Method
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Thriller
As the actors compete to become a star, tensions rise and boundaries blur. Confessions turn volatile, relationships fracture, and the line between character and truth begin to dissolve. In METHOD, the pursuit of authenticity comes at a cost, and the role of a lifetime may be the last they ever play.
Method
Los Angeles, California | Film Feature
Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
45 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$7,195
Goal: $20,000 for production
As the actors compete to become a star, tensions rise and boundaries blur. Confessions turn volatile, relationships fracture, and the line between character and truth begin to dissolve. In METHOD, the pursuit of authenticity comes at a cost, and the role of a lifetime may be the last they ever play.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Twelve young actors are invited to a highly exclusive callback for Esperanza, a new Broadway play already surrounded by buzz and secrecy. For many of them, it’s the opportunity that could change everything. Inside an empty theater, they are greeted by the enigmatic director Lewis and his calculating assistant Jeffery, who promise a process unlike any other. What begins as a standard audition quickly transforms into an intense series of “method” exercises designed to strip away performance and expose raw truth. As the actors compete for the role, tensions rise and personal boundaries blur. Confessions turn volatile, relationships fracture, and the line between character and self begins to dissolve. But when the exercises take a darker turn, it becomes clear this is no ordinary callback, and not everyone was invited just to act. Trapped in a psychological game where vulnerability is weaponized, the actors must navigate a room full of desperate performers and hidden agendas. In METHOD, the pursuit of authenticity comes at a cost, and the role of a lifetime may be the last role they ever play.
Arthouse is back. Auteur is back. Elevated genre is back. And Gen-Z loves it. A24 has proved it. Now, let us prove it to you with METHOD. Films like The Substance, Black Swan, Moonlight, Wuthering Heights, Midsommar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hereditary... the list continues. These films push boundaries, ask questions, get weird, and aren’t afraid to do it. These films are actively bringing back cinema in an era of remakes. And they WORK. METHOD takes all of those attributes and produces it through an ensemble cast, witty dialogue, and bold characterization.
Whiplash, Black Swan, The Menu, Get Out, Saw
Method comes from my fascination with what people are willing to sacrifice to chosen. As an actor, I’ve spent years in audition rooms chasing the chance to act in rooms where you’re expected to perform, impress, and reveal parts of yourself, within minutes. There’s a quiet pressure in those spaces that can feel suffocating. This film takes that pressure and pushes it to its extreme. What begins as a callback slowly transforms into something far more psychological, where performance and identity begin to blur. I want the audience to feel like they are in the room, watching, judging, and questioning who they would become under that same circumstance. The film is intentionally minimal and contained, allowing tension, silence, and human behavior to drive the experience. Method is not just about acting, it’s about desperation, ego, and the fear of being overlooked. It asks a simple question: HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO BE CHOSEN?
Thank you for sharing and supporting us as we begin the METHOD journey. We really appreciate every single one of you. This movie isn't possible without YOU.
With much love,
Ashton Arbab
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $10,000
Help us secure the location for this film. One Theatre. One night. 12 Actors.
Marketing/Festivals
Costs $3,500
Help us get the film seen at festivals and all over the world.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
This is huge for this film, help it get scored, sound mixed, edited, colored etc
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ashton Arbab, (Actor, Director, Writer, Executive Producer)
At 23-years-old he has taken on roles from AMC's Fear The Walking Dead with Colman Domingo and ABC's General Hospital to Leading Lionsgates Powder Pup and Netflix's Baby Sitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting starring alongside Tom Felton. He began taking his work both in front and behind the camera with projects like, Off My Shoulders and Summer of ‘76. And now, he’s ready to take a turn and step into the realm of psychological horror.
Savannah Porter, (Producer, 1st AD)
Savannah Porter is a 20-year-old director, writer, and producer. She is currently studying film at UC Santa Cruz, where she has produced student short film productions every quarter. She is transferring to UC Irvine in the fall to continue her film studies. In May 2025 she founded her production company, Sun Rush Productions. After directing and producing her debut short, One Day, she is now in development with a proof-of-concept, There Is Still Time. Outside of her own productions, she loves collaborating and takes on roles from Producing and Assistant Directing, to PA and BTS Photography.
Taylor Smith, (Producer)
Taylor Smith is a 22-year-old director, writer, and creative/executive producer. A recent graduate of CSU Fullerton, she earned her degree in Film and Television with Cum Laude honors. In October 2025, she founded Backhouse Productions, a creative collective focused on narrative and commercial storytelling, while also providing opportunities for young creatives. With experience directing and writing three short films and two music videos, and producing four additional short films, Taylor continues to develop stories that explore themes of identity, connection, and resilience. She is eager to develop deeper connections, absorb more information, and grow the creative world for emerging artists.
Ari Novak (Producer)
Ari Novak is an accomplished film producer, director, and writer with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. His producing credits include the acclaimed thriller Blood for Dust starring Kit Harington and Josh Lucas, as well as We Bury the Dead and Solo Mio. As a filmmaker, Ari has developed and produced a wide range of feature films across multiple genres, working with both emerging talent and established industry names. In addition to his producing work, he has directed and written numerous independent features, bringing projects from development through distribution. Ari joins METHOD as a producing partner, bringing extensive experience in financing, production, distribution strategy, and industry relationships to help guide the film from development to release.
Connor Martfeld (Co Producer)
Connor Martfeld is an emerging producer and actor with a passion for independent filmmaking and storytelling. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Connor brings a strong analytical and business-minded approach to film production. As he continues his transition into the entertainment industry, he has expanded his work both in front of and behind the camera. Connor recently joined the cast of the feature film Princess, starring alongside Lucy Hale and Adam Demos. As a co-producer on METHOD, Connor contributes his organizational skills, creative perspective, and dedication to helping bring ambitious independent films to life.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Twelve young actors are invited to a highly exclusive callback for Esperanza, a new Broadway play already surrounded by buzz and secrecy. For many of them, it’s the opportunity that could change everything. Inside an empty theater, they are greeted by the enigmatic director Lewis and his calculating assistant Jeffery, who promise a process unlike any other. What begins as a standard audition quickly transforms into an intense series of “method” exercises designed to strip away performance and expose raw truth. As the actors compete for the role, tensions rise and personal boundaries blur. Confessions turn volatile, relationships fracture, and the line between character and self begins to dissolve. But when the exercises take a darker turn, it becomes clear this is no ordinary callback, and not everyone was invited just to act. Trapped in a psychological game where vulnerability is weaponized, the actors must navigate a room full of desperate performers and hidden agendas. In METHOD, the pursuit of authenticity comes at a cost, and the role of a lifetime may be the last role they ever play.
Arthouse is back. Auteur is back. Elevated genre is back. And Gen-Z loves it. A24 has proved it. Now, let us prove it to you with METHOD. Films like The Substance, Black Swan, Moonlight, Wuthering Heights, Midsommar, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hereditary... the list continues. These films push boundaries, ask questions, get weird, and aren’t afraid to do it. These films are actively bringing back cinema in an era of remakes. And they WORK. METHOD takes all of those attributes and produces it through an ensemble cast, witty dialogue, and bold characterization.
Whiplash, Black Swan, The Menu, Get Out, Saw
Method comes from my fascination with what people are willing to sacrifice to chosen. As an actor, I’ve spent years in audition rooms chasing the chance to act in rooms where you’re expected to perform, impress, and reveal parts of yourself, within minutes. There’s a quiet pressure in those spaces that can feel suffocating. This film takes that pressure and pushes it to its extreme. What begins as a callback slowly transforms into something far more psychological, where performance and identity begin to blur. I want the audience to feel like they are in the room, watching, judging, and questioning who they would become under that same circumstance. The film is intentionally minimal and contained, allowing tension, silence, and human behavior to drive the experience. Method is not just about acting, it’s about desperation, ego, and the fear of being overlooked. It asks a simple question: HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO BE CHOSEN?
Thank you for sharing and supporting us as we begin the METHOD journey. We really appreciate every single one of you. This movie isn't possible without YOU.
With much love,
Ashton Arbab
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location
Costs $10,000
Help us secure the location for this film. One Theatre. One night. 12 Actors.
Marketing/Festivals
Costs $3,500
Help us get the film seen at festivals and all over the world.
Post Production
Costs $2,000
This is huge for this film, help it get scored, sound mixed, edited, colored etc
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Ashton Arbab, (Actor, Director, Writer, Executive Producer)
At 23-years-old he has taken on roles from AMC's Fear The Walking Dead with Colman Domingo and ABC's General Hospital to Leading Lionsgates Powder Pup and Netflix's Baby Sitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting starring alongside Tom Felton. He began taking his work both in front and behind the camera with projects like, Off My Shoulders and Summer of ‘76. And now, he’s ready to take a turn and step into the realm of psychological horror.
Savannah Porter, (Producer, 1st AD)
Savannah Porter is a 20-year-old director, writer, and producer. She is currently studying film at UC Santa Cruz, where she has produced student short film productions every quarter. She is transferring to UC Irvine in the fall to continue her film studies. In May 2025 she founded her production company, Sun Rush Productions. After directing and producing her debut short, One Day, she is now in development with a proof-of-concept, There Is Still Time. Outside of her own productions, she loves collaborating and takes on roles from Producing and Assistant Directing, to PA and BTS Photography.
Taylor Smith, (Producer)
Taylor Smith is a 22-year-old director, writer, and creative/executive producer. A recent graduate of CSU Fullerton, she earned her degree in Film and Television with Cum Laude honors. In October 2025, she founded Backhouse Productions, a creative collective focused on narrative and commercial storytelling, while also providing opportunities for young creatives. With experience directing and writing three short films and two music videos, and producing four additional short films, Taylor continues to develop stories that explore themes of identity, connection, and resilience. She is eager to develop deeper connections, absorb more information, and grow the creative world for emerging artists.
Ari Novak (Producer)
Ari Novak is an accomplished film producer, director, and writer with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. His producing credits include the acclaimed thriller Blood for Dust starring Kit Harington and Josh Lucas, as well as We Bury the Dead and Solo Mio. As a filmmaker, Ari has developed and produced a wide range of feature films across multiple genres, working with both emerging talent and established industry names. In addition to his producing work, he has directed and written numerous independent features, bringing projects from development through distribution. Ari joins METHOD as a producing partner, bringing extensive experience in financing, production, distribution strategy, and industry relationships to help guide the film from development to release.
Connor Martfeld (Co Producer)
Connor Martfeld is an emerging producer and actor with a passion for independent filmmaking and storytelling. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Connor brings a strong analytical and business-minded approach to film production. As he continues his transition into the entertainment industry, he has expanded his work both in front of and behind the camera. Connor recently joined the cast of the feature film Princess, starring alongside Lucy Hale and Adam Demos. As a co-producer on METHOD, Connor contributes his organizational skills, creative perspective, and dedication to helping bring ambitious independent films to life.