners of the Dead. He later wrote, directed, and produced the short exploitation film Homicidal Vengeance. In 2013, Steigert wrote and directed the science fiction film Ombis: Alien Invasion, which was later re-titled in Best Buy, Walmart and Netflix as Not Human.^[3][4][5]

In 2014, Steigert directed, co-wrote, and co-edited the comedy horror film A Grim Becoming.^[6] Steigert then directed, co-wrote, and produced the 2017 film STAR [Space Traveling Alien Reject].^[7][8][9] His next project, a werewolf-based horror film titled Fang, released in 2018.^[10][11] He then created a horror team up known as The Horrific Evil Monsters.

After the release of The Horrific Evil Monsters, Steigert, under the direction of 388 Studios, produced and directed a spin-off series focusing on the Grim Reapers 9 to 5, entitled A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture.

In 2021 Steigert began writing a sequel to his film Ombis 2: Alien Awakening, slated for a 2026 release, which follows the story of Haley trying to expose the government’s Metzburgh cover-up — only to find the invasion isn’t over and something is awakening.^[12]

Legal proceedings

In addition to his work as an independent filmmaker, Adam R. Steigert has pursued multiple legal actions connected to his federal employment. Acting pro se, Steigert has simultaneously managed cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

District Court action

In September 2025, Steigert filed a contract-enforcement and recovery action in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, captioned Steigert v. Bessent et al, Case No. 1:25-cv-00820. The complaint, filed on September 5, 2025, was brought under 28 U.S.C. § 1346 for breach of contract and recovery of overpayment against officials within the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The matter was assigned to District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. and referred to Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer for pre-trial management.^[13]

The docket reflects several key filings by Steigert, who is representing himself:

• Emergency Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (filed September 12, 2025)
• Motion for Sanctions (filed September 22, 2025)
• Emergency Motion for Protective Order (filed September 29, 2025)

Oral argument on the temporary restraining order was held on September 25, 2025, before Judge Sinatra, who denied the motion on the record the same day. The court subsequently issued a written text order reflecting the denial. The case was referred to the court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program on September 8, 2025, and Magistrate Judge Roemer was tasked with oversight of discovery and scheduling under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1).

Following payment of the $405 filing fee, Steigert was granted electronic filing privileges (ECF) and successfully served the United States Attorney on September 17, 2025, setting the government’s response deadline for November 17, 2025. Attorney Michael S. Cerrone entered an appearance for defendant Scott Bessent on September 18, 2025.

The District Court action forms part of Steigert’s broader multi-forum litigation alleging retaliation, breach of settlement agreements, and procedural violations, which he has pursued concurrently across multiple federal venues.

Federal Circuit appeal

Steigert v. Treasury
Court	United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Docket nos.	25-1906
Court membership
Judge sitting	Pending assignment
Case opinions
Pending

Steigert v. Treasury (No. 25-1906) is a pending appellate case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, filed on July 3, 2025, by Adam R. Steigert, a federal employee and independent filmmaker. Acting pro se, Steigert appealed against the United States Department of the Treasury and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), alleging retaliation, procedural violations, and noncompliance with settlement terms.

Background

The case originated from proceedings before the Merit Systems Protection Board, docket PH-3443-25-1394-I-1, in which Steigert alleged retaliatory actions and contract violations by agency officials. The MSPB dismissed the matter without prejudice, and Steigert sought appellate review under 5 U.S.C. § 7703, which provides judicial review of MSPB decisions.

His appeal raises claims under the Whistleblower Protection Act, the Civil Service Reform Act, and the Rehabilitation Act, asserting that agency counsel engaged in procedural misconduct and delayed compliance with prior settlements.

Procedural history

Since filing the appeal, Steigert has submitted several documents through the Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system, including:

• Motion to Continue Stay of Proceedings (September 8, 2025)
• Motion to Correct or Supplement Motion to Continue Stay (September 8, 2025)
• Citations of Supplemental Authority (September 9–10, 2025) under FRAP 28(j)
• Reply Filed by Petitioner (September 15, 2025)
• Motion for Leave to File Response/Reply to Respondents’ Brief (September 16, 2025)
• Joint Notice of Supplemental Authority and Post-Filing Update (October 6, 2025)

These filings are accessible via the PACER system, which reflects ongoing correspondence between Steigert and counsel for the Treasury Department and the MSPB.

Motions for sanctions

Steigert has also filed motions for sanctions under Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 46(c), alleging misrepresentation, procedural noncompliance, and improper record handling by agency counsel. These motions contend that such conduct “undermined the integrity of the appellate review process.”

While still pending, the filings are significant for their invocation of FRAP 46(c)—a relatively rare provision cited by pro se litigants seeking disciplinary review of opposing counsel within the Federal Circuit.

Significance

The case illustrates the procedural and practical challenges faced by self-represented federal employees engaged in multi-forum litigation. Its eventual outcome may clarify:

• The Federal Circuit’s authority to review MSPB dismissals without prejudice;
• Procedural rights of pro se appellants in federal employment disputes; and
• Standards for attorney conduct and accountability under FRAP 46(c).

See also

• Ward v. Merit Systems Protection Board
• Kerr v. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012
• Civil Service Reform Act of 1978
• Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure

Selected filmography

Steigert is known for creating interconnected independent horror, science fiction, and dark comedy films often referred to collectively as part of his “Goreverse.” Below is a selection of his written, directed, and produced works:

• Bitez (2008) – horror short; debut feature under DefTone Pictures Studios
• Gore (2009) – splatter horror; director and producer
• Pigman vs. Gore (short, 2010) – crossover short continuing the “Gore” storyline
• Prisoners of the Dead (2011) – zombie action film; director and producer
• Ombis: Alien Invasion (2013) – science fiction horror distributed by Best Buy and Walmart
• To Release a Soul (short, 2013) – supernatural drama short
• Caged (short, 2013) – psychological horror; co-written and directed
• A Grim Becoming (2014) – dark comedy horror exploring the life of the Grim Reaper
• The Making of A Grim Becoming (short, 2014) – behind-the-scenes documentary
• STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject) (2017) – science fiction comedy about an alien outcast
• Fang (2018) – werewolf horror feature starring Melodie Roehrig and Gregory Blair
• Homicidal Vengeance (2020) – grindhouse revenge thriller
• The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021) – ensemble crossover featuring characters from Steigert’s earlier works
• A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture (2022) – spin-off web series continuing the “Grim” storyline
• Ombis 2: Alien Awakening (upcoming, 2026) – sequel to Ombis: Alien Invasion currently in postproduction^[14]

Recurring collaborators and themes

Throughout his filmmaking career, Steigert has worked with a recurring ensemble of actors and production partners who have become central to his independent film universe, informally referred to by fans as the “Goreverse.”

Key collaborators include:

• Kristin Steigert – producer and creative partner on most projects since 2008, contributing to development, production design, and story continuity across multiple films.
• Jason John Beebe – frequent leading actor appearing in Prisoners of the Dead, A Grim Becoming, and STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject).
• Melodie Roehrig – featured in Fang (2018) and The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021), noted for her recurring roles in Steigert’s supernatural-themed works.
• Bishop Stevens – professional wrestler and actor who starred in The Horrific Evil Monsters and Fang, expanding Steigert’s reach into action-horror.
• Jennie Russo – appeared in A Grim Becoming and other DefTone Pictures releases, often portraying comedic or villainous supporting roles.
• Gregory Blair – Los Angeles–based actor featured in Fang, known for his collaboration on Steigert’s transition toward more character-driven horror.
• Kaylee Williams – indie horror performer featured in The Horrific Evil Monsters.
• Amber Anne and Jordan Lema – contributors in acting and production capacities on short-form projects, including the Buffalo-area film community collaborations.

Steigert’s films are known for their blend of horror, science fiction, and dark humor, often using interconnected storylines, self-aware dialogue, and recurring characters. Thematically, his work explores transformation, morality, and human survival through a mix of practical effects and stylized visual storytelling.

Critical reception and legacy

Steigert’s films have attracted attention within the independent horror and science fiction communities for their practical effects, ensemble casting, and use of recurring characters across multiple storylines. Reviewers have often noted his ability to merge genre elements such as comedy, creature design, and emotional drama within low-budget frameworks.

The horror and genre website Dread Central covered several of Steigert’s releases, highlighting his progression from early splatter films to more character-driven narratives.^[15] Horror Society described STAR (Space Traveling Alien Reject) as “a spirited hybrid of humor and heart that celebrates outsiders in the horror community,”^[16] while Cosmic Book News praised Ombis: Alien Invasion for “mixing practical effects with a nostalgic B-movie tone.”^[17]

In 2018, Steigert’s werewolf feature Fang drew festival attention for its use of practical monster effects and ensemble cast, including Melodie Roehrig and Gregory Blair. His follow-up, The Horrific Evil Monsters (2021), was promoted as a crossover event linking several of his prior film universes, drawing comparisons to comic-book-style shared worlds within independent cinema.

Steigert’s body of work has since been cited in local press and festival coverage for helping to strengthen the Western New York independent film scene. His frequent collaborations and community-based productions have been recognized as part of Buffalo’s growing horror and genre-film network, inspiring new filmmakers in the region to produce and self-distribute original content.