Satan Claws
Julian, California | Film Short
Horror, Thriller
A group of friends escapes to a secluded cabin for Christmas, but an unexpected visitor transforms their holiday into a night of terror.
Satan Claws
Julian, California | Film Short
Horror, Thriller
1 Campaigns | Florida, United States
4 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$195
Goal: $19,800 for production
A group of friends escapes to a secluded cabin for Christmas, but an unexpected visitor transforms their holiday into a night of terror.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
Set in 1984, SATAN CLAWS follows the story of six friends who decided to escape to a secluded cabin in the woods, in the fictitious town of Rafaville, to celebrate Christmas together! Our group of friends- Trent, Holly, Brad, Tiffany, Cassius, and Ashley - can't wait to have a festive night, full of fun, games, and rock 'n roll.
The group is separated into who will get the party started, who will keep the house nice and warm, and who will find a nice game for them to play. There are a lot of cool and weird games at the cabin, including a Ouija Board and the brand new Santa Claus Mayhem game.
Their fate is changed forever after an unwanted Santa Claus pays a visit to their home.
The vibe we are going with Satan Claws is Friday the 13th parts 4 and 6. To me, those are the most fun ones (and goriest, in my opinion). In the end, I want to pay tribute to all the horror films that made me the fan that I am today. I do have newer classics as inspiration as well, such as Night of the Reaper, which came out last year. 
Our goal is to create a bold, practical-effects-driven love letter to the slasher films of the 1980s. With Satan Claws, we're proving that independent horror can still be thrilling, original, and unforgettable. Every contribution helps us bring this proof of concept to life and demonstrate that this story deserves to become a feature-length nightmare.
Once completed, we will submit Satan Claws to festivals so it can be watched as it was meant to be watched: with an audience! But our backers who get the option to own the digital film will get it before everyone else! And hey, maybe even an uncut version of it?
I want to make something that I would love to watch as an audience member. And I am getting people who share my passion to make this movie. I have been talking about this movie non-stop to whoever wants to hear me, and the response has been amazing! For example, we went to Julian, CA in August to scout for locations, and of course, we were wearing Satan Claws merch, and a lot of people asked us about it. Not only that, but they were also excited to 1) have a movie shot there and 2) have a Christimas slasher set in the 1980s being made. They are just as excited to have us in March of '27 shooting the film as we are.
To bring our Christmas slasher to life, we need all your support. Be the STAR of our campaign by helping us. More on that below. 
FUNDRAISING GOALS
We need about 20k to bring our vision to life. This will cover location fees, airfares, equipment, meals for the cast and crew, and practical FX. We want this film to look good and sound good, so we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved.
In order to make this film a reality, we need your support. We want to make sure our cast and crew are paid fairly, while getting the right gear, meals, the right location, props, and effects to nail the 80s slasher tone we’re going for. We have lots of cool incentives in exchange for your support, like all types of credits in the film, props, the opportunity to hang with us on set, and even be in the movie!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Special FX
Costs $3,500
All practical, baby! Our FX wizard, Emilio, will be on set with us; he'll make the body parts we need from scratch! Old school, baby!
Props
Costs $600
It's gotta look legit! Since our movie takes place in the 80s, we need props such as TVs, phone, table games, old Nintendo.
Location
Costs $2,000
We need 2 cabins in Julia, CA, to accommodate the cast and crew and film the film. But they need to have the 80s aesthetic.
Food and Snacks
Costs $1,800
Happy Crew, Great movie! Help us feed our cast and crew so we can all work those long hours full of energy. 1 Meal a day + Snacks
Travel Expenses
Costs $2,200
Most of our cast and crew will be local to Julian, CA. But there are FIVE of us who are flying from Florida to make movie magic.
Equipment
Costs $2,500
While our DP and sound guy have their own equipment, we need to rent some lenses and lighting equipment. It has to look cinematic, right?
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
We want to hit those thrift stores and dress our cast properly for the era. Also, we do need a Santa Claus costume.
CAST AND CREW
Costs $5,200
With this, we'll be able to pay the cast and crew for their time to bring this "gorious" project to life.
Vehicle
Costs $1,000
We need either an 80s Bronco, Jeep, or similar for a very important scene in the beginning of the movie.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Danilo Rocha - Director/Writer/Actor
Danilo Rocha is an actor born in Brazil who discovered his passion over a decade ago. He's acted in thrillers, dramas, and comedies. He has made films with his friends when he was younger, and all those other things that were "cliche" in the moviemaking world. But one thing was missing, and that was his other passion: horror.
"When I talk about 'Satan Claws', the first thing that comes to mind is that this movie is a love letter to 80s slasher films. It's in my bones to tell this story and to immerse everyone back in the 80s horror glory. This 'Satan Claws' story will work as a Prologue to the bigger story we have planned for you. When I paint the full picture to my peers, they say that they haven't seen 'it' before. Hopefully you all like what I bring to the screen and we can have a full feature-length pretty soon! And I promise you, you will be on the edge of your seats!
This is my passion project. This is the thing I was born to do. This is the type of thing that every "accident" that has happened until I get to the point of writing this very post was a "happy accident"; they were signs that I was heading in the right direction. And thank YOU all just for reading this. We appreciate you."
Don Dimitri Joseph - Actor
Don-Dimitri Joseph is a Haitian American actor, director, producer, and writer born in Miami, Florida. His debut short film, Last Option, in which he served as director, producer, and lead actor, completed a successful festival run, screening at the Atlanta Film Festival, Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival, Charlotte Film Festival, Orlando Film Festival, and more. The film is now streaming on Mansabacked by David Oyelowo and Nate Parker.
A Top 100 Finalist of the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective, Don-Dimitri continues to build on his reputation as a rising creative force. He recently wrapped production on his latest short film, Where the Leaves Grow Green, a poignant story exploring identity, family, and resilience.
As an actor, Don-Dimitri has appeared in hit series across HBO, STARZ, Paramount+, and Amazon. He makes his first recurring appearance as Johnny in the Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake opposite Moses Ingram.
As a producer, his work has been recognized at festivals including BronzeLens and Morehouse Film Festival. Having produced over five short films, Don-Dimitri is now in pre-production on multiple feature-length projects, continuing to expand his storytelling reach across film and television.
Alex Pompa - Actor/Producer
Alex G Pompa is a Southern California-based SAG-eligible actor who began acting professionally in 2024. Since then, he has appeared in multiple commercial campaigns, including a National SAG commercial, as well as several independent film projects and a SAG project, “Run Amok” alongside Eric Roberts. Passionate about finding the truth in a story both in front and behind the camera. His long-term goal is to continue building a career in film and television while making long-lasting relationships and creating meaningful projects that connect with people.
Julie Hernandez - Director of Photography
Samantha Rosenberg - Actor
Samantha Rosenberg graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with an Associate of Fine Arts and has been pursuing her dream of acting ever since. She has appeared in films such as Rabbit Hole: Running with the Devil, Patsy, Tomorrow is Coming, and more. She is a big horror fan and is excited to be part of another horror film. She’s looking forward to working with this talented, dedicated crew to create a suspenseful, scary, and gory film.
Tabitha - Associate Producer
Loves the spooky season! Having worked with face and body painting, scare acting, and continues to work in the haunt scene with local favorite ‘A Petrified Forest ’.
Her background includes conventions; since 2015, you can find her running lines, food, or even assisting the talent with their schedules. She's been a Ring announcer, backstage interviewer, and enjoys camera work with Coastal Championship Wrestling.
She’s worked as a manager and assisted on filming with podcasters and content creators throughout the travel and wrestling scene.
I am a huge fan of practical effects! Upon reading the vision of an 80’s slasher WITH practical effects!?! Count me in! I look forward to seeing Danilo make this happen and all future projects!
Tantrum 9 - Associate Producer
Tantrum9 is a horror creator, actor, and visual storyteller dedicated to turning every stream into a cinematic horror experience. With a background in professional creative design and appearances in horror productions like Zombie Jesus Vampire Hunter, he combines immersive production, dark humor, and genuine horror fandom into content that feels more like stepping inside a haunted movie than watching a livestream. From forgotten retro classics to modern survival horror, if it can make your heart race or your skin crawl, you'll probably find it on my channel.
Diurla Dube - Associate Producer
Diurla Dube is a Florida-based actor & model with a passion for authentic storytelling and connecting with audiences through meaningful, human experiences. After years of raising my family, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of acting & have since had the opportunity to work in film, television, commercials, and print. Whether in front of the camera or supporting a production behind the scenes, I love being part of collaborative projects that connect people through storytelling.
Kevin Caicedo - Sound Designer and Sound Mixer
Kevin Caicedo is a South Florida-based production sound mixer and sound designer whose passion for storytelling has always started with what audiences hear. For nearly a decade, he's helped bring independent films to life by capturing authentic performances on set and crafting immersive soundscapes that draw viewers deeper into every scene. A lifelong fan of horror—especially the practical effects and atmosphere of 1980s classics—Kevin believes great sound is what transforms suspense into genuine fear. Whether it's the silence before the scare or the chaos that follows, he's dedicated to creating audio that makes every moment unforgettable.
I want to bring Satan Claws to life because it captures everything I love about classic horror filmmaking. Growing up inspired by the atmosphere and suspense of '80s horror, I've always admired how sound could make audiences feel like they were right inside the nightmare. Joining this project gives me the chance to combine that passion with my craft while taking on a new challenge by recording in a snowy environment for the first time. I'm excited to help create an immersive horror experience where every sound—from the quietest footsteps to the most terrifying moments—pulls the audience deeper into the story. I can't wait for horror fans to experience what we're creating together.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Story
Set in 1984, SATAN CLAWS follows the story of six friends who decided to escape to a secluded cabin in the woods, in the fictitious town of Rafaville, to celebrate Christmas together! Our group of friends- Trent, Holly, Brad, Tiffany, Cassius, and Ashley - can't wait to have a festive night, full of fun, games, and rock 'n roll.
The group is separated into who will get the party started, who will keep the house nice and warm, and who will find a nice game for them to play. There are a lot of cool and weird games at the cabin, including a Ouija Board and the brand new Santa Claus Mayhem game.
Their fate is changed forever after an unwanted Santa Claus pays a visit to their home.
The vibe we are going with Satan Claws is Friday the 13th parts 4 and 6. To me, those are the most fun ones (and goriest, in my opinion). In the end, I want to pay tribute to all the horror films that made me the fan that I am today. I do have newer classics as inspiration as well, such as Night of the Reaper, which came out last year. Our goal is to create a bold, practical-effects-driven love letter to the slasher films of the 1980s. With Satan Claws, we're proving that independent horror can still be thrilling, original, and unforgettable. Every contribution helps us bring this proof of concept to life and demonstrate that this story deserves to become a feature-length nightmare.
Once completed, we will submit Satan Claws to festivals so it can be watched as it was meant to be watched: with an audience! But our backers who get the option to own the digital film will get it before everyone else! And hey, maybe even an uncut version of it?
I want to make something that I would love to watch as an audience member. And I am getting people who share my passion to make this movie. I have been talking about this movie non-stop to whoever wants to hear me, and the response has been amazing! For example, we went to Julian, CA in August to scout for locations, and of course, we were wearing Satan Claws merch, and a lot of people asked us about it. Not only that, but they were also excited to 1) have a movie shot there and 2) have a Christimas slasher set in the 1980s being made. They are just as excited to have us in March of '27 shooting the film as we are.
To bring our Christmas slasher to life, we need all your support. Be the STAR of our campaign by helping us. More on that below. FUNDRAISING GOALS
We need about 20k to bring our vision to life. This will cover location fees, airfares, equipment, meals for the cast and crew, and practical FX. We want this film to look good and sound good, so we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved.
In order to make this film a reality, we need your support. We want to make sure our cast and crew are paid fairly, while getting the right gear, meals, the right location, props, and effects to nail the 80s slasher tone we’re going for. We have lots of cool incentives in exchange for your support, like all types of credits in the film, props, the opportunity to hang with us on set, and even be in the movie!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Special FX
Costs $3,500
All practical, baby! Our FX wizard, Emilio, will be on set with us; he'll make the body parts we need from scratch! Old school, baby!
Props
Costs $600
It's gotta look legit! Since our movie takes place in the 80s, we need props such as TVs, phone, table games, old Nintendo.
Location
Costs $2,000
We need 2 cabins in Julia, CA, to accommodate the cast and crew and film the film. But they need to have the 80s aesthetic.
Food and Snacks
Costs $1,800
Happy Crew, Great movie! Help us feed our cast and crew so we can all work those long hours full of energy. 1 Meal a day + Snacks
Travel Expenses
Costs $2,200
Most of our cast and crew will be local to Julian, CA. But there are FIVE of us who are flying from Florida to make movie magic.
Equipment
Costs $2,500
While our DP and sound guy have their own equipment, we need to rent some lenses and lighting equipment. It has to look cinematic, right?
Wardrobe
Costs $1,000
We want to hit those thrift stores and dress our cast properly for the era. Also, we do need a Santa Claus costume.
CAST AND CREW
Costs $5,200
With this, we'll be able to pay the cast and crew for their time to bring this "gorious" project to life.
Vehicle
Costs $1,000
We need either an 80s Bronco, Jeep, or similar for a very important scene in the beginning of the movie.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Danilo Rocha - Director/Writer/Actor
Danilo Rocha is an actor born in Brazil who discovered his passion over a decade ago. He's acted in thrillers, dramas, and comedies. He has made films with his friends when he was younger, and all those other things that were "cliche" in the moviemaking world. But one thing was missing, and that was his other passion: horror.
"When I talk about 'Satan Claws', the first thing that comes to mind is that this movie is a love letter to 80s slasher films. It's in my bones to tell this story and to immerse everyone back in the 80s horror glory. This 'Satan Claws' story will work as a Prologue to the bigger story we have planned for you. When I paint the full picture to my peers, they say that they haven't seen 'it' before. Hopefully you all like what I bring to the screen and we can have a full feature-length pretty soon! And I promise you, you will be on the edge of your seats!
This is my passion project. This is the thing I was born to do. This is the type of thing that every "accident" that has happened until I get to the point of writing this very post was a "happy accident"; they were signs that I was heading in the right direction. And thank YOU all just for reading this. We appreciate you."
Don Dimitri Joseph - Actor
Don-Dimitri Joseph is a Haitian American actor, director, producer, and writer born in Miami, Florida. His debut short film, Last Option, in which he served as director, producer, and lead actor, completed a successful festival run, screening at the Atlanta Film Festival, Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival, Charlotte Film Festival, Orlando Film Festival, and more. The film is now streaming on Mansabacked by David Oyelowo and Nate Parker.
A Top 100 Finalist of the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective, Don-Dimitri continues to build on his reputation as a rising creative force. He recently wrapped production on his latest short film, Where the Leaves Grow Green, a poignant story exploring identity, family, and resilience.
As an actor, Don-Dimitri has appeared in hit series across HBO, STARZ, Paramount+, and Amazon. He makes his first recurring appearance as Johnny in the Apple TV+ series Lady in the Lake opposite Moses Ingram.
As a producer, his work has been recognized at festivals including BronzeLens and Morehouse Film Festival. Having produced over five short films, Don-Dimitri is now in pre-production on multiple feature-length projects, continuing to expand his storytelling reach across film and television.
Alex Pompa - Actor/Producer
Alex G Pompa is a Southern California-based SAG-eligible actor who began acting professionally in 2024. Since then, he has appeared in multiple commercial campaigns, including a National SAG commercial, as well as several independent film projects and a SAG project, “Run Amok” alongside Eric Roberts. Passionate about finding the truth in a story both in front and behind the camera. His long-term goal is to continue building a career in film and television while making long-lasting relationships and creating meaningful projects that connect with people.
Julie Hernandez - Director of Photography
Samantha Rosenberg - Actor
Samantha Rosenberg graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with an Associate of Fine Arts and has been pursuing her dream of acting ever since. She has appeared in films such as Rabbit Hole: Running with the Devil, Patsy, Tomorrow is Coming, and more. She is a big horror fan and is excited to be part of another horror film. She’s looking forward to working with this talented, dedicated crew to create a suspenseful, scary, and gory film.
Tabitha - Associate Producer
Loves the spooky season! Having worked with face and body painting, scare acting, and continues to work in the haunt scene with local favorite ‘A Petrified Forest ’.
Her background includes conventions; since 2015, you can find her running lines, food, or even assisting the talent with their schedules. She's been a Ring announcer, backstage interviewer, and enjoys camera work with Coastal Championship Wrestling.
She’s worked as a manager and assisted on filming with podcasters and content creators throughout the travel and wrestling scene.
I am a huge fan of practical effects! Upon reading the vision of an 80’s slasher WITH practical effects!?! Count me in! I look forward to seeing Danilo make this happen and all future projects!
Tantrum 9 - Associate Producer
Tantrum9 is a horror creator, actor, and visual storyteller dedicated to turning every stream into a cinematic horror experience. With a background in professional creative design and appearances in horror productions like Zombie Jesus Vampire Hunter, he combines immersive production, dark humor, and genuine horror fandom into content that feels more like stepping inside a haunted movie than watching a livestream. From forgotten retro classics to modern survival horror, if it can make your heart race or your skin crawl, you'll probably find it on my channel.
Diurla Dube - Associate Producer
Diurla Dube is a Florida-based actor & model with a passion for authentic storytelling and connecting with audiences through meaningful, human experiences. After years of raising my family, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of acting & have since had the opportunity to work in film, television, commercials, and print. Whether in front of the camera or supporting a production behind the scenes, I love being part of collaborative projects that connect people through storytelling.
Kevin Caicedo - Sound Designer and Sound Mixer
Kevin Caicedo is a South Florida-based production sound mixer and sound designer whose passion for storytelling has always started with what audiences hear. For nearly a decade, he's helped bring independent films to life by capturing authentic performances on set and crafting immersive soundscapes that draw viewers deeper into every scene. A lifelong fan of horror—especially the practical effects and atmosphere of 1980s classics—Kevin believes great sound is what transforms suspense into genuine fear. Whether it's the silence before the scare or the chaos that follows, he's dedicated to creating audio that makes every moment unforgettable.
I want to bring Satan Claws to life because it captures everything I love about classic horror filmmaking. Growing up inspired by the atmosphere and suspense of '80s horror, I've always admired how sound could make audiences feel like they were right inside the nightmare. Joining this project gives me the chance to combine that passion with my craft while taking on a new challenge by recording in a snowy environment for the first time. I'm excited to help create an immersive horror experience where every sound—from the quietest footsteps to the most terrifying moments—pulls the audience deeper into the story. I can't wait for horror fans to experience what we're creating together.