Synopsis
Deathmatch Dad is a dramatic feature film that contrasts the tenderness of fatherhood with the bloody combat of deathmatch wrestling. It follows the story of Blade, a thirty-something, independent wrestler who never wanted to do anything but be a professional deathmatch wrestler. Blade's world is turned upside down when his four-year-old son enters his life and Blade has to choose between his love for his son or chasing his ultra-violent wrestling dream.
Contribute to our campaign and be a part of the biggest IRAYBS FILMS project to date!
![]()
As a former professional wrestler, deathmatch wrestling represents a time in my life that was uniquely challenging, frustrating, exciting and fulfilling all at once.
Through wrestling, I cultivated a love of shocking and stunning a crowd by dreaming up daring stunts. I ultimately decided to retire due to the toll it was taking on my body.
Even in my current career as an actor/filmmaker, I have not stopped doing stunts in various films and projects. Making a project set in the world of deathmatch wrestling was always at the forefront of my mind.
In 2016 my nephew, Sloan, was born. My brother and I would reminisce about my deathmatch days and I would always wonder what Sloan would think about that life.
I don’t have any kids of my own but I definitely felt a shift in my life when Sloan was born and it put a lot of things into perspective. I was fascinated with the idea of having a child and continuing to deathmatch wrestle. My writing partner, Daniel, and I started to work on a semi-biographical script about this very idea. Having directed dozens of short films and worked on the production of several feature films this was the perfect story for me to tackle as my own first feature-length project.
Returning to training at HPW (Hamilton Pro Wrestling) and casting my real-life nephew as my son, this film lives in authenticity. This film is a very 'slice of life' in its style, and will be shot single-camera presenting the story in a very realistic way. The bleak orange color palette will match the emotional conflict presented throughout the movie.
Who we are
![]()
Deathmatch Dad is the first feature-length project from Iraybs Films which was founded by me, Ian Rayburn.
As an award-winning filmmaker and videographer, I have had several horror and dramatic short films appear in film festivals all across North America. Most recently the short version of Deathmatch Dad finished its successful festival run winning grand prize honors at the Los Angeles Short-Film and Script Festival in Santa Monica. This successful run has garnered interest from several producers who eagerly anticipate viewing the finished feature-length version which is where YOU are helping make to make happen!
Behind The Camera
![]()
An entire team is required in order for a feature film to come together and we have assembled an incredible crew of multi-talented artists. Each member of the team brings their own distinct talents and skills to the project to create something special.
Daniel Grant - Writer - https://tdfeverything.com/home
AJ Vaage - Cinematographer - https://vimeo.com/pagliacciproductions
George Petrovic - Sound Recordist - https://www.fideliosound.ca/
Colin Scheyen - 1st Assistant Director - http://eveningsandweekendsproductions.com/
Ian Rayburn - Director - www.ianrayburn.com
The Main Cast
![]()
We've brought together a stellar cast of talented actors as well as professional wrestlers for use in the wrestling scenes in the film. Returning to star in the feature is fan-favorite 'Sloan', played brilliantly by my real-life nephew Sloan Rayburn.
What We Need From You
![]()
(Pictured are the cast and crew from the filming of the short version of Deathmatch Dad)
WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE! We have independently raised a large portion of the film's total budget but we need your help to finish raising the full amount.
The funding that we need will go to pay the actors and crew members, equipment rentals, locations and other necessary expenses needed to make Deathmatch Dad a completed reality!
The remaining budget will be spread across a variety of departments: Production Design, Makeup, Wardrobe, Camera Equipment, Sound, Grip/Electric, Visual Effects and more. Having carefully crafted independent wrestling shows for use in the film has its own cost as well, Talent, Ring Rental, Lights and Sound, Referees, Announcers, Locations and more. Authenticity in this film is crucial for the story and with your help, we can cover the cost to make a compelling and explosive feature-film.
What's In It For You
WE HAVE PERKS!!
Deathmatch Dad cannot get made without the generous contributions from people like you, and we want to thank you by offering a variety of perks for your help!
PERKS INCLUDED
- Early screening of the film before it goes to film festivals
- Deathmatch Dad Digital Post Card Set
- BLADE T-shirt
- Full Wrestling Show which was filmed for use in the film Digital Download
- Invitation to cast and crew premiere screening as VIP Member
- 60-second and 3-5 minute IRAYBS Films produced video
- Associate and Executive Producer Credits
The Impact
![]()
The best possible way to make Deathmatch Dad become a reality is to make a contribution, but there are many other ways to help! The film won't get made unless people know about it, so PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
Share our IndieGoGo page, email your friends and family, post about us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc!
We truly feel that this project will not only be a unique compelling film, but it will be something that you are proud to have been a part of! Please join us on this exciting adventure!
THANK YOU!
Director Cinema Reel
HWP Wrestling Promo - Created by IRAYBS FILMS
