The Haunted Belldown School
St. Louis, Missouri | Film Short
Horror, Family
This film, written by a dyslexic 8 year old, offers a compelling narrative that highlights neurodiversity in a positive and empowering way. By supporting this project, you'll help promote inclusivity and empathy while delivering an exciting and innovative story that resonates with diverse audiences.
The Haunted Belldown School
St. Louis, Missouri | Film Short
Horror, Family

1 Campaigns | Missouri, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $7,510 for pre-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
60 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
This film, written by a dyslexic 8 year old, offers a compelling narrative that highlights neurodiversity in a positive and empowering way. By supporting this project, you'll help promote inclusivity and empathy while delivering an exciting and innovative story that resonates with diverse audiences.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Haunted Belldown School
Join Us in Bringing a Unique Film to Life!
Lily — a dyslexic homeschooler — leads a band of misfit homeschoolers on a chilling mission to liberate ghostly children from evil forces. "The Haunted Belldown School" emerges from the shadows of the horror genre, transcending mere scares to explore themes of acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing differences.
Inspired by hit shows like "Wednesday" and "Stranger Things," eight-year-old Willa Kate crafted this project to challenge stereotypes about homeschooling while weaving a haunting tale of courage and friendship. Willa Kate's unique perspective infuses this horror story with authenticity and a commitment to inclusivity.
Why is the idea of three homeschoolers exploring an abandoned school, encountering ghost kids, and battling evil teachers the perfect story? Because it's a thrilling blend of entertainment and empowerment.
Audiences will find it gripping, scary, and ultimately encouraging as our young heroes confront their fears and embrace their unique abilities.
"The Haunted Beldown School" celebrates neurodiversity by showcasing its characters' unique gifts and perspectives.
Lily, our dyslexic heroine, discovers that her differences are strengths when she uses her creativity and empathy to battle evil spirits.
This film emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and positively challenges stereotypes by portraying neurodivergence. In a genre where differences are often depicted negatively, "The Haunted Beldown School" offers a refreshing perspective that champions diversity and highlights the value of embracing individuality.
The other homeschoolers and ghost children in "The Haunted Beldown School" also grapple with their neurodivergences and struggles. Metaphorically or in reality, they are all trying to escape the clutches of those who would punish them for their differences.
The ultimate horror isn't just in supernatural elements—it's in how society treats individuals who don't fit the mold. This film challenges audiences to confront societal norms and consider the true meaning of acceptance and empathy.
"The Haunted Belldown School" challenges preconceived notions about educational alternatives like homeschooling.
More families are turning to homeschooling to provide tailored education for children with differences, whether due to bullying, challenges in traditional classrooms, or a desire for self-directed learning.
Homeschooling can foster stronger family relationships and allow for personalized approaches to education. By featuring homeschoolers as heroes in a horror film, we celebrate their courage and resilience while showcasing diverse learning paths.
"The Haunted Beldown School" is more than a film; it's a testament to the boundless creativity of young artists. Our team understands that creativity knows no age limits.
Willa Kate is the visionary behind this project. At only eight years old, she wrote the script based on her love of horror movies and desire to participate in the film-making creative process. Her real-life experiences with dyslexia and homeschooling inspired the story of the film. She has seen firsthand how neurodivergence can be a superpower and challenge. Willa Kate had also experienced the various benefits of homeschooling, including self-directed learning and strong connections with her family. These experiences are intertwined with her desire to create an exciting and entertainming film.
As a talented actress, she decided to produce this film inspired by other producers/actors, Margot Robbie and Millie Bobbie Brown. For her, being the driving force in making movies allows her more creative control and the ability to act in films she feels passionate about.
She has turned to a team of adults who share her vision to aid her in producing this movie. They also share her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Take our director, Emma Thatcher, whose recent feature film "Provo" showcases a strong point of view and engaging style. Emma for years has collaborated with her younger sister, Sophie Thatcher. This has fostered her ability to create a nurturing environment where youthful voices flourish.
Our award-winning cinematographer, Pearce Healey, is known for his immersive work in movies like "Inhabitants," featuring actor Kevin Nealon. Pearce feels a kinship with young creatives, having wrote his first screenplay at age 8.
Based on personal experiences and their vision for the future, these adults recognize the importance of amplifying youth voices in filmmaking and appreciate the refreshing perspectives that young artists bring to the table. This collaboration with Willa Kate is a celebration of youth in film.
Pearce Healey's atmospheric cinematography and Emma Thatcher's honest directing style ensure that every frame resonates with suspense and authenticity. Emma's previous work in "Provo" demonstrates her ability to craft thought-provoking narratives, while Pearce's work in "Your Filthy Heart" showcases his talent for creating striking and immersive visuals.
Our filmmakers have a specific vision for “The Haunted Belldown School.” The story takes place in the day and at night. Their intended visual style is reflected in the reference images guiding this project.
Guided by prior work, Pearce’s camera work shows different ways to light big night exteriors, frame intimate moments, and capture illuminating images.
Informed by experience and an ambitious vision, the goal is to have a visual style that brings the story of "The Haunted Belldown School" to life.
As a producer, Willa Kate also has thoughts on the film's visual style. She loved seeing Pearce’s past cinematography work, which captured the heart of horror filmmaking. She is drawn to the visual style in productions such as Stranger Things, highlighting a specific time and place that evokes emotions. She is confident that the team will bring her vision to life.
Don't miss your chance to be part of something special! We're on the cusp of bringing "The Haunted Beldown School" to life, but we need your support to make it happen. Your pledge isn't just an investment in a film; it's a declaration of support for diversity, creativity, and empowerment. Together, let's redefine the narrative of heroism and champion inclusivity in the horror genre and beyond.
Time is of the essence—join us as we embark on this thrilling journey to make "The Haunted Beldown School" a reality! Together, we can inspire change, celebrate uniqueness, and showcase the transformative power of storytelling. Contribute today and help us unleash the voices that deserve to be heard. The ghosts of our story await—let's bring them to life!
Help us #FreeTheGhosts and bring "The Haunted Beldown School" to the big screen! We are currently in pre-production, focusing on casting while securing the perfect location at The Arcadia Academy. This historic site, with its almost 200-year storied history as a Civil War Hospital, Ursuline College, and High School, now serves as a thriving B&B and restaurant in a stunning rural area in Missouri that holds immense potential for filmmaking. We are gearing up to start filming in July, and your support is crucial in making this vision a reality.
Your contributions through this campaign will be essential in providing fair wages to our cast and crew. In short films or non-union narrative projects, fair compensation for talent isn't always expected, especially when attracting the best talent who may be coming from the area. We believe in valuing the dedication and skill of our team members, and your support will help us uphold these standards and encourage top talent to join us on this exciting journey.
Seed and Spark will only approve this campaign if we reach 80 percent of our goal in pledges.
Our Goal: $9,200
This is the bare minimum to get our film off the ground. It might be painful, but we’ll make it work. It would allow us to hire the minimum number of crew members and cover less travel for cast and crew. The quality would be lower, and there would be no extra funds for post-production.
First Stretch Goal $12,500
If we raise this number, we can shoot a much better film. We’ll be able to show wide shots of the school, and the camera will have much more freedom of movement to capture our actors’ performances. Our crew would be more significant, leading to more quality overall. We will be able to provide more travel coverage. There would be some funds available for post-production and marketing.
Second Stretch Goal: $15,000
If we reach $15,000, we’ll make The Haunted Belldown School into the film it was always meant to be. Our crew will be seasoned professionals, and the camerawork will be uncompromised. Travel could be provided for all involved who needs it. There would be more funds for post-production, marketing, and festival fees.
Pledge: Support "The Haunted Beldown School" by pledging to our campaign. Every contribution brings us closer to getting this important story to life.
Follow: Stay updated on our progress by following our campaign page. Your engagement helps us build momentum and reach more supporters.
Share: Spread the word about "The Haunted Beldown School" on social media and with friends and family. Let's #FreeTheGhosts together and amplify Willa Kate's voice!
Feel free to use these in your social media to help get the word out:
Join me in supporting "The Haunted Beldown School," a captivating horror film challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. Your contributions will help provide fair wages to our talented cast and crew! Let's #FreeTheGhosts and make a difference together! https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Excited to see "The Haunted Beldown School" come to life! Help us celebrate inclusive storytelling that's thrilling and entertaining. #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Support "The Haunted Beldown School" and show the world that young voices matter. Let's make it happen! #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Together, we can make a difference. Support "The Haunted Beldown School" and help us value talent in filmmaking. Pledge now! #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Thank you for being part of our journey to create "The Haunted Beldown School." Your support means the world to us! #FreeTheGhosts #SupportIndieFilm https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
We appreciate your support!
Every dollar you pledge is tax deductible because we are fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit.
Thank you for believing in Willa Kate’s vision—and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We are committed to paying fair wages to crew, cast, and production team.
Stay up to date on progress, casting, and more: thehauntedbelldownschool.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location, Lodging, and Food
Costs $2,000
Food and lodging needed for some cast and crew during their time filming. Also to use The Academy.
Miscellaneous Production Expenses
Costs $200
For various experiences not otherwise budgeted.
Production & Crew
Costs $3,000
We will pay fair wages and be cost-effective in our production.
Above the line crew
Costs $2,000
This includes director, cinematographer, producers, and writer.
About This Team
Cinematographer/Producer: Pearce Healey, a seasoned cinematographer, has over a decade of experience in capturing narrative shorts and feature films. He studied at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and gained recognition for his work on “One to One,” featured on Short of the Week and screened at the Austin Film Festival. His unique vision and dedication shine through in every frame, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Director/Editor: Emma Thatcher is a filmmaker, photographer, actor, and country music enthusiast. She holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and won the Outstanding Achievement Award upon graduation. Emma wrote, directed, edited, and starred in her debut feature, Provo, centered on an ex-Mormon's journey to Utah. Her work includes numerous micro-budget short films, with one, Soomin, winning the Audience Award at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival. Emma seeks representation as a writer/director and actively pursues funding and collaborations. She was a finalist for Issa Rae’s Project Greenlight on HBO.
Screenwriter/Producer/Lead Actor: Willa-Kate McCarter’s multifaceted talents span across various creative domains, and she brings a wealth of experience to her work. She penned the script for The Haunted Belldown School and has showcased her acting talent in various productions, including short films, music videos, and theater. In addition to her creative pursuits, she is a dedicated homeschooler. Her diverse experiences and skills make her a valuable asset in the entertainment industry and the film.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
The Haunted Belldown School
Join Us in Bringing a Unique Film to Life!
Lily — a dyslexic homeschooler — leads a band of misfit homeschoolers on a chilling mission to liberate ghostly children from evil forces. "The Haunted Belldown School" emerges from the shadows of the horror genre, transcending mere scares to explore themes of acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing differences.
Inspired by hit shows like "Wednesday" and "Stranger Things," eight-year-old Willa Kate crafted this project to challenge stereotypes about homeschooling while weaving a haunting tale of courage and friendship. Willa Kate's unique perspective infuses this horror story with authenticity and a commitment to inclusivity.
Why is the idea of three homeschoolers exploring an abandoned school, encountering ghost kids, and battling evil teachers the perfect story? Because it's a thrilling blend of entertainment and empowerment.
Audiences will find it gripping, scary, and ultimately encouraging as our young heroes confront their fears and embrace their unique abilities.
"The Haunted Beldown School" celebrates neurodiversity by showcasing its characters' unique gifts and perspectives.
Lily, our dyslexic heroine, discovers that her differences are strengths when she uses her creativity and empathy to battle evil spirits.
This film emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and positively challenges stereotypes by portraying neurodivergence. In a genre where differences are often depicted negatively, "The Haunted Beldown School" offers a refreshing perspective that champions diversity and highlights the value of embracing individuality.
The other homeschoolers and ghost children in "The Haunted Beldown School" also grapple with their neurodivergences and struggles. Metaphorically or in reality, they are all trying to escape the clutches of those who would punish them for their differences.
The ultimate horror isn't just in supernatural elements—it's in how society treats individuals who don't fit the mold. This film challenges audiences to confront societal norms and consider the true meaning of acceptance and empathy.
"The Haunted Belldown School" challenges preconceived notions about educational alternatives like homeschooling.
More families are turning to homeschooling to provide tailored education for children with differences, whether due to bullying, challenges in traditional classrooms, or a desire for self-directed learning.
Homeschooling can foster stronger family relationships and allow for personalized approaches to education. By featuring homeschoolers as heroes in a horror film, we celebrate their courage and resilience while showcasing diverse learning paths.
"The Haunted Beldown School" is more than a film; it's a testament to the boundless creativity of young artists. Our team understands that creativity knows no age limits.
Willa Kate is the visionary behind this project. At only eight years old, she wrote the script based on her love of horror movies and desire to participate in the film-making creative process. Her real-life experiences with dyslexia and homeschooling inspired the story of the film. She has seen firsthand how neurodivergence can be a superpower and challenge. Willa Kate had also experienced the various benefits of homeschooling, including self-directed learning and strong connections with her family. These experiences are intertwined with her desire to create an exciting and entertainming film.
As a talented actress, she decided to produce this film inspired by other producers/actors, Margot Robbie and Millie Bobbie Brown. For her, being the driving force in making movies allows her more creative control and the ability to act in films she feels passionate about.
She has turned to a team of adults who share her vision to aid her in producing this movie. They also share her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Take our director, Emma Thatcher, whose recent feature film "Provo" showcases a strong point of view and engaging style. Emma for years has collaborated with her younger sister, Sophie Thatcher. This has fostered her ability to create a nurturing environment where youthful voices flourish.
Our award-winning cinematographer, Pearce Healey, is known for his immersive work in movies like "Inhabitants," featuring actor Kevin Nealon. Pearce feels a kinship with young creatives, having wrote his first screenplay at age 8.
Based on personal experiences and their vision for the future, these adults recognize the importance of amplifying youth voices in filmmaking and appreciate the refreshing perspectives that young artists bring to the table. This collaboration with Willa Kate is a celebration of youth in film.
Pearce Healey's atmospheric cinematography and Emma Thatcher's honest directing style ensure that every frame resonates with suspense and authenticity. Emma's previous work in "Provo" demonstrates her ability to craft thought-provoking narratives, while Pearce's work in "Your Filthy Heart" showcases his talent for creating striking and immersive visuals.
Our filmmakers have a specific vision for “The Haunted Belldown School.” The story takes place in the day and at night. Their intended visual style is reflected in the reference images guiding this project.
Guided by prior work, Pearce’s camera work shows different ways to light big night exteriors, frame intimate moments, and capture illuminating images.
Informed by experience and an ambitious vision, the goal is to have a visual style that brings the story of "The Haunted Belldown School" to life.
As a producer, Willa Kate also has thoughts on the film's visual style. She loved seeing Pearce’s past cinematography work, which captured the heart of horror filmmaking. She is drawn to the visual style in productions such as Stranger Things, highlighting a specific time and place that evokes emotions. She is confident that the team will bring her vision to life.
Don't miss your chance to be part of something special! We're on the cusp of bringing "The Haunted Beldown School" to life, but we need your support to make it happen. Your pledge isn't just an investment in a film; it's a declaration of support for diversity, creativity, and empowerment. Together, let's redefine the narrative of heroism and champion inclusivity in the horror genre and beyond.
Time is of the essence—join us as we embark on this thrilling journey to make "The Haunted Beldown School" a reality! Together, we can inspire change, celebrate uniqueness, and showcase the transformative power of storytelling. Contribute today and help us unleash the voices that deserve to be heard. The ghosts of our story await—let's bring them to life!
Help us #FreeTheGhosts and bring "The Haunted Beldown School" to the big screen! We are currently in pre-production, focusing on casting while securing the perfect location at The Arcadia Academy. This historic site, with its almost 200-year storied history as a Civil War Hospital, Ursuline College, and High School, now serves as a thriving B&B and restaurant in a stunning rural area in Missouri that holds immense potential for filmmaking. We are gearing up to start filming in July, and your support is crucial in making this vision a reality.
Your contributions through this campaign will be essential in providing fair wages to our cast and crew. In short films or non-union narrative projects, fair compensation for talent isn't always expected, especially when attracting the best talent who may be coming from the area. We believe in valuing the dedication and skill of our team members, and your support will help us uphold these standards and encourage top talent to join us on this exciting journey.
Seed and Spark will only approve this campaign if we reach 80 percent of our goal in pledges.
Our Goal: $9,200
This is the bare minimum to get our film off the ground. It might be painful, but we’ll make it work. It would allow us to hire the minimum number of crew members and cover less travel for cast and crew. The quality would be lower, and there would be no extra funds for post-production.
First Stretch Goal $12,500
If we raise this number, we can shoot a much better film. We’ll be able to show wide shots of the school, and the camera will have much more freedom of movement to capture our actors’ performances. Our crew would be more significant, leading to more quality overall. We will be able to provide more travel coverage. There would be some funds available for post-production and marketing.
Second Stretch Goal: $15,000
If we reach $15,000, we’ll make The Haunted Belldown School into the film it was always meant to be. Our crew will be seasoned professionals, and the camerawork will be uncompromised. Travel could be provided for all involved who needs it. There would be more funds for post-production, marketing, and festival fees.
Pledge: Support "The Haunted Beldown School" by pledging to our campaign. Every contribution brings us closer to getting this important story to life.
Follow: Stay updated on our progress by following our campaign page. Your engagement helps us build momentum and reach more supporters.
Share: Spread the word about "The Haunted Beldown School" on social media and with friends and family. Let's #FreeTheGhosts together and amplify Willa Kate's voice!
Feel free to use these in your social media to help get the word out:
Join me in supporting "The Haunted Beldown School," a captivating horror film challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity. Your contributions will help provide fair wages to our talented cast and crew! Let's #FreeTheGhosts and make a difference together! https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Excited to see "The Haunted Beldown School" come to life! Help us celebrate inclusive storytelling that's thrilling and entertaining. #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Support "The Haunted Beldown School" and show the world that young voices matter. Let's make it happen! #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Together, we can make a difference. Support "The Haunted Beldown School" and help us value talent in filmmaking. Pledge now! #FreeTheGhosts https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
Thank you for being part of our journey to create "The Haunted Beldown School." Your support means the world to us! #FreeTheGhosts #SupportIndieFilm https://seedandspark.com/fund/the-haunted-belldown-school
We appreciate your support!
Every dollar you pledge is tax deductible because we are fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit.
Thank you for believing in Willa Kate’s vision—and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We are committed to paying fair wages to crew, cast, and production team.
Stay up to date on progress, casting, and more: thehauntedbelldownschool.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Location, Lodging, and Food
Costs $2,000
Food and lodging needed for some cast and crew during their time filming. Also to use The Academy.
Miscellaneous Production Expenses
Costs $200
For various experiences not otherwise budgeted.
Production & Crew
Costs $3,000
We will pay fair wages and be cost-effective in our production.
Above the line crew
Costs $2,000
This includes director, cinematographer, producers, and writer.
About This Team
Cinematographer/Producer: Pearce Healey, a seasoned cinematographer, has over a decade of experience in capturing narrative shorts and feature films. He studied at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and gained recognition for his work on “One to One,” featured on Short of the Week and screened at the Austin Film Festival. His unique vision and dedication shine through in every frame, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Director/Editor: Emma Thatcher is a filmmaker, photographer, actor, and country music enthusiast. She holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and won the Outstanding Achievement Award upon graduation. Emma wrote, directed, edited, and starred in her debut feature, Provo, centered on an ex-Mormon's journey to Utah. Her work includes numerous micro-budget short films, with one, Soomin, winning the Audience Award at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival. Emma seeks representation as a writer/director and actively pursues funding and collaborations. She was a finalist for Issa Rae’s Project Greenlight on HBO.
Screenwriter/Producer/Lead Actor: Willa-Kate McCarter’s multifaceted talents span across various creative domains, and she brings a wealth of experience to her work. She penned the script for The Haunted Belldown School and has showcased her acting talent in various productions, including short films, music videos, and theater. In addition to her creative pursuits, she is a dedicated homeschooler. Her diverse experiences and skills make her a valuable asset in the entertainment industry and the film.