LUCY'S SLUMBER PARTY (A Dracula '87 Short)
Santa Monica, California | Film Short
Horror, Fantasy
In neon-soaked 1987, a mansion sleepover descends into a blood-drenched nightmare as a vampire hunts his reincarnated bride. This practical-effects horror short is a love letter to 80s creature features and the official proof-of-concept for the feature film Dracula '87.
LUCY'S SLUMBER PARTY (A Dracula '87 Short)
Santa Monica, California | Film Short
Horror, Fantasy
1 Campaigns | California, United States
5 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$380
Goal: $20,000 for production
In neon-soaked 1987, a mansion sleepover descends into a blood-drenched nightmare as a vampire hunts his reincarnated bride. This practical-effects horror short is a love letter to 80s creature features and the official proof-of-concept for the feature film Dracula '87.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Welcome to 1987. Dracula '87 is a neon-drenched, high-contrast, synth-slasher adaptation that filters the creeping gothic dread of Bram Stoker’s classic through the visceral, fast-paced tropes of the 1980s.
Our proof-of-concept short film, Lucy's Slumber Party, is the ultimate battleground. It is a stylized, blood-soaked nightmare that establishes exactly what the neon-lit streets of Laguna Negra look, sound, and feel like. As a filmmaker, my vision is to revive the era of physical media and tactile horror, bringing the authentic "80s ooze" back to the screen.
THE DIRECTOR'S VISION: A RETURN TO TACTILE TERROR
The modern horror landscape is flooded with CGI blood and digital fangs. We are actively rejecting that. We are making a massive, tactile promise to independent horror fans: 100% in-camera practical effects. Our SFX maestro, Sean, is designing massive in-camera gags, practical creature transformations, and a terrifying, old-school werewolf/man-bat suit they are fully prepared to go feral in. We are not hiding our monsters in the shadows or cutting away from the violence. Every bite, slash, and burn will carry an agonising, visceral realism that CGI simply cannot replicate.
THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS PROMISE: BLOOD, SILICONE, AND TACTILE GORE
The golden age of 1980s horror was defined by what happened in front of the lens, not inside a computer. Lucy’s Slumber Party is a strict return to that philosophy. We are completely bypassing CGI in favour of visceral, on-camera practical effects, committing over 25% of our total short budget exclusively to our SFX and Makeup departments.
To execute this, Pythia Pictures is flying in our Lead SFX Artist, Sean, bringing their world-class expertise directly from their Chicago workshop to our California set. We are not hiding our monsters in the shadows or cutting away from the violence.
Our SFX department possesses the technical range to handle both massive creature fabrication and hyper-realistic human trauma. Beyond the monster suits, Sean's mastery of silicone and latex guarantees that every bite, slash, and burn rendered on screen will carry an agonising, visceral realism that CGI simply cannot replicate.
THE BUDGET & STRATEGY
Building a period-accurate, heavy-FX slasher takes resources. We are raising $20,000 to bring Laguna Negra to life. Every single dollar goes directly to the screen:
The Gore: Funding the gallons of stage blood, the mechanics, and the materials for our massive practical in-camera gags.
The Look: Securing the specialized, high-contrast lighting packages our DP, Matt, needs to create that suffocating neon tension, and expanding our authentic 80s wardrobe—proudly supported by our official partner, 80sTees.com.
The Crew: Paying, feeding, and safely keeping our incredible cast and independent crew running through intense summer night shoots.
A 100% Tax-Deductible Production Fiscally Sponsored by Independent Arts & Media (IAM).
OFFICIAL WARDROBE SPONSOR
THE FINAL CALL:
The maze is designed, the blood is mixed, and the cameras are ready to roll. Now, we just need you to open the gates. Check out our exclusive reward tiers—including our custom 3D-printed "Founder's Edition" gothic popcorn bucket—and hit that PLEDGE button to help us build Laguna Negra!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Practical Effects & Creature Fabrication
Costs $5,500
The heart of our 1980s aesthetic. This covers silicone, mould-making materials, gallons of stage blood, and hyper-realistic trauma makeup.
Camera & Lighting Packages
Costs $4,000
Specialized lenses and G&E (Grip and Electric) equipment rentals to capture that moody, neon-soaked cinematic look.
Locations & Permitting
Costs $3,000
Securing the perfect gothic mansion interior and pulling the necessary local filming permits.
Production & Admin Fees
Costs $2,200
The essential overhead costs required to keep the production legally compliant and efficiently managed.
Crew Travel & Accommodations
Costs $1,500
Flying in our world-class Lead SFX artist and ensuring they have a place to sleep after hours of applying prosthetics.
Cast Day Rates
Costs $1,500
Paying our incredibly talented local actors for their physically demanding performances.
Art Department & Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
Sourcing period-accurate 1987 sleepover attire, set dressing, and raw materials for custom 3D printed props.
Craft Services & Contingency
Costs $800
Feeding our hardworking cast and crew on set, plus a small emergency buffer for unexpected production costs.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Barbie Ellen | Director & Lead Fabricator The founder of Pythia Pictures, Barbie is a filmmaker and fabricator specialising in the intersection of gothic horror and 1980s practical effects. A film and dance student at Santa Monica College, they bring a hands-on approach to every frame—from directing the action to hand-sewing period-accurate 15th-century garments and 3D printing custom metal props. Barbie lead the proof-of-concept shoot as both Director and lead talent, establishing the neon-soaked visual language of Dracula '87.
Andrei Elizarov | Producer & Cinematographer Andrei serves as the production’s organizational and visual anchor. On the Dracula '87 proof-of-concept, Andrei proved his incredible resourcefulness by simultaneously managing the roles of Producer, Cinematographer, and 1st AD. His ability to maintain a professional, efficient set while capturing high-end cinematic imagery is what allows Pythia Pictures to achieve a big-budget look on a micro-budget scale.
Sean Sharp | Lead SFX Artist Joining the production from Chicago, Sean is a world-class practical effects artist specializing in the visceral, tactile gore of the 1980s. Their mastery of silicone fabrication, complex mould-making, and hyper-realistic trauma makeup is the heart of the "Practical Effects Promise." Sean’s work ensures that every creature transformation and blood-letting sequence is rendered entirely on-camera without the use of CGI.
- Follow Sean’s work on Instagram: @sharp.shot.efx
Marcella Werre | Actor (“Lucy Westenra”) A vital returning collaborator from the proof-of-concept, Marcella’s performance as the undead Lucy provides the chilling emotional core of the film. Her ability to balance the tragic vulnerability of a Victorian debutante with the feral intensity of a 1980s slasher villain makes her the perfect foil for the film's horrors.
Olivia Skiffington | Key Makeup Artist Olivia is the artist behind the character looks seen in the initial footage. Her expertise in beauty and character makeup ensures that even in the midst of a blood-soaked nightmare, the cast maintains the specific, stylized aesthetic of 1987.
- Follow Olivia's work on Instagram: @oliviaraemua
Matthew Niknam | Director of Photgraphy Matthew served as the primary Camera Operator for the Dracula '87 proof-of-concept and will be the Director of Photography in the 15-minute-short. His technical precision and eye for movement were essential in capturing the frantic, claustrophobic energy of the microshort.
Lisa Burger | Fiscal Sponsor Lisa is the Executive Producer at Independent Arts and Media, who this project is fiscally sponsored by.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Welcome to 1987. Dracula '87 is a neon-drenched, high-contrast, synth-slasher adaptation that filters the creeping gothic dread of Bram Stoker’s classic through the visceral, fast-paced tropes of the 1980s.
Our proof-of-concept short film, Lucy's Slumber Party, is the ultimate battleground. It is a stylized, blood-soaked nightmare that establishes exactly what the neon-lit streets of Laguna Negra look, sound, and feel like. As a filmmaker, my vision is to revive the era of physical media and tactile horror, bringing the authentic "80s ooze" back to the screen.
THE DIRECTOR'S VISION: A RETURN TO TACTILE TERROR
The modern horror landscape is flooded with CGI blood and digital fangs. We are actively rejecting that. We are making a massive, tactile promise to independent horror fans: 100% in-camera practical effects. Our SFX maestro, Sean, is designing massive in-camera gags, practical creature transformations, and a terrifying, old-school werewolf/man-bat suit they are fully prepared to go feral in. We are not hiding our monsters in the shadows or cutting away from the violence. Every bite, slash, and burn will carry an agonising, visceral realism that CGI simply cannot replicate.
THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS PROMISE: BLOOD, SILICONE, AND TACTILE GORE
The golden age of 1980s horror was defined by what happened in front of the lens, not inside a computer. Lucy’s Slumber Party is a strict return to that philosophy. We are completely bypassing CGI in favour of visceral, on-camera practical effects, committing over 25% of our total short budget exclusively to our SFX and Makeup departments.
To execute this, Pythia Pictures is flying in our Lead SFX Artist, Sean, bringing their world-class expertise directly from their Chicago workshop to our California set. We are not hiding our monsters in the shadows or cutting away from the violence.
Our SFX department possesses the technical range to handle both massive creature fabrication and hyper-realistic human trauma. Beyond the monster suits, Sean's mastery of silicone and latex guarantees that every bite, slash, and burn rendered on screen will carry an agonising, visceral realism that CGI simply cannot replicate.
THE BUDGET & STRATEGY
Building a period-accurate, heavy-FX slasher takes resources. We are raising $20,000 to bring Laguna Negra to life. Every single dollar goes directly to the screen:
The Gore: Funding the gallons of stage blood, the mechanics, and the materials for our massive practical in-camera gags.
The Look: Securing the specialized, high-contrast lighting packages our DP, Matt, needs to create that suffocating neon tension, and expanding our authentic 80s wardrobe—proudly supported by our official partner, 80sTees.com.
The Crew: Paying, feeding, and safely keeping our incredible cast and independent crew running through intense summer night shoots.
A 100% Tax-Deductible Production Fiscally Sponsored by Independent Arts & Media (IAM).
OFFICIAL WARDROBE SPONSOR
THE FINAL CALL:
The maze is designed, the blood is mixed, and the cameras are ready to roll. Now, we just need you to open the gates. Check out our exclusive reward tiers—including our custom 3D-printed "Founder's Edition" gothic popcorn bucket—and hit that PLEDGE button to help us build Laguna Negra!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Practical Effects & Creature Fabrication
Costs $5,500
The heart of our 1980s aesthetic. This covers silicone, mould-making materials, gallons of stage blood, and hyper-realistic trauma makeup.
Camera & Lighting Packages
Costs $4,000
Specialized lenses and G&E (Grip and Electric) equipment rentals to capture that moody, neon-soaked cinematic look.
Locations & Permitting
Costs $3,000
Securing the perfect gothic mansion interior and pulling the necessary local filming permits.
Production & Admin Fees
Costs $2,200
The essential overhead costs required to keep the production legally compliant and efficiently managed.
Crew Travel & Accommodations
Costs $1,500
Flying in our world-class Lead SFX artist and ensuring they have a place to sleep after hours of applying prosthetics.
Cast Day Rates
Costs $1,500
Paying our incredibly talented local actors for their physically demanding performances.
Art Department & Wardrobe
Costs $1,500
Sourcing period-accurate 1987 sleepover attire, set dressing, and raw materials for custom 3D printed props.
Craft Services & Contingency
Costs $800
Feeding our hardworking cast and crew on set, plus a small emergency buffer for unexpected production costs.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Barbie Ellen | Director & Lead Fabricator The founder of Pythia Pictures, Barbie is a filmmaker and fabricator specialising in the intersection of gothic horror and 1980s practical effects. A film and dance student at Santa Monica College, they bring a hands-on approach to every frame—from directing the action to hand-sewing period-accurate 15th-century garments and 3D printing custom metal props. Barbie lead the proof-of-concept shoot as both Director and lead talent, establishing the neon-soaked visual language of Dracula '87.
Andrei Elizarov | Producer & Cinematographer Andrei serves as the production’s organizational and visual anchor. On the Dracula '87 proof-of-concept, Andrei proved his incredible resourcefulness by simultaneously managing the roles of Producer, Cinematographer, and 1st AD. His ability to maintain a professional, efficient set while capturing high-end cinematic imagery is what allows Pythia Pictures to achieve a big-budget look on a micro-budget scale.
Sean Sharp | Lead SFX Artist Joining the production from Chicago, Sean is a world-class practical effects artist specializing in the visceral, tactile gore of the 1980s. Their mastery of silicone fabrication, complex mould-making, and hyper-realistic trauma makeup is the heart of the "Practical Effects Promise." Sean’s work ensures that every creature transformation and blood-letting sequence is rendered entirely on-camera without the use of CGI.
- Follow Sean’s work on Instagram: @sharp.shot.efx
Marcella Werre | Actor (“Lucy Westenra”) A vital returning collaborator from the proof-of-concept, Marcella’s performance as the undead Lucy provides the chilling emotional core of the film. Her ability to balance the tragic vulnerability of a Victorian debutante with the feral intensity of a 1980s slasher villain makes her the perfect foil for the film's horrors.
Olivia Skiffington | Key Makeup Artist Olivia is the artist behind the character looks seen in the initial footage. Her expertise in beauty and character makeup ensures that even in the midst of a blood-soaked nightmare, the cast maintains the specific, stylized aesthetic of 1987.
- Follow Olivia's work on Instagram: @oliviaraemua
Matthew Niknam | Director of Photgraphy Matthew served as the primary Camera Operator for the Dracula '87 proof-of-concept and will be the Director of Photography in the 15-minute-short. His technical precision and eye for movement were essential in capturing the frantic, claustrophobic energy of the microshort.
Lisa Burger | Fiscal Sponsor Lisa is the Executive Producer at Independent Arts and Media, who this project is fiscally sponsored by.