Hideous was born when Writer / Director / Executive Producer Ben Sztajnkrycer and Co-Producer Matthew McPeck discovered the gruesome medical condition known as fetus-en-fetu, wherein a fetus grows as a parasite inside its own twin. Realizing the potential for this condition to form the basis of a horror movie, Sztajnkrycer immediately set to work penning the script. Not long afterward, he recruited many of his fellow students at UCLA Film School to aid in his project.

This incredibly talented crew helped Sztajnkrycer achieve his dream: a short horror movie that creeps under your skin, scaring both viscerally and emotionally, rather than relying on "jump" moments. The style and tone are insipred by the early works of David Cronenberg, such as Scanners and Videodrome.

Principal phototography took place in December 2006, at several hospitals and mental institutions in the Los Angeles area. 2nd unit and effects photography were completed at UCLA in April 2007. Post production ran from January through June 2007.

Hideous was shot on HDV video, with a completed running time of approximately 18 minutes including credits.