Clawface
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Horror
Clawface is a slasher film centered around a group of friends hiking to a cabin, two quirky park rangers, and a mangled maniac hellbent on killing them all. We aspire to faithfully recreate the look and feel of the early 80s with characters the audience cares about and kills they won't soon forget.
Clawface
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Horror
1 Campaigns | California, United States
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Clawface is a slasher film centered around a group of friends hiking to a cabin, two quirky park rangers, and a mangled maniac hellbent on killing them all. We aspire to faithfully recreate the look and feel of the early 80s with characters the audience cares about and kills they won't soon forget.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A group of friends hike through the woods to a remote cabin and reconnect for the first time since going away to college. Along the way there are wisecracks, pranks, and even some budding romances. Ranger Rick, a lovable goofball, and his delightfully chipper rookie, Ranger Kim, patrol the area, which is known for frequent bear sightings. That night, they all meet for spooky stories around the campfire where they learn of the local legend, Clawface: a boy who was abandoned by his friends during a bear attack and left for dead. The kid went on living alone in the woods, with a growing resentment for visitors, and a primal urge for vengeance. Ranger Rick explains he knows the details of the legend because he was there the night Clawface was attacked.
The film follows the group of friends and rangers, as well as some side characters (including a pirate DJ who spins original songs made just for the film) as they are hunted down, one-by-one, by a hulking madman whose face is scarred and wrapped in crude bandages. His weapon of choice: the skeletal remains of razor sharp bear claws.
The film features an endearing ensemble of characters that includes a sex-positive mall girl, a metal-loving jock with a heart of gold, a roller-skating matron, a motormouthed prankster, an awkward outsider, and a reluctant magician... none of which are safe from Clawface!
THE PRODUCTION:
There is a very special place in our hearts for the slasher films of the 1980s. There was a period of time between 1978 and 1984 where there was seemingly no bigger genre. In that time span hundreds of these films were made. Some are still hailed as classics to this day, while others have faded away into obscurity. Fans of slashers dive through these (often less-than exceptional) forgotten flicks with voracity hoping to find a diamond in the rough. Just one creative kill they've never seen. One rambunctious side character that makes them laugh. Because there is something special about these movies, beyond nostalgia, more than just comfort food. Nothing hits quite the same as a good slasher.
As huge fans of this particular sub-genre, we have also seen many modern takes looking to update or emulate the films of the "Golden Age," each with varying degrees of success. However, we believe there's still room for improvement. The key to making a good slasher film starts with fun, likable characters that the audience can relate to, and enjoys spending time with. We are watching these characters for a majority of the film, why should they be a bunch of a**holes? The next most important thing is having memorable, creative kills, executed with realistic, practical FX work. If you make a list of the best 80s slasher films, nearly all of them fit these these two criteria. We have made it our duty to incorporate these essential qualities into our script, and prioritizing our budget to accommodate.
We are also dedicated to making a film that authentically feels like the ones that inspired it. That means that this is not parody or deconstruction of the genre. We love Scream and The Final Girls, and there is definitely a place for those types of movies, but we want to be clear that Clawface plays without irony or self-deprecation. We believe that the genre is worthy of an earnest recreation. Our intent is for it to look and feel as genuine as anything you'd pick up on VHS at your local video store in 1982.
Making a modern indie feature that looks like a film shot in the early 80s takes more than just neon titles and a filter in post. Lighting, framing, blocking, performances, wardrobe, music and location all factor in to making something captured on digital media believably reflect the look of movies shot on celluloid. The language of storytelling evolves over time as well. We have studied how these stories are told to best recreate the world as seen at that time.
INSPIRATION:
We've talked a lot about slashers and being true to our inspirations, but let's discus some of the films that have influenced Clawface specifically. It probably goes without saying that the Friday the 13th franchise is the big one. It's a woods-set slasher with a silent maniac killing off young adults who are just there to have a good time. Yes, we're wearing our inspiration on our sleeve here. Friday the 13th Part 2 in particular (featuring the first appearance of Jason) is a favorite, and we studied every scene of that film to see what makes it work so well (hint: it's the characters and kills).
These movies were made quickly and cheaply (relatively speaking) with no big stars, and, with only the promise of blood and scares, brought in audiences around the world to meet its cast of unlucky campers and the film's iconic, machete-wielding villain. There is a reason this series is so beloved and continues to be one the most profitable franchises of all time.
From Friday the 13th sprung many imitators. Among the best are The Burning (some of the greatest ever FX work, done by legend Tom Savini), The Prey (an often overlooked gem, whose park ranger Mark inspired our own Ranger Rick), and Madman (a darker, more visually striking take on the familiar formula). Add in Sleepaway Camp's eagerness to be as fun as it is mean, the believable and lived-in characters of My Bloody Valentine, and the intense, unexpected kills of The Mutilator, and you have a good idea of the foundation of Clawface!
OUR EXPERIENCE:
This is not our first venture into the slasher throwback. In 2012 we made a short film called She's Not Alone! in the style of films like Halloween, He Knows You're Alone, and When a Stranger Calls. With $300, a cast and crew totaling six, thrifting vintage appliances, shooting in our small apartment and going guerrilla in the alley behind our house with a wheelchair dolly, we put together something that came shockingly close to being a believable relic of the year 1980. We even wrote a pop song ("If You're Lookin' for Love [You Found It!]") in the style of the time period. The film was accepted into several festivals, and has been featured in Bloody Disgusting's World of Death Halloween Special and Bleeding Skull's Shorts That Tore Our Heads Off - Volume 2. We received an abundance of praise on the original YouTube upload, with enthusiastic cries for a feature length version.
"She’s Not Alone! is an exercise in mood that feels like the cold open of an early 1980s slasher that never was... most low budget throwback experiments are riddled with ironic hot takes and boneheaded references. But this one is different... with a lovely minimal synth score, hazy photography, and production design that nails the era-specific details, this is catnip for anyone who can’t get enough of the sinister ambience of movies like He Knows You’re Alone, The Toolbox Murders, and The House on Sorority Row"
- Joseph A. Ziemba (Bleeding Skull)
POST PRODUCTION:
We are exceptionally fortunate that our director/editor works for a wonderful (and generous!) post facility. DigitalFilm Tree is a full-service post house that has agreed to take on color, online, and deliverables at no cost to the production! This is a huge advantage for us, as post production is often the place where films fall into limbo, whether it be from time constraints, unexpected costs, or a lack of knowledge of the work involved in finishing a feature
film. We have that all covered and we haven't even begun filming! All we need are the funds to shoot the film, the rest has already been figured out. It can not be overstated how beneficial this is to the project.
OUR CAST:
This film does not work without an amazing group of actors, and we have done the work to find them. Every character was carefully cast to ensure they were brought to life exactly as we had them in our heads. We did an exhaustive search, watching hundreds of reels, dozens of auditions, callbacks, and chemistry reads to make sure that not only actors fit the parts, but that the friendships and relationships were believable. We cannot stress enough how highly we regard every last one of this talented bunch.
VHS Artwork by Josh Hollis
MEET THE CAST!
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I have been making short films for over twenty years, starting in the days of VHS in-camera edits all the way to professionally polished videos in 4K HDR. Nearly all of which have been horror. I've logged over 1700 horror films on Letterboxd (about 500 of which are from the 80s). It has been my lifelong desire to direct a feature film like Clawface. I have put in the hours of work, building my experience, and honing my craft. I have done the research, obsessing over every slasher film I can get my hands on. I've spent over two years developing this story and these characters to ensure it feels authentic. If ever there was a right person for this job, I say with appropriate humility, it is me.
Mike Streeter (Co-Writer/Producer/Director/Editor)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Practical SFX
Costs $10,000
Making an authentic 1980s slasher movie requires top notch special makeup FX. We have the talented artists, we just need the materials.
Meals & Craft Service
Costs $6,000
We are housing cast and crew on location for the duration of the shoot, which means we need to make sure they're well fed!
Set Decoration, Wardrobe, Props
Costs $2,000
A huge part of bringing the world of an 80s slasher to life is done through props, set dressing and wardrobe.
Light Rentals
Costs $1,000
Creating a spooky atmosphere requires effective lighting.
Lens Rentals
Costs $1,000
High quality lenses are essential to capturing cinematic images, especially when emulating a film look while shooting on video.
Insurance
Costs $3,000
It may not be exciting, but insurance is the most important expense there is! It keeps everyone on set safe from harm and financial ruin!
Travel Expenses
Costs $1,200
Filming in the woods means actually getting cast, crew, and equipment out to the woods!
Cabin and Woods Locations
Costs $5,000
Slasher movies need cabins and woods. It's a fact of nature. We've covered most of this cost already, but need a bit more to bring it home.
Expendables
Costs $800
Any and every cost that comes up out of nowhere, like a maniac with a machete. Always expect the unexpected.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mike Streeter (Producer, Director, Editor, Story)
Mike Streeter has been making films for the past twenty years. He began writing in 8th grade, directing plays in high school, and taught himself to edit in the early days of digital video. He went on to study editing and directing at The Los Angeles Film School and is currently the Director of Night Operations at the esteemed post facility DigitalFilm Tree, where he has worked on popular TV shows such as NCIS:LA, Dave, and the Emmy Award Winning Ted Lasso. His short films She's Not Alone! and Insides were screened at many festivals and have been featured on Bloody Disgusting, Bleeding Skull, iHorror and more. He has been making short films with his producing partner (and wife), Morgan Poferl, for over a decade. They have two cats and quite a collection of horror films.
Morgan Poferl (Producer)
A native of California's Bay Area, Morgan has been fortunate to live her wildest dream of working in television for nearly a decade. Her love of putting the puzzle together and watching others seeing their dream realized, has drawn her to the realm of producing. While she's found a consistent stride in historical, archival-based programming like CNN Originals 'The Seventies' - 'The 2000s' and 'The History of Comedy', as well as in-depth expose documentary series like Starz's SEDUCED, narrative storytelling has always had her heart. Morgan has worked alongside Mike Streeter on many horror shorts over the last ten years and is excited to be beside him once again on his feature directorial debut
Josh Barbee (Screenwriter)
Josh Barbee is a writer and creator of the graphic novel Killing Hope from Bliss on Tap Publishing. He is unknown for his work as a writer on such projects as the lost-to-the-cosmos TV series BKB Unfiltered and the upcoming film Clawface (heard of it??). He also has a bunch of cool kids. Two of those kids are cats. The cats do cat things and are not that cool in retrospect, but he stands by his human offspring being above average, at least.
Aidan Petershack (Director of Photography)
Aidan Petershack (they/them) is a queer black DP based out of Los Angeles. They spent their childhood moving all over the world, learning analog still photography from their mother. After settling on the East coast, they found a passion for making movies, and, subsequently, graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a concentration in Cinematography. While at Tisch, Aidan was also able to study 35mm film production at FAMU in Prague. Aidan has extensive experience in both narrative and documentary filmmaking thanks to the two years they spent with the NFL's Original Content Group. During that time, Aidan was awarded 3 Emmy Awards for their work. Aidan has a passion for creating meaningful, moving images that drive story and inspire audiences.
Sean Barrett (Composer)
Sean Barrett is a Los Angeles based composer, orchestrator and bassist. He started his career as a freelance bassist, sharing the stage with many artists, touring acts and productions across the world, performing and recording music of different styles including pop, rock, R&B, reggae, country, jazz, and more. His passion for music combined with his love for movies eventually led him into a career in scoring for media. His diverse background in many different genres has opened up opportunities to write music for everything from indie films, to jazz ensembles, brass bands, and string quartets. In 2019 he composed the score for Here Awhile, an independent film starring Anna Camp and Joe Lo Truglio. As an orchestrator, Sean has worked alongside his associates at Tutti Music Partners to assist composers of a growing list of film, TV and video game projects including The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Doctor Strange in the Multitude of Madness, Zack Snyder's Justice League, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Hidden Figures, Bridgerton, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, and Call of Duty: Vanguard, among many others.
Little Shop of Gore FX - Ryan & Salina Ward (Practical SFX)
My obsession with special effects makeup began in a small video store in the 90’s that my dad and grandfather owned. I watched every movie I could get my hands on, mostly basing my picks off of the craziest VHS cover art I could find. I was king of the isle’s, and my Kryptonite, was the Horror section. I soaked up as much as I could get away with and my fascination quickly turned into passion. I wanted to know how my favorite movies were made and I wanted to be a part of making all the cool effects I saw on screen. I had dreamt about being a Makeup FX artist ever since I was a kid, so after graduating High School, I packed up my car and headed straight to Tom Savini Special Makeup Effects Program. In 2011 I drove from the East Coast to Los Angeles to begin my career as a professional Makeup FX Artist in film/tv. I was fortunate to gain employment in some great shops in LA and work alongside a lot of very talented artists who helped me acquire and fine tune many skills. I met my wife, Salina Kyle at Monsterpalooza and the two of us hit it off right away. We shared a similar work ethic and passion for Horror and Pop culture, so we started a small retail business (Little Shop of Gore) designing, creating & selling all of our own products. As the business grew, and we became more involved in the Horror Community, Little Shop of Gore began to gain a reputation for being innovative as well as highly detail oriented. More recently this has attracted the attention of Directors & Producers that we have had the pleasure of collaborating with. In January of 2022, we officially launched Little Shop of Gore FX to cater to all productions large and small while specializing in the horror/sci-fi realm.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
A group of friends hike through the woods to a remote cabin and reconnect for the first time since going away to college. Along the way there are wisecracks, pranks, and even some budding romances. Ranger Rick, a lovable goofball, and his delightfully chipper rookie, Ranger Kim, patrol the area, which is known for frequent bear sightings. That night, they all meet for spooky stories around the campfire where they learn of the local legend, Clawface: a boy who was abandoned by his friends during a bear attack and left for dead. The kid went on living alone in the woods, with a growing resentment for visitors, and a primal urge for vengeance. Ranger Rick explains he knows the details of the legend because he was there the night Clawface was attacked.
The film follows the group of friends and rangers, as well as some side characters (including a pirate DJ who spins original songs made just for the film) as they are hunted down, one-by-one, by a hulking madman whose face is scarred and wrapped in crude bandages. His weapon of choice: the skeletal remains of razor sharp bear claws.
The film features an endearing ensemble of characters that includes a sex-positive mall girl, a metal-loving jock with a heart of gold, a roller-skating matron, a motormouthed prankster, an awkward outsider, and a reluctant magician... none of which are safe from Clawface!
THE PRODUCTION:
There is a very special place in our hearts for the slasher films of the 1980s. There was a period of time between 1978 and 1984 where there was seemingly no bigger genre. In that time span hundreds of these films were made. Some are still hailed as classics to this day, while others have faded away into obscurity. Fans of slashers dive through these (often less-than exceptional) forgotten flicks with voracity hoping to find a diamond in the rough. Just one creative kill they've never seen. One rambunctious side character that makes them laugh. Because there is something special about these movies, beyond nostalgia, more than just comfort food. Nothing hits quite the same as a good slasher.
As huge fans of this particular sub-genre, we have also seen many modern takes looking to update or emulate the films of the "Golden Age," each with varying degrees of success. However, we believe there's still room for improvement. The key to making a good slasher film starts with fun, likable characters that the audience can relate to, and enjoys spending time with. We are watching these characters for a majority of the film, why should they be a bunch of a**holes? The next most important thing is having memorable, creative kills, executed with realistic, practical FX work. If you make a list of the best 80s slasher films, nearly all of them fit these these two criteria. We have made it our duty to incorporate these essential qualities into our script, and prioritizing our budget to accommodate.
We are also dedicated to making a film that authentically feels like the ones that inspired it. That means that this is not parody or deconstruction of the genre. We love Scream and The Final Girls, and there is definitely a place for those types of movies, but we want to be clear that Clawface plays without irony or self-deprecation. We believe that the genre is worthy of an earnest recreation. Our intent is for it to look and feel as genuine as anything you'd pick up on VHS at your local video store in 1982.
Making a modern indie feature that looks like a film shot in the early 80s takes more than just neon titles and a filter in post. Lighting, framing, blocking, performances, wardrobe, music and location all factor in to making something captured on digital media believably reflect the look of movies shot on celluloid. The language of storytelling evolves over time as well. We have studied how these stories are told to best recreate the world as seen at that time.
INSPIRATION:
We've talked a lot about slashers and being true to our inspirations, but let's discus some of the films that have influenced Clawface specifically. It probably goes without saying that the Friday the 13th franchise is the big one. It's a woods-set slasher with a silent maniac killing off young adults who are just there to have a good time. Yes, we're wearing our inspiration on our sleeve here. Friday the 13th Part 2 in particular (featuring the first appearance of Jason) is a favorite, and we studied every scene of that film to see what makes it work so well (hint: it's the characters and kills).
These movies were made quickly and cheaply (relatively speaking) with no big stars, and, with only the promise of blood and scares, brought in audiences around the world to meet its cast of unlucky campers and the film's iconic, machete-wielding villain. There is a reason this series is so beloved and continues to be one the most profitable franchises of all time.
From Friday the 13th sprung many imitators. Among the best are The Burning (some of the greatest ever FX work, done by legend Tom Savini), The Prey (an often overlooked gem, whose park ranger Mark inspired our own Ranger Rick), and Madman (a darker, more visually striking take on the familiar formula). Add in Sleepaway Camp's eagerness to be as fun as it is mean, the believable and lived-in characters of My Bloody Valentine, and the intense, unexpected kills of The Mutilator, and you have a good idea of the foundation of Clawface!
OUR EXPERIENCE:
This is not our first venture into the slasher throwback. In 2012 we made a short film called She's Not Alone! in the style of films like Halloween, He Knows You're Alone, and When a Stranger Calls. With $300, a cast and crew totaling six, thrifting vintage appliances, shooting in our small apartment and going guerrilla in the alley behind our house with a wheelchair dolly, we put together something that came shockingly close to being a believable relic of the year 1980. We even wrote a pop song ("If You're Lookin' for Love [You Found It!]") in the style of the time period. The film was accepted into several festivals, and has been featured in Bloody Disgusting's World of Death Halloween Special and Bleeding Skull's Shorts That Tore Our Heads Off - Volume 2. We received an abundance of praise on the original YouTube upload, with enthusiastic cries for a feature length version.
"She’s Not Alone! is an exercise in mood that feels like the cold open of an early 1980s slasher that never was... most low budget throwback experiments are riddled with ironic hot takes and boneheaded references. But this one is different... with a lovely minimal synth score, hazy photography, and production design that nails the era-specific details, this is catnip for anyone who can’t get enough of the sinister ambience of movies like He Knows You’re Alone, The Toolbox Murders, and The House on Sorority Row"
- Joseph A. Ziemba (Bleeding Skull)
POST PRODUCTION:
We are exceptionally fortunate that our director/editor works for a wonderful (and generous!) post facility. DigitalFilm Tree is a full-service post house that has agreed to take on color, online, and deliverables at no cost to the production! This is a huge advantage for us, as post production is often the place where films fall into limbo, whether it be from time constraints, unexpected costs, or a lack of knowledge of the work involved in finishing a feature film. We have that all covered and we haven't even begun filming! All we need are the funds to shoot the film, the rest has already been figured out. It can not be overstated how beneficial this is to the project.
OUR CAST:
This film does not work without an amazing group of actors, and we have done the work to find them. Every character was carefully cast to ensure they were brought to life exactly as we had them in our heads. We did an exhaustive search, watching hundreds of reels, dozens of auditions, callbacks, and chemistry reads to make sure that not only actors fit the parts, but that the friendships and relationships were believable. We cannot stress enough how highly we regard every last one of this talented bunch.
VHS Artwork by Josh Hollis
MEET THE CAST!
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I have been making short films for over twenty years, starting in the days of VHS in-camera edits all the way to professionally polished videos in 4K HDR. Nearly all of which have been horror. I've logged over 1700 horror films on Letterboxd (about 500 of which are from the 80s). It has been my lifelong desire to direct a feature film like Clawface. I have put in the hours of work, building my experience, and honing my craft. I have done the research, obsessing over every slasher film I can get my hands on. I've spent over two years developing this story and these characters to ensure it feels authentic. If ever there was a right person for this job, I say with appropriate humility, it is me.
Mike Streeter (Co-Writer/Producer/Director/Editor)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Practical SFX
Costs $10,000
Making an authentic 1980s slasher movie requires top notch special makeup FX. We have the talented artists, we just need the materials.
Meals & Craft Service
Costs $6,000
We are housing cast and crew on location for the duration of the shoot, which means we need to make sure they're well fed!
Set Decoration, Wardrobe, Props
Costs $2,000
A huge part of bringing the world of an 80s slasher to life is done through props, set dressing and wardrobe.
Light Rentals
Costs $1,000
Creating a spooky atmosphere requires effective lighting.
Lens Rentals
Costs $1,000
High quality lenses are essential to capturing cinematic images, especially when emulating a film look while shooting on video.
Insurance
Costs $3,000
It may not be exciting, but insurance is the most important expense there is! It keeps everyone on set safe from harm and financial ruin!
Travel Expenses
Costs $1,200
Filming in the woods means actually getting cast, crew, and equipment out to the woods!
Cabin and Woods Locations
Costs $5,000
Slasher movies need cabins and woods. It's a fact of nature. We've covered most of this cost already, but need a bit more to bring it home.
Expendables
Costs $800
Any and every cost that comes up out of nowhere, like a maniac with a machete. Always expect the unexpected.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Mike Streeter (Producer, Director, Editor, Story)
Mike Streeter has been making films for the past twenty years. He began writing in 8th grade, directing plays in high school, and taught himself to edit in the early days of digital video. He went on to study editing and directing at The Los Angeles Film School and is currently the Director of Night Operations at the esteemed post facility DigitalFilm Tree, where he has worked on popular TV shows such as NCIS:LA, Dave, and the Emmy Award Winning Ted Lasso. His short films She's Not Alone! and Insides were screened at many festivals and have been featured on Bloody Disgusting, Bleeding Skull, iHorror and more. He has been making short films with his producing partner (and wife), Morgan Poferl, for over a decade. They have two cats and quite a collection of horror films.
Morgan Poferl (Producer)
A native of California's Bay Area, Morgan has been fortunate to live her wildest dream of working in television for nearly a decade. Her love of putting the puzzle together and watching others seeing their dream realized, has drawn her to the realm of producing. While she's found a consistent stride in historical, archival-based programming like CNN Originals 'The Seventies' - 'The 2000s' and 'The History of Comedy', as well as in-depth expose documentary series like Starz's SEDUCED, narrative storytelling has always had her heart. Morgan has worked alongside Mike Streeter on many horror shorts over the last ten years and is excited to be beside him once again on his feature directorial debut
Josh Barbee (Screenwriter)
Josh Barbee is a writer and creator of the graphic novel Killing Hope from Bliss on Tap Publishing. He is unknown for his work as a writer on such projects as the lost-to-the-cosmos TV series BKB Unfiltered and the upcoming film Clawface (heard of it??). He also has a bunch of cool kids. Two of those kids are cats. The cats do cat things and are not that cool in retrospect, but he stands by his human offspring being above average, at least.
Aidan Petershack (Director of Photography)
Aidan Petershack (they/them) is a queer black DP based out of Los Angeles. They spent their childhood moving all over the world, learning analog still photography from their mother. After settling on the East coast, they found a passion for making movies, and, subsequently, graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a concentration in Cinematography. While at Tisch, Aidan was also able to study 35mm film production at FAMU in Prague. Aidan has extensive experience in both narrative and documentary filmmaking thanks to the two years they spent with the NFL's Original Content Group. During that time, Aidan was awarded 3 Emmy Awards for their work. Aidan has a passion for creating meaningful, moving images that drive story and inspire audiences.
Sean Barrett (Composer)
Sean Barrett is a Los Angeles based composer, orchestrator and bassist. He started his career as a freelance bassist, sharing the stage with many artists, touring acts and productions across the world, performing and recording music of different styles including pop, rock, R&B, reggae, country, jazz, and more. His passion for music combined with his love for movies eventually led him into a career in scoring for media. His diverse background in many different genres has opened up opportunities to write music for everything from indie films, to jazz ensembles, brass bands, and string quartets. In 2019 he composed the score for Here Awhile, an independent film starring Anna Camp and Joe Lo Truglio. As an orchestrator, Sean has worked alongside his associates at Tutti Music Partners to assist composers of a growing list of film, TV and video game projects including The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, Doctor Strange in the Multitude of Madness, Zack Snyder's Justice League, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Hidden Figures, Bridgerton, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, and Call of Duty: Vanguard, among many others.
Little Shop of Gore FX - Ryan & Salina Ward (Practical SFX)
My obsession with special effects makeup began in a small video store in the 90’s that my dad and grandfather owned. I watched every movie I could get my hands on, mostly basing my picks off of the craziest VHS cover art I could find. I was king of the isle’s, and my Kryptonite, was the Horror section. I soaked up as much as I could get away with and my fascination quickly turned into passion. I wanted to know how my favorite movies were made and I wanted to be a part of making all the cool effects I saw on screen. I had dreamt about being a Makeup FX artist ever since I was a kid, so after graduating High School, I packed up my car and headed straight to Tom Savini Special Makeup Effects Program. In 2011 I drove from the East Coast to Los Angeles to begin my career as a professional Makeup FX Artist in film/tv. I was fortunate to gain employment in some great shops in LA and work alongside a lot of very talented artists who helped me acquire and fine tune many skills. I met my wife, Salina Kyle at Monsterpalooza and the two of us hit it off right away. We shared a similar work ethic and passion for Horror and Pop culture, so we started a small retail business (Little Shop of Gore) designing, creating & selling all of our own products. As the business grew, and we became more involved in the Horror Community, Little Shop of Gore began to gain a reputation for being innovative as well as highly detail oriented. More recently this has attracted the attention of Directors & Producers that we have had the pleasure of collaborating with. In January of 2022, we officially launched Little Shop of Gore FX to cater to all productions large and small while specializing in the horror/sci-fi realm.