The Story

Horror fans, we would love to welcome you to the official campaign for Demented Media’s “A Fetish of Flesh.”

SYNOPSIS

A Fetish of Flesh is the horror film that we hope will help return the genre to a time when the frights would keep you up at night. We want to return to a time when horror movies were at the zenith of their popularity, roughly around the late-seventies and early-eighties. We want to pay homage to the greats that came before us. But be warned, this film is not going to be for the weak of heart or the easily offended. 

A Fetish of Flesh is a horror film that blends traditional feature elements with a touch of found footage. The storyline revolves around a group of young filmmakers who venture into a home inherited by one of them in a rural town that they hope to use as a settling for their thesis project. As they explore their new surroundings, they encounter terrifying and unexpected events that push their limits beyond imagination. Inspired by The Keddie Cabin Murders, A Fetish of Flesh promises to be a twisted venture into the annal of a genre that has been manipulated into something unrecognizable.

A Fetish of Flesh is the horror film that we hope will help return the genre to a time when the frights would keep you up at night. We want to return to a time when horror movies were at the zenith of their popularity, roughly around the late-seventies and early-eighties. We want to pay homage to the greats that came before us. But be warned, this film is not going to be for the weak of heart or the easily offended. We were inspired to write the film after seeing the 1981 film JUST BEFORE DAWN, a wonderful gem of a horror film that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

As stated above, we were also heavily inspired by the real-life tragedy of the Keddie Cabin Murders, as well the Scottish legend of Sawney Bean.

The Keddie murders are an unsolved quadruple homicide that occurred over the night of April 11–12, 1981 in Keddie, California, United States. The victims were Glenna Susan "Sue" Sharp (née Davis; born March 29, 1945), daughter Tina Louise Sharp (born July 22, 1968), son John Steven Sharp (born November 16, 1965) and John's friend Dana Hall Wingate (born February 8, 1964). The murders took place in house No. 28 of the Keddie Resort. The bodies of Wingate, Sue and John Sharp were found on the morning of April 12 by Sue's 14-year-old daughter Sheila, who had been sleeping at a friend's house. Sue's two younger sons, Rick and Greg, as well as their friend Justin Smartt, were also in the house but were unharmed. Tina was missing from the scene. Tina remained a missing person until April 1984, when her skull and several other bones were recovered at Camp 18, California, near Feather Falls in Butte County. Multiple leads and suspects were examined in the intervening years, but no charges were filed. Several new leads were announced in the 21st century, including the discovery of a hammer in a pond in 2016 and the discovery of new DNA evidence.

Alexander "Sawney" Bean is a legendary figure, said to have been the head of a 45-member clan in Scotland in the 16th century that murdered and cannibalized over 1,000 people in 25 years. According to the legend, Bean and his clan members were eventually caught by a search party sent by King James VI and executed for their heinous crimes.

The screenplay that we have written includes extensive amounts of practical effects, and techniques that, as independent filmmakers, we cannot afford to obtain on our own. Independent filmmaking, while more affordable than most of the films that arrive in theaters every Friday, is still an expensive endeavor. That, my friends, is where we need your help. Here is a breakdown of how the funds will be used.

·       PRODUCTION: This will cover all of the equipment that we will use in the production of the film, such as: camera, lighting, sound, permits, insurance, etc. This will be covered by roughly 48.6% of the requested amount.

·       MAKE-UP AND EFFECTS: We are heavily relying on practical effects, rather than VFX, to make our kills and killers look as realistic as possible. This will be covered by roughly 15.4% of the requested Amount.

·       PROPS AND WARDROBE: This portion of the funds will be used to provide our killers with costumes and give our characters some personality, as well to purchase any prop weapons used in the film. This will be covered by roughly 20% of the requested amount.

·       POST-PRODUCTION/INDIEGOGO FEES AND REWARD FULFILLMENT: These expenses will help cover our editing and visual effects added after the film is shot, and also to add whatever finishing touches are needed, including reshoots. We need this funding to also help cover expenses in getting rewards to our amazing backers. We cannot thank you enough for donating to, or sharing, this project. This will be covered by roughly 16% of the requested amount. 

We are asking you to put your faith in us and in this project. We are asking for the chance to show you what we can do. This is an original project, and with it, we plan to do things that have never been done before. This film will be our debut film, though we have been toying with goofy skits and the like for a long time. For experience, we have even helped produce events for several local backyard wrestling feds.

 EXLUSIVE REWARDS

Every backer will receive exclusive updates and product information for the status of the film and the perks they will have donated for. We also would like to add photos and names of backers on the Backer page of our website. Every backer will also get an exclusive Demented Media team member ID Card as a thank you for donating. These come with every donation and perk Backers will receive. We will also have the option, post-release, to purchase main props used on-screen, though a couple will be used for perks.

 WHO IS DEMENTED MEDIA

Demented Media is a small, low-budget independent film production and photography studio based in Central Ohio. We specialize in horror films, but we have subsidiaries that cover Comedy and Sci-fi also. We are about to release our own App from the Mad Dog Media Group (another subsidiary) to offer filmmakers cheap music and audio for their films. Our team is filled with energetic young members with extremely driven and hard-working mindsets. The team will be led by two men:

Freddie Meade has been making short films and videos since he was thirteen and using an old VHS camcorder. He continues to study film and media of all sorts, while pursuing his ultimate goal of becoming a horror film director. He is also responsible for most of the editing and, currently, cinematography (until another cinematographer is located), while also having written the screenplay and story. He has been involved with film for a long time. His grandfather Curtis Meade and uncle Jeff Starkey were both featured in the movie Brubaker, and he learned a lot under the tutelage of Tom “Woodstock” Lee, Executive producer on Andrew Copp’s The Mutilation Man.

Timothy MacDonald is definitely an audio savant, having been running his music production firm The Mad Dog Media Group for well over five years. He is a two-time cancer survivor, which has only succeeded in making him more determined to make his dream a reality.

Actors and actresses:

Gabrielle Snider was born on September 30, 1990. She is Pagan, polyamorus, and an amateur adult actress. She is also an amateur photographer and enjoys anything to do with animals and nature.

Angela Vaughn was born on November 09, 1983. She is a photographer at heart but would love to be in movies! She did acting and photography in school, which led to her starting her own photography business OH SNAP! Angela's Photography. She is a mother of four, which she considers her greatest accomplishment.

Vicktoria Forgrave is an aspiring actress, currently in the 9th grade. Angela Vaughn and Timothy MacDonald (Both of Demented Media respectfully) are her mother and step-father. She may be contacted through Timothy MacDonald or Angela Vaughn by anyone wishing to ask about opportunities.

Drea Nicole is a makeup artist and actress from Newark, Ohio. She specializes in gory effects, but can produce anything required of her skills.

Crow Werner is a costume designer who has patterned his look after no one in particular. In a nutshell, he is new age grunge mixed with a Juggalo. While film is not his forte, he dabbles in it while pursuing music stardom.

Venus Rose is an actress, and a new mother. She is 28-years-old, born of March 11, 1996, in Newark, Ohio. She studied Social Work at Sinclair Community College and is a life-long Wiccan.

Jessica Correll is 18 years old, born on September 6th 2005. She's played basketball since 4th grade, and she loves horror films, though she does have an affinity for all genres. She is shy, quiet, and funny, but once She gets to know you more, she opens up and talks a lot. It's a very firm way for her to get to know somebody.

Anthony Sifuentes was born on September 17th, 2001. Anthony has been a huge moviegoer since he was very young, and his first ever horror movie at 5 years old, was killer klowns from outer space. After that movie, he has become a huge horror movie fan. Anthony is an aspiring actor/director in the film industry, he has worked behind the scenes on other short films, but now he’s starting to work his way up towards being an actor. But when Anthony has free time he really loves to play video games or watch movies.

Ali Moss is a multi talented young woman from the Akron, Ohio area. She has been dancing since she was two years old, competing in dance (winning world and national titles), and teaching dance as well. She has been acting most of her life, mainly in live performances with professional theater companies, princess entertainment, as well as haunted attractions and ghost walks. She is a big horror movie fan as well. She also has started acting in film, and her dream is to continue acting and be in films. She is a Christian, and loves to help other people. She believes in kindness and has a strong drive to follow her heart and passions. She also has trained in boxing, and loves to continue getting better at that. She also is taking classes to become a pediatric nurse.

Elijah Payne is an up and coming actor out of Columbus OH, he’s currently building a solid resume with notable roles such as Zo in “Life on Track” and Rodney in the “One Faith” series. We look forward to seeing Eli’s hard work bring the character of Eric Dunlap to life in our production. “I want to bring joy to those who can’t bring joy to themselves, I can’t wait to hit your screens more frequently. Stay Tuned” - Elijah Payne

And more are joining the cast and crew.

Please… please donate or share this page with your family and friends We at Demented Media appreciate greatly any support you can give us. Thank you for supporting us and helping independent filmmaking evolve through us.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at the following website. https://www.demented-media.com

See the interview with MidWest Movie Maker here: https://www.midwestmoviemaker.com/2023/10/5-hor...

Risks and challenges

1. Tripping Over: During the scenes in the forest, in the darkness, there will be a lot of running by the actors where they are startled and panicking. In order to keep the authenticity and realism of these scenes, the running will have to be random and confusing, however, safety is the priority and therefore a ‘planned’ circuit of running will be mapped out and other members of the crew will be on hand to guide and make sure there are no unnecessary injuries.

2. Wildlife: When filming in the woods, portions will be in the darkness during the evening. This arises the question of wildlife being disturbed, in the forest we will be filming in there are no dangerous animals of note. When we are planning the filming area we will be checking for any signs of habitat for animals or nests, attempting to disrupt the environment as little as possible.

3. Falling Branches/ Trees: There is only one planned scene for a falling branch at the beginning during the daytime, which will not be shown on camera. Therefore this scene can easily be produced and safely conducted, simply by taking the audio from a cut down branch or falling branch where there is no risk to any crew – and adding this audio to the film during the editing process. Obviously during filming any falling branches are going to random and unplanned, but we will be cautious and careful.

4. Abandoned Objects: Simply put, abandoned objects could include any harmful or hazardous substances, disposed waste or discarded furniture. We will avoid these objects and choose a different location within the forest if any of these hazards are present.

5. Weather (Rain or Thunder, etc.): There are no plans for adverse weather during filming, any weather other than overcast or clear skies will not be filmed and we’ll wait for another day. Wet ground will also not be considered, slipping and tripping then become a greater hazard and are not necessary.

6. Dropping to the Ground: At the beginning, where a minor character is struck down by the “falling branch” – the actor will have to drop to the ground with the camera in hand (or just falling out of hand). In order to do this safely, we have a choice of including a safety mat under the actor (which will be very difficult to put in front of the actor out of camera shot), or concealing some jumpers and jackets below the leaves which the actor can fall onto in a controlled style.

ADDITIONAL RISKS --The woods in which we plan to shoot (state nature parks and reserves all over Ohio) are both beautiful and extremely dangerous. We chose these spot as part of our goal to add additional atmosphere and excitement to the film. These locations presents enormous challenges both in terms of film making and personal safety, but offers the chance to capture some stunning visuals, as well as historic local landmarks. --An additional challenge we face is remaining true to the historic significance of the genre so that fans will enjoy the film while also providing them a fresh perspective on the the genre that remains familiar and, yet, untouched for decades. It will be difficult to capture the soul that we so desperately want to capture, to revive the genre's Golden Years and do it in a way that makes horror the genre it was in the past. Fans have certain expectations for a film of this type and we will follow in those footsteps. At the same time, we are adding a unique twist that offers fans additional depth and texture to the characters. --Our cast of actors and crew is made up of several dedicated people whose passion to make this film is unmatched. But sometimes life can get in the way of artistic pursuits and we recognize that our (unpaid at this time) group will be faced with family and career obligations that can limit the time they can devote to the project. All cast and crew members for this film will receive a percentage of the back end and will receive payment once Demented Media is profitable. So the lack of upfront payment may prove to be a great challenge.

Risks and challenges v.2.0

Making a horror film involves navigating a variety of risks and challenges that can impact the overall production process, including budgeting and timelines. Below is a detailed exploration of these factors.

1. Budgeting Challenges Budgeting for a horror film can be particularly challenging due to several reasons: Variable Production Costs: Horror films often require specific effects, locations, and props that can vary widely in cost. For instance, special effects (both practical and digital) can consume a significant portion of the budget. The unpredictability of these costs makes it difficult to create an accurate budget. Casting Expenses: Securing well-known actors or directors can significantly increase costs. However, casting lesser-known talent may not guarantee box office success, creating a dilemma between budget constraints and potential audience appeal. Marketing and Distribution: Allocating funds for marketing is crucial in the horror genre, where audience engagement is key to success. Poor marketing strategies can lead to underwhelming box office performance, making it essential to plan this aspect carefully within the budget. Contingency Planning: Unexpected expenses often arise during production due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather delays or equipment failures. A lack of contingency funds can jeopardize the project’s completion.

2. Timeline Constraints Timelines are another critical aspect that filmmakers must manage effectively: Pre-production Delays: The pre-production phase often takes longer than anticipated due to script revisions, location scouting, or casting issues. These delays can push back shooting schedules significantly. Shooting Schedule Pressures: Horror films frequently involve complex scenes that require meticulous planning and execution (e.g., stunts or special effects). This complexity can lead to extended shooting days, which may exceed initial timelines. Post-production Timeframes: Editing horror films requires careful attention to pacing and tension-building. The post-production phase can be lengthy if extensive visual effects or sound design are involved, further complicating release schedules. Festival Deadlines: Many filmmakers aim for specific film festivals for their premieres (like Sundance or Cannes), which imposes strict deadlines on post-production work. Missing these deadlines can limit distribution opportunities.

3. Creative Risks The creative aspects of horror filmmaking also present unique challenges: Audience Expectations: Horror fans have specific expectations regarding scares, storytelling techniques, and originality. Balancing innovation with traditional elements poses a risk; failing to meet audience expectations may result in negative reviews and poor box office performance. Censorship Issues: Depending on the content’s graphic nature, filmmakers may face censorship challenges that could affect how their film is received both critically and commercially. Market Saturation: The horror genre has seen an influx of films in recent years, leading to market saturation. Standing out among numerous releases requires innovative concepts and strong marketing strategies. Creative Differences: Disagreements among producers, directors, writers, and other stakeholders about the film’s direction can lead to conflicts that disrupt production timelines and budgets. In summary, making a horror film involves navigating complex budgeting issues related to variable costs and marketing needs while managing tight timelines affected by pre-production delays and post-production demands. Additionally, creative risks associated with audience expectations and market saturation further complicate the process. Reward fulfillment may vary depending on the production, but backers will be rewarded as promised and kept up to date regularly on the status of the production and their rewards. It is important to note that while the primary target audience has historically been young males aged 15-24, there is an increasing recognition of diverse audience segments. For example, female viewers have become an essential part of the audience as well, especially considering the emergence of strong female protagonists like the Final Girl trope discussed by Carol J. Clover. This character archetype not only appeals to women but also allows male viewers to engage with female perspectives within the genre.