The Journey of "Shelby Oaks"
In March 2022, Chris Stuckmann, a filmmaker known for his YouTube channel focused on movies, launched a Kickstarter campaign for his horror film, “Shelby Oaks,” which he co-wrote with his wife, Samantha Elizabeth. The campaign was successful, raising nearly $1.4 million. While this amount is significant, it is not substantial for a feature film. Despite surpassing their fundraising goal, the production ran out of money before completing all the scenes in the script. Nevertheless, the crew continued, and “Shelby Oaks” premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in 2024.
When Neon acquired the rights to the movie, they contributed by funding three additional days of filming, enabling Stuckmann to capture missing scenes and enhance the gore. The result is a compelling horror film centered around a paranormal investigator who disappears, and her sister's relentless search for her.
Stuckmann was raised in a devout Jehovah’s Witness family. The sibling relationship in “Shelby Oaks” draws from his personal experience of being separated from his sister when she was excommunicated from the church. Ahead of the film's release, Stuckmann spoke with Rough Draft Atlanta about the inspiration behind the film, the importance of community in indie filmmaking, and his relationship with filmmaker Mike Flanagan.
Inspiration and Personal Connection
Stuckmann shared that the idea for the film came from his experiences as a child, including the belief system instilled by his parents and religion that demons were real and always watching. This belief, combined with his estrangement from his sister, became the core of the story.
He also mentioned how the mockumentary style of the film was a deliberate choice. Stuckmann wanted to play with the fact that the audience knows it's fiction and to include both fictional and non-fictional cameras. This approach allows the story to be told through different lenses.
Evolution of the Script
The script evolved over time, with Stuckmann initially discussing the idea with a filmmaker friend. He was encouraged to tell his story without restrictions. This flexibility allowed the script to develop naturally, incorporating elements that resonated with him personally.
Influence of Creepypasta and Internet Horror
Stuckmann reflected on the staying power of internet horror, particularly Creepypasta. He recalled his first exposure to such stories, which challenged the notion that the internet was safe. This experience left a lasting impression on him, influencing his approach to horror storytelling.
Cinematic References
Stuckmann cited films like “Lake Mungo” and “Noroi” as major influences. These movies inspired him with their raw and personal approach to horror. Additionally, the original Japanese “Ring” influenced the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of “Shelby Oaks.”
Community and Indie Filmmaking
Stuckmann emphasized the importance of community in indie filmmaking. He relied on passionate individuals and relationships to bring the project to life. This included reaching out to contacts from previous projects, such as those organizing ghost tours, to secure locations.
Challenges and Budget Constraints
Despite the success of the Kickstarter campaign, Stuckmann faced budget constraints. Midway through the shoot, the production had to cut certain scenes due to financial limitations. However, the additional funding from Neon allowed them to recover some of these moments.
Relationship with Mike Flanagan
Stuckmann shared his close relationship with filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Beyond professional advice, Flanagan provided emotional support and guidance throughout the process. His experience and kindness helped Stuckmann navigate the challenges of filmmaking.
Conclusion
“Shelby Oaks” is a testament to Stuckmann's dedication and passion for storytelling. The film blends personal experiences with the horror genre, creating a unique and engaging narrative. Through community support and creative vision, Stuckmann successfully brought his vision to life, offering audiences a chilling and atmospheric horror experience.
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