Camp Moon Cove
Weld, Maine | Film Short
Drama, Horror
A camper and counselor each face their fears over the course of one creepy, vulnerable night in a remote lakeside camp in the Maine woods.
Camp Moon Cove
Weld, Maine | Film Short
Drama, Horror
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
48 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$18,644
Goal: $60,000 for pre-production
A camper and counselor each face their fears over the course of one creepy, vulnerable night in a remote lakeside camp in the Maine woods.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Camp Moon Cove is a new psychological drama short film written & directed by Graham Marvin (hi!) and produced by Matthew McLoota, Sam Reynolds and Julianne Mason.
Tim is a shy new preteen camper who is afraid of the dark...and just about everything else. Jamie is a charismatic veteran counselor who -- on the surface -- has it all together, but deep down: it's not that simple. He is holding onto something so upsetting and so frightening that it not only threatens his ability to do his job safely but to contend with reality. From a chilly Polar Bear plunge to a nighttime stroll around camp while the rustling from the woods gets closer and closer, Camp Moon Cove is a dual coming-of-age story designed to move you, scare you, and challenge you to think about how you face what scares you to the core.
As I type this, we're knee-deep in prep work -- casting out of New England, establishing a visual language, script revisions, tech scout planning, budgeting, filling remaining crew positions, etc! It's full speed ahead as we gear up to shoot on location in Weld, Maine this August! After editing/coloring/sound mixing/vfx, we're targeting a January 2027 completion date. Yes, we'll have a premiere party. Yes, we'll be submitting to a number of festivals.
Jamie is not alone.
I find myself right now at a particularly challenging time in my life. Like him, I am facing something new and frightening, and I continue to assess how best to address it.
It's funny that subconsciously I'm brought back -- both literally & thematically -- to the first place I learned how to overcome what I'm afraid of: camp. And what better place to have learned that. Camp can be funny, beautiful, and heart-warming, but come nightfall, camp can also be quite scary! And over the years I have become obsessed with evoking that balance.
But even if you didn't go to camp, we ALL have a "Camp Moon Cove." It might be a special family vacation spot or a college dorm or a singing group or a rec sports team or a boarding school crew, etc. These life-affirming entities can be critical at any age for shepherding us through whatever struggles life throws our way. What's yours?
I have a big dumb grin on my face imagining the eccentric mix of people that might be reading this right now. Family, Lexington friends, camp friends, college friends, work friends, soccer friends, New York friends, former campers, former counselors, improv friends, PT friends, family friends, the family of my friends, old collaborators, old bosses, former students of my dad, close friends of my mom, friends/family of my amazing team, and complete strangers....WHOEVER YOU ARE: Thank you for your interest in this project!
And a SPECIAL THANKS to: Sam Reynolds for shooting & editing the fundraising video, Forrest Weihe for composing the music featured in the prologue, Darlena Chiem for designing the concept art, and Camp Kawanhee for sharing archival footage.
It's no secret: making a movie, even a short one, is extremely expensive. And the goal isn't to make this "kinda cool." The goal is to make this transcendent. And while we have a dedicated, talented team of producers who are doing everything they can to strategize keeping costs down, we still could really use your help.
What is your money going towards? The list is endless but to name a few key areas: professional equipment, location work, cast & crew, insurance, travel, accommodations, props, set dressing, wardrobe, special effects, etc.
For production-savy readers, you'll notice that none of these expenses are post-production line items. And that's because our fundraising goal ONLY includes production costs (in addition to my personal savings contribution). This is why we have STRETCH GOALS:
$60K -- Original Goal. Pays for what's needed immediately (production costs) so that we can shoot the movie.
$80K -- Stretch Goal #1. Pays for both production costs and post-production costs. Post-production costs include: visual effects, editing, music, sound mixing, color correcting, deliverables, and festivals.
$100k++ -- Stretch Goal #2. It's a point of pride that at least half of the budget is coming from my personal savings...that feels fiscally responsible and fair. Having said that: I would really really love (and so would my mom) to not dump out my entire savings account on this. So I'm dreaming big. Please know: all funds raised will be going directly towards the movie no matter what.
HOUSING - Do you have property in or near Weld, Maine and are you interested in sponsoring accommodations? If any of the below circumstances apply to you, please email [email protected].
1) Available bed(s) for some or all of 8/5-8/12? Those are our shoot dates! This is the most helpful option.
2) Availability for some or all of 6/19-6/21? Those are our tech scout dates!
3) Availability for any sporadic dates from 7/3 through 8/4? Those are our KEY PREP dates!
4) No availability for above dates, but interested in helping by offering their property as a vacation accommodation for an additional fundraising incentive!? That could really help us raise more money!
(Whether you're theorizing that you would cohabitate in your accommodations or not, we'd LOVE to hear from you)
FOLLOW US & SPREAD THE WORD - The more FOLLOWS we have, the more Seed & Spark promotes us! You can find the "Follow" button under "Make a Pledge" in the top right. And of course - sharing a link to the project on social media and/or via text or email is also hugely appreciated! If helpful, here's a template you're welcome to personalize:
My friend Graham is making a movie that is near and dear to him and he could really use your help. Please join me in donating to Camp Moon Cove: https://seedandspark.com/fund/camp-moon-cove
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production (not including Graham's Contribution or Post-Production)
Costs $59,999
How much we need to film the thing! Equipment, Cast & Crew, Special Effects, Meals, Set Design, Travel, Lodging, Costumes, Props, etc.!
Cast/Crew Accommodations (Weld or nearby property holders!)
Costs $1
Do you have a nearby property and are you open to sponsoring housing? This is the next best way to help!!! Email [email protected]!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
GRAHAM MARVIN - Writer/Producer/Director
I'm back, I'm ready and I'm beyond excited! This is the my next big step.
I wrote/directed/produced ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT, a father/son short film starring Tim Daly and Luke Slattery, and made in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association. It was the recipient of the Tarkovsky grant and played at several film festivals including Sedona, Fort Lauderdale, and New York Shorts International. In addition, I was a 2nd unit director on SEVEN SECONDS (Netflix), FALLING WATER (USA), and THE FAMILY (ABC). When I'm not writing & directing, I'm location scouting on projects like LAW & ORDER, MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND, MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED, and RAISING KANAN. Last but certainly not least, I'm a proud alum of Camp Kawanhee where I was camper, counselor, board member and videographer. I produced & directed (along with Sam Reynolds) the 2020 virtual campfire series "KAWANHEE FROM HOME" and the Centennial video. I am honored to work with the below collaborators...
Matthew McLoota - Executive Producer
Matt is a Brooklyn-based Director & Assistant Director whose work spans more than 20 years in film and television. His credits include Wes Anderson’s THE DARJEELING LIMITED, Mel Brooks's THE PRODUCERS and Wes Craven’s MY SOUL TO TAKE. As a director, he has helmed episodes of BILLIONS, THE BLACKLIST, FBI, & S.W.A.T. He & Graham crossed paths on both ELEMENTARY (the Lucy Liu / Jonny Lee Miller Sherlock Holmes show) and THE BLACKLIST. They would later become friends and creative collaborators across a number of projects.
“Graham has poured so much of himself into this project. He’s captured something so deeply personal that it feels instantly universal. Everyone has a Camp Moon Cove. The place that helped make us who we are. That made us find our courage and purpose. That made us feel like we belonged. That took the ache away when we needed it most...This is something special.”
Sam Reynolds - Executive Producer
Sam is a NYC-based VFX On-Set Supervisor and Producer. He has overseen VFX for shows such as CRYSTAL LAKE (A24), SONG SUNG BLUE (Focus Features) and AMERICAN RUST (Showtime). He is currently completing production on the upcoming Netflix film THE 99'ERS. Sam was an 11-year-old camper at Camp Kawanhee when he met Graham out on the Ropes Course in 2007. They immediately clicked over a love of movies, and would go on to make upwards of a dozen Kawanhee videos together.
"It's hard to imagine a story closer to my heart than Camp Moon Cove. I first met Graham at Camp Kawanhee - where we are shooting this project - and found so much of my love of film while pulling all-nighters huddled over a laptop editing camp videos alongside him. Capturing the beauty and energy of Kawanhee has long been an obsession of ours, and his script does that wonderfully, and then some. Moon Cove is a snapshot of what made our summers in Maine so meaningful, while also an important coming-of-age story in its own right. I can't wait to bring it to life with such a talented team of filmmakers."
Julianne Mason - Producer
Julianne Mason is a New York City–based producer working across film, theater, and documentary. She currently works at Story Syndicate, the documentary production company behind projects including GIVE ME THE BALL! (ESPN), TITAN: THE OCEANGATE DISASTER (Netflix), and SALLY (NatGeo). Her recent producing work includes the upcoming indie feature HAMILTON HOUSE, which premieres at Dances With Films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles in June 2026. Julianne met Graham at an NYU Tisch alumni event where they bonded over movies, summer camp, and heartfelt stories.
“What drew me to Camp Moon Cove is how beautifully it balances horror, humor, vulnerability, and nostalgia. I grew up loving spooky stories and spending my whole summers outside, and I think there’s something deeply relatable about realizing the fears we carry as adults aren’t always that different from the ones we had as kids. Also, any project that lets me emotionally reflect while surrounded by lakes, flashlights, and ominous forest noises is an easy yes for me.”
John "Fitz" Fitzpatrick - Director of Photography
John Patrick Fitzpatrick is a cinematographer based in New York. His work spans independent features, commercials, and studio productions, including recently serving as 2nd Unit DP on Sam Raimi’s SEND HELP. He is drawn to stories rooted in human behavior, naturalism, and emotional honesty. He met Graham and Matt back in 2013 on CBS's ELEMENTARY, when he was a camera loader and they worked in production.
"What I love about Camp Moon Cove is that it trusts small moments. It’s a story about fear, memory, and connection, told through the eyes of people trying to make sense of change. The emotional weight sneaks up on you, and that’s what makes it special."
Diz Dizio - Production Designer
Diz is a New England based Production Designer, Property Master and fabricator. They have worked on award winning films such as SORRY, BABY (A24), AMERICAN FICTION (MGM), CHALLENGERS (MGM), and CODA (APPLE). Their design and fabrication work spans music videos: "JUNA" (CLAIRO), "CHERISH" (SOUR WIDOWS), tv shows: JULIA (HBO), THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY (AMC), and short films: THE THAW, DON'T FALL FROM GRACE, INTERFERENCE, among others. Diz met Sam Reynolds while they were both working in the New England film community.
“I have had my own experiences going through what Jamie is going through and am drawn to making media that parses personal experience. I also love scripts that stretch and redefine genre. In dipping into horror, I think we have an apt example of how exposing our fears reveals to us what we love and are afraid to lose."
Ronnie Rios - Editor
Ronnie is a Los Angeles based editor, and currently the sole in-house Assistant Editor for the documentary production company Goode Films (TIGER KING, CHIMP CRAZY). He's worked in the post-production world since graduating from NYU's film program in 2012. It was there where he met Graham and has worked with him ever since.
"Every now and then, I get that call from Graham to tell me he's ready to start work on a new script, so I strap in and start mentally preparing for the ride. The stories he tells are complex, poignant, and -- what draws me most to them -- real. In all these years, I've learned so much from him, not just about the underrepresented reality of Alzheimer's, but from his artistry and vision that help me grow as an editor...and this next project is no different."
Forrest Weihe - Composer
Forrest is a professional musical artist with a diverse palate and experience in many corners of musical entertainment. Forrest produced for, and went on a nationwide tour playing keyboard with his band Clubhouse. His production credits have collected more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone. Forrest now directs his efforts towards recording and performing live for his electronic music project, Forrest Taylor, as well as scoring for film and video games. He met Graham back in 2006, when they were both campers, on the shores of Lake Webb at Camp Kawanhee.
“I could not be more excited to collaborate with Graham once again on this new project. I have an intimate connection to the subject matter because I grew up spending summers with Graham at the camp that this film was inspired by. I am brimming with ideas for this thing and won’t rest until we land on the perfect sonic world!”
...and many more...
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Camp Moon Cove is a new psychological drama short film written & directed by Graham Marvin (hi!) and produced by Matthew McLoota, Sam Reynolds and Julianne Mason.
Tim is a shy new preteen camper who is afraid of the dark...and just about everything else. Jamie is a charismatic veteran counselor who -- on the surface -- has it all together, but deep down: it's not that simple. He is holding onto something so upsetting and so frightening that it not only threatens his ability to do his job safely but to contend with reality. From a chilly Polar Bear plunge to a nighttime stroll around camp while the rustling from the woods gets closer and closer, Camp Moon Cove is a dual coming-of-age story designed to move you, scare you, and challenge you to think about how you face what scares you to the core.
As I type this, we're knee-deep in prep work -- casting out of New England, establishing a visual language, script revisions, tech scout planning, budgeting, filling remaining crew positions, etc! It's full speed ahead as we gear up to shoot on location in Weld, Maine this August! After editing/coloring/sound mixing/vfx, we're targeting a January 2027 completion date. Yes, we'll have a premiere party. Yes, we'll be submitting to a number of festivals.
Jamie is not alone.
I find myself right now at a particularly challenging time in my life. Like him, I am facing something new and frightening, and I continue to assess how best to address it.
It's funny that subconsciously I'm brought back -- both literally & thematically -- to the first place I learned how to overcome what I'm afraid of: camp. And what better place to have learned that. Camp can be funny, beautiful, and heart-warming, but come nightfall, camp can also be quite scary! And over the years I have become obsessed with evoking that balance.
But even if you didn't go to camp, we ALL have a "Camp Moon Cove." It might be a special family vacation spot or a college dorm or a singing group or a rec sports team or a boarding school crew, etc. These life-affirming entities can be critical at any age for shepherding us through whatever struggles life throws our way. What's yours?
I have a big dumb grin on my face imagining the eccentric mix of people that might be reading this right now. Family, Lexington friends, camp friends, college friends, work friends, soccer friends, New York friends, former campers, former counselors, improv friends, PT friends, family friends, the family of my friends, old collaborators, old bosses, former students of my dad, close friends of my mom, friends/family of my amazing team, and complete strangers....WHOEVER YOU ARE: Thank you for your interest in this project!
And a SPECIAL THANKS to: Sam Reynolds for shooting & editing the fundraising video, Forrest Weihe for composing the music featured in the prologue, Darlena Chiem for designing the concept art, and Camp Kawanhee for sharing archival footage.
It's no secret: making a movie, even a short one, is extremely expensive. And the goal isn't to make this "kinda cool." The goal is to make this transcendent. And while we have a dedicated, talented team of producers who are doing everything they can to strategize keeping costs down, we still could really use your help.
What is your money going towards? The list is endless but to name a few key areas: professional equipment, location work, cast & crew, insurance, travel, accommodations, props, set dressing, wardrobe, special effects, etc.
For production-savy readers, you'll notice that none of these expenses are post-production line items. And that's because our fundraising goal ONLY includes production costs (in addition to my personal savings contribution). This is why we have STRETCH GOALS:
$60K -- Original Goal. Pays for what's needed immediately (production costs) so that we can shoot the movie.
$80K -- Stretch Goal #1. Pays for both production costs and post-production costs. Post-production costs include: visual effects, editing, music, sound mixing, color correcting, deliverables, and festivals.
$100k++ -- Stretch Goal #2. It's a point of pride that at least half of the budget is coming from my personal savings...that feels fiscally responsible and fair. Having said that: I would really really love (and so would my mom) to not dump out my entire savings account on this. So I'm dreaming big. Please know: all funds raised will be going directly towards the movie no matter what.
HOUSING - Do you have property in or near Weld, Maine and are you interested in sponsoring accommodations? If any of the below circumstances apply to you, please email [email protected].
1) Available bed(s) for some or all of 8/5-8/12? Those are our shoot dates! This is the most helpful option.
2) Availability for some or all of 6/19-6/21? Those are our tech scout dates!
3) Availability for any sporadic dates from 7/3 through 8/4? Those are our KEY PREP dates!
4) No availability for above dates, but interested in helping by offering their property as a vacation accommodation for an additional fundraising incentive!? That could really help us raise more money!
(Whether you're theorizing that you would cohabitate in your accommodations or not, we'd LOVE to hear from you)
FOLLOW US & SPREAD THE WORD - The more FOLLOWS we have, the more Seed & Spark promotes us! You can find the "Follow" button under "Make a Pledge" in the top right. And of course - sharing a link to the project on social media and/or via text or email is also hugely appreciated! If helpful, here's a template you're welcome to personalize:
My friend Graham is making a movie that is near and dear to him and he could really use your help. Please join me in donating to Camp Moon Cove: https://seedandspark.com/fund/camp-moon-cove
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production (not including Graham's Contribution or Post-Production)
Costs $59,999
How much we need to film the thing! Equipment, Cast & Crew, Special Effects, Meals, Set Design, Travel, Lodging, Costumes, Props, etc.!
Cast/Crew Accommodations (Weld or nearby property holders!)
Costs $1
Do you have a nearby property and are you open to sponsoring housing? This is the next best way to help!!! Email [email protected]!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
GRAHAM MARVIN - Writer/Producer/Director
I'm back, I'm ready and I'm beyond excited! This is the my next big step.
I wrote/directed/produced ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT, a father/son short film starring Tim Daly and Luke Slattery, and made in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association. It was the recipient of the Tarkovsky grant and played at several film festivals including Sedona, Fort Lauderdale, and New York Shorts International. In addition, I was a 2nd unit director on SEVEN SECONDS (Netflix), FALLING WATER (USA), and THE FAMILY (ABC). When I'm not writing & directing, I'm location scouting on projects like LAW & ORDER, MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND, MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED, and RAISING KANAN. Last but certainly not least, I'm a proud alum of Camp Kawanhee where I was camper, counselor, board member and videographer. I produced & directed (along with Sam Reynolds) the 2020 virtual campfire series "KAWANHEE FROM HOME" and the Centennial video. I am honored to work with the below collaborators...
Matthew McLoota - Executive Producer
Matt is a Brooklyn-based Director & Assistant Director whose work spans more than 20 years in film and television. His credits include Wes Anderson’s THE DARJEELING LIMITED, Mel Brooks's THE PRODUCERS and Wes Craven’s MY SOUL TO TAKE. As a director, he has helmed episodes of BILLIONS, THE BLACKLIST, FBI, & S.W.A.T. He & Graham crossed paths on both ELEMENTARY (the Lucy Liu / Jonny Lee Miller Sherlock Holmes show) and THE BLACKLIST. They would later become friends and creative collaborators across a number of projects.
“Graham has poured so much of himself into this project. He’s captured something so deeply personal that it feels instantly universal. Everyone has a Camp Moon Cove. The place that helped make us who we are. That made us find our courage and purpose. That made us feel like we belonged. That took the ache away when we needed it most...This is something special.”
Sam Reynolds - Executive Producer
Sam is a NYC-based VFX On-Set Supervisor and Producer. He has overseen VFX for shows such as CRYSTAL LAKE (A24), SONG SUNG BLUE (Focus Features) and AMERICAN RUST (Showtime). He is currently completing production on the upcoming Netflix film THE 99'ERS. Sam was an 11-year-old camper at Camp Kawanhee when he met Graham out on the Ropes Course in 2007. They immediately clicked over a love of movies, and would go on to make upwards of a dozen Kawanhee videos together.
"It's hard to imagine a story closer to my heart than Camp Moon Cove. I first met Graham at Camp Kawanhee - where we are shooting this project - and found so much of my love of film while pulling all-nighters huddled over a laptop editing camp videos alongside him. Capturing the beauty and energy of Kawanhee has long been an obsession of ours, and his script does that wonderfully, and then some. Moon Cove is a snapshot of what made our summers in Maine so meaningful, while also an important coming-of-age story in its own right. I can't wait to bring it to life with such a talented team of filmmakers."
Julianne Mason - Producer
Julianne Mason is a New York City–based producer working across film, theater, and documentary. She currently works at Story Syndicate, the documentary production company behind projects including GIVE ME THE BALL! (ESPN), TITAN: THE OCEANGATE DISASTER (Netflix), and SALLY (NatGeo). Her recent producing work includes the upcoming indie feature HAMILTON HOUSE, which premieres at Dances With Films at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles in June 2026. Julianne met Graham at an NYU Tisch alumni event where they bonded over movies, summer camp, and heartfelt stories.
“What drew me to Camp Moon Cove is how beautifully it balances horror, humor, vulnerability, and nostalgia. I grew up loving spooky stories and spending my whole summers outside, and I think there’s something deeply relatable about realizing the fears we carry as adults aren’t always that different from the ones we had as kids. Also, any project that lets me emotionally reflect while surrounded by lakes, flashlights, and ominous forest noises is an easy yes for me.”
John "Fitz" Fitzpatrick - Director of Photography
John Patrick Fitzpatrick is a cinematographer based in New York. His work spans independent features, commercials, and studio productions, including recently serving as 2nd Unit DP on Sam Raimi’s SEND HELP. He is drawn to stories rooted in human behavior, naturalism, and emotional honesty. He met Graham and Matt back in 2013 on CBS's ELEMENTARY, when he was a camera loader and they worked in production.
"What I love about Camp Moon Cove is that it trusts small moments. It’s a story about fear, memory, and connection, told through the eyes of people trying to make sense of change. The emotional weight sneaks up on you, and that’s what makes it special."
Diz Dizio - Production Designer
Diz is a New England based Production Designer, Property Master and fabricator. They have worked on award winning films such as SORRY, BABY (A24), AMERICAN FICTION (MGM), CHALLENGERS (MGM), and CODA (APPLE). Their design and fabrication work spans music videos: "JUNA" (CLAIRO), "CHERISH" (SOUR WIDOWS), tv shows: JULIA (HBO), THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY (AMC), and short films: THE THAW, DON'T FALL FROM GRACE, INTERFERENCE, among others. Diz met Sam Reynolds while they were both working in the New England film community.
“I have had my own experiences going through what Jamie is going through and am drawn to making media that parses personal experience. I also love scripts that stretch and redefine genre. In dipping into horror, I think we have an apt example of how exposing our fears reveals to us what we love and are afraid to lose."
Ronnie Rios - Editor
Ronnie is a Los Angeles based editor, and currently the sole in-house Assistant Editor for the documentary production company Goode Films (TIGER KING, CHIMP CRAZY). He's worked in the post-production world since graduating from NYU's film program in 2012. It was there where he met Graham and has worked with him ever since.
"Every now and then, I get that call from Graham to tell me he's ready to start work on a new script, so I strap in and start mentally preparing for the ride. The stories he tells are complex, poignant, and -- what draws me most to them -- real. In all these years, I've learned so much from him, not just about the underrepresented reality of Alzheimer's, but from his artistry and vision that help me grow as an editor...and this next project is no different."
Forrest Weihe - Composer
Forrest is a professional musical artist with a diverse palate and experience in many corners of musical entertainment. Forrest produced for, and went on a nationwide tour playing keyboard with his band Clubhouse. His production credits have collected more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone. Forrest now directs his efforts towards recording and performing live for his electronic music project, Forrest Taylor, as well as scoring for film and video games. He met Graham back in 2006, when they were both campers, on the shores of Lake Webb at Camp Kawanhee.
“I could not be more excited to collaborate with Graham once again on this new project. I have an intimate connection to the subject matter because I grew up spending summers with Graham at the camp that this film was inspired by. I am brimming with ideas for this thing and won’t rest until we land on the perfect sonic world!”
...and many more...