THE BEND post-production
Portland, Oregon | Film Feature
Horror, Drama
A ten-year-old girl and her soon-to-be-divorced parents take one last wintery mountain vacation as a family. After a series of bizarre incidents (a baffling disappearance, a ghostly presence, and a Twilight-Zone-y time loop), the family begins to wonder if they’ll ever make it back home again...
THE BEND post-production
Portland, Oregon | Film Feature
Horror, Drama
1 Campaigns | Oregon, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $32,444 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
200 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
A ten-year-old girl and her soon-to-be-divorced parents take one last wintery mountain vacation as a family. After a series of bizarre incidents (a baffling disappearance, a ghostly presence, and a Twilight-Zone-y time loop), the family begins to wonder if they’ll ever make it back home again...
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
From New York Times Bestselling author Chelsea Cain and acclaimed director James Westby comes THE BEND, a darkly comedic and atmospheric ghost story set in the haunting woods of Central Oregon.
A family’s vacation to Deer Butte Ranch takes a sinister turn when they witness a fatal car crash on their way. Upon arrival, their friends seem unaffected by the tragedy, heightening a growing sense of unease. That night, the family’s 10-year-old daughter vanishes into the snowy wilderness in what appears to be a sleepwalking episode. As search efforts escalate, dark questions begin to emerge: is the mother losing her mind? Are their friends even real? Narrated by the missing girl, THE BEND explores the breakdown of trust, the thin line between reality and delusion, and a family on the brink...
Creators' previous work:
chelseacain.com
filmsbyjameswestby.com
INSPIRATION
THE BEND is a throwback to ambiguous and dreamlike cinema. A heady combo of a realistic family drama and a spookily atmospheric made-for-tv movie of the 1970s.
This movie is finding inspiration in such works as Carnival of Souls. Let's Scare Jessica to Death. The Shining. Episodes of the original Twilight Zone. Force Majeure. Anatomy of a Fall. Hereditary.
THE BEND TIDBITS
Chelsea Cain wrote this script based on a sleepwalking incident involving her own daughter.
She wrote the lead part of Ash for the fantastically talented ten-year-old Cleo Westby, in order to trick Cleo’s Dad (James) into becoming the director/editor of the film. It worked.
The creative team took the family aspect to another level by casting Ash’s parents with Cleo’s real-life parents. (James was hesitant to play the dad at first because he wasn't sure people would "buy" him as Cleo's dad, even though he is literally Cleo's dad.)
Legendary author Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB) gives a killer voice performance in THE BEND, as the host of a fictional true-crime podcast that plays in the background throughout the film.
The film utilizes an amazing array of Portland/PNW talent both in front of, and behind, the camera.
WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?
In December 2024 we filmed 90% of the film over a whirlwind two weeks on a micro-budget in Central Oregon.
It was hard and fun and exhausting and gratifying, and we got such amazing shots.
Now it is time for post-production, and a we have some shots to pick up and a few more scenes to film. We are looking to raise 30k (plus stretch goals; see below) for post-production and we plan to have a final cut in November 2025. After that, we will start the process of submitting to film festivals and securing distribution.
Where does your $$ go?
Completing the shooting, creating the film in post-production: editing, music composition & licensing, sound-mixing.
If we meet our stretch goals, it will help push the film into the world: festival submissions, marketing, PR, and getting to festivals (train/flights/lodging).
STRETCH GOALS
More dollars in the case of THE BEND will only make the film better, as most of it (in these additional stretch goal items, aside from marketing) will go directly onto the screen.
Our stretch-goal budget is $50K total, which means an additional $20K that could feasibly be pumped into this film. It breaks down as follows:
- $2K SOUND MIX: We would love to spend another week in the mix to get it truly dialed in and ready for theaters, streaming, and home video.
- $4K MUSIC: Opportunity to license amazing music from local bands
- $5K MARKETING: Extra resources for marketing this movie and paying for film festivals.
- $3K SHOOTING: Cash for additional shooting, making our opening sequence up the mountain more epic in scope.
- $3K COLOR: For color grading
- $3K AFTER EFFECTS: To hire an AE artist for visual effects and title sequence.
Please become a part of our team! Or we will be arrested by these pretend-cops.
HOW TO JOIN OUR BEND LEAGUE OF MAGNIFICENT WEIRDOS.
1. CONTRIBUTE AND PLEDGE:
You can make a contribution by making a pledge (we need to collect at least 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep our funds). You decide what fits your budget. No pledge is too small.
Every dollar makes a difference in making our film possible. And every person who contributes is part of our community. Also, has anyone told you how great you look today?
Click the blue “make a pledge” button above, and select your favorite perk (we have some great ones!). Make a safe, secure contribution using your personal credit card information. Your credit card will not be charged until the campaign ends and ONLY if we hit our goal. You can always add more to your pledge as the campaign progresses if you’d like. :)
You can choose an incentive or make a pledge to a specific wishlist item. Or you can forego these altogether and just give us money! Your pledge, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in making this film a reality. We thank you for being part of our journey!
2. FOLLOW US ON HERE ON SEED & SPARK, also INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK:
First, follow us here on Seed & Spark. Other socials are below!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Have a friend or family member who is a horror nerd? Atmospheric black comedy nerd? THE BEND is for them!
Please share our posts, our campaign page, and our backer updates!
HELP MAKE THIS CHILD HAPPY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound design and mix
Costs $7,000
We need professional sound design (and mix) to make our atmospheric horror story a film that will provide all the feels.
Editing
Costs $10,000
We have synced & organized our footage, but now comes the hard part: editing. This is really where the movie gets made.
Additional shooting
Costs $3,000
We filmed the majority of THE BEND back in December. We have a few inserts and additional dialogue scenes to go.
Music composition and recording
Costs $5,000
We have the opportunity to partner w/ some terrific Portland bands, including Glitterfox and Wonderly.
Marketing and film festival submissions
Costs $5,000
We'll submit to film festivals, both local and international. This costs $. And if we get in, it costs $ to attend. Plus, the outfits.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE CAST AND CREW
WRITER/PRODUCER: CHELSEA CAIN
Chelsea Cain is the author of The NYT bestselling Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thriller series. Her Portland-based thrillers, described by The NYT as "steamy and perverse," have been published in over 30 languages. Stephen King included two of her books in his top ten favorite books of the year, and NPR named HEARTSICK one of the best 100 thrillers ever written. According to Booklist, “Popular entertainment just doesn’t get much better than this." Chelsea is also the author of several other books, and comic books, including the Eisner-nominated comic book series MOCKINGBIRD and MAN-EATERS.
DIRECTOR/EDITOR/PRODUCER: JAMES WESTBY
Called "a wizard of concision and a master of discomfort" by The NYT, James Westby is an independent filmmaker from Portland, OR. He writes, directs, and edits provocative films with economical budgets and no compromises. And big laughs! And discomfort. Westby-made features include the recent documentary AT THE VIDEO STORE (featuring Bill Hader and John Waters), as well as the narrative comedies RID OF ME, THE AUTEUR, and FILM GEEK. His films have played at the Tribeca Film Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, Palm Springs Shortsfest, BendFilm, and dozens of others all over the world. Westby's work in the commercial world includes campaigns for Tillamook, Wildfang, Oregon Lottery, Duraflame, and Travel Portland. He is currently in post on his next feature, an intimate documentary portrait entitled OH, DENISE!, and in production on THE BEND.
THE PODCAST HOST: CHUCK PALAHNIUK
Legendary author Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB, etc) gives a killer voice performance in THE BEND as the host of a true crime podcast that the MOTHER character listens to throughout the film.
CLEO WESTBY as Ashley
Cleo is a fourth-grade student in Portland, OR, and is the daughter of THE BEND director James Westby. Her interests include basketball, creating art, playing with (and making) various forms of slime, watching The Simpsons, doing gymnastics, and acting. Chelsea Cain wrote the part of Ashley for her, allowing Cleo and her Dad to continue their screen collaborations which have included music videos, comedy shorts, cat videos, and the documentary film AT THE VIDEO STORE. Cleo is 10 and her hero is Taylor Swift (duh). THE BEND will mark her debut as a dramatic lead in a feature film.
LORI FERRARO as Chief Connie
Lori Ferraro is a self-described "actor, writer, and '80s weirdo" who does tv, film, and comedy. She can mostly be seen performing with her favorite people at her favorite place, The Siren Theater in Portland, OR.
CARRIE LYNN SLAYTON as Brenda/Mother
Carrie gives children awesome haircuts, is a three-time gestational surrogate, and actively volunteers in the local community to help promote the safety and welfare of
children. She is currently studying for the LSATs and is making her motion picture debut as Brenda in THE BEND.
HASAAN THOMAS as Hank
Hasaan Thomas is a 55-year-old fresh-faced actor, producer, and writer hailing originally from Texas. Immensely comedic though not a comedian, you can view his acting debut in the hit web series Hasaan Hates Portland.
B. FRAYN MASTERS and ANDREW DICKSON as Chuck & Cathy
ROB CAMPBELL as Deputy Butcher
JACKSON WALKER as Tommy
PRODUCER, COP #5: SEANN McKEEL
Visual artist, producer and music coordinator— Seann McKeel’s projects can be likened to a variety show, including an actual variety show called You Who! She works from her artist complex, Monster Island, in Portland, Oregon. The island hosts a 12 member ceramics studio (Monster Island Clay), a boutique (Maiden Voyage), a frame shop (Portland Creative Framing), and musicians, March Fourth. Seann loves to create and collaborate, when not throwing pottery, she books music nationally for Children’s Cancer Association and enjoys very much working on ghostly endeavors.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: ANDY SEGRIST
Indiana-born, Purdue grad, Andy Segrist fled the Midwest for London, where he studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute. After a stint in NYC, he moved West to beautiful Portland, OR where he worked for a quarter century as a retirement advisor. He was also a producer on James Westby's recent documentary film, AT THE VIDEO STORE.
ECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM GRISSOM
Tom Grissom is known for his work on documentaries, action sports films, true crime TV shows such as Forensic Files and Unsolved Mysteries, as well as his commercial work for Jeep, Adidas, Nike, and others. He once ran several Olympic Downhills with a POV camera for CBS and NBC and lived to tell about it.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: CHRIS TALBOTT
After 20 years spent reporting for the AP, Chris Talbott is now a writer/comedian/producer based in Seattle. He is the creator of the weekly Comedy Battle Royale and the All-Pro Comedy Show. Follow him on Instagram at @bychristalbott.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: ELYSE M. LOPEZ
Elyse has worked in multimedia content creation since 2011, incorporating social media in external communications for companies like Amazon, Alexa, AWS, as well as non-profits.
SOUND RECORDIST: GRADY GRISSOM
Grady is a production sound recordist living in New Orleans. He is also an accomplished musician, and plays both the banjo and the sitar.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LIA MITERNIQUE
Lia Miternique is the owner of Avive Design, as well as the co-creator of the Eisner-nominated comic book Man-eaters. She designs book jackets, and also does all of the other graphic design things that actually make her money.
KEY GRIP, BOOM OPERATOR: GABE ONOFRE
Gabe Onofre is a published short story writer, currently working on a horror novel. He got suckered into this thing.
PRIVATE CHEF/CRAFT SERVICES: DEEDEE HOPKINS
When DeeDee Hopkins isn't catering to assholes in the entertainment industry, she devotes her time to providing free food to Portlanders-in-need through The Mutual Aid Mini Market. She loves festivals, food, fashion, house music, and a cat named Mason.
HAIR/MAKE-UP: SABINE WESTBY
Sabine is a professional makeup artist who is also getting her degree in Pre-Nursing.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
From New York Times Bestselling author Chelsea Cain and acclaimed director James Westby comes THE BEND, a darkly comedic and atmospheric ghost story set in the haunting woods of Central Oregon.
A family’s vacation to Deer Butte Ranch takes a sinister turn when they witness a fatal car crash on their way. Upon arrival, their friends seem unaffected by the tragedy, heightening a growing sense of unease. That night, the family’s 10-year-old daughter vanishes into the snowy wilderness in what appears to be a sleepwalking episode. As search efforts escalate, dark questions begin to emerge: is the mother losing her mind? Are their friends even real? Narrated by the missing girl, THE BEND explores the breakdown of trust, the thin line between reality and delusion, and a family on the brink...
Creators' previous work:
chelseacain.com
filmsbyjameswestby.com
INSPIRATION
THE BEND is a throwback to ambiguous and dreamlike cinema. A heady combo of a realistic family drama and a spookily atmospheric made-for-tv movie of the 1970s.
This movie is finding inspiration in such works as Carnival of Souls. Let's Scare Jessica to Death. The Shining. Episodes of the original Twilight Zone. Force Majeure. Anatomy of a Fall. Hereditary.
THE BEND TIDBITS
Chelsea Cain wrote this script based on a sleepwalking incident involving her own daughter.
She wrote the lead part of Ash for the fantastically talented ten-year-old Cleo Westby, in order to trick Cleo’s Dad (James) into becoming the director/editor of the film. It worked.
The creative team took the family aspect to another level by casting Ash’s parents with Cleo’s real-life parents. (James was hesitant to play the dad at first because he wasn't sure people would "buy" him as Cleo's dad, even though he is literally Cleo's dad.)
Legendary author Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB) gives a killer voice performance in THE BEND, as the host of a fictional true-crime podcast that plays in the background throughout the film.
The film utilizes an amazing array of Portland/PNW talent both in front of, and behind, the camera.
WHY DO WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT?
In December 2024 we filmed 90% of the film over a whirlwind two weeks on a micro-budget in Central Oregon.
It was hard and fun and exhausting and gratifying, and we got such amazing shots.
Now it is time for post-production, and a we have some shots to pick up and a few more scenes to film. We are looking to raise 30k (plus stretch goals; see below) for post-production and we plan to have a final cut in November 2025. After that, we will start the process of submitting to film festivals and securing distribution.
Where does your $$ go?
Completing the shooting, creating the film in post-production: editing, music composition & licensing, sound-mixing.
If we meet our stretch goals, it will help push the film into the world: festival submissions, marketing, PR, and getting to festivals (train/flights/lodging).
STRETCH GOALS
More dollars in the case of THE BEND will only make the film better, as most of it (in these additional stretch goal items, aside from marketing) will go directly onto the screen.
Our stretch-goal budget is $50K total, which means an additional $20K that could feasibly be pumped into this film. It breaks down as follows:
- $2K SOUND MIX: We would love to spend another week in the mix to get it truly dialed in and ready for theaters, streaming, and home video.
- $4K MUSIC: Opportunity to license amazing music from local bands
- $5K MARKETING: Extra resources for marketing this movie and paying for film festivals.
- $3K SHOOTING: Cash for additional shooting, making our opening sequence up the mountain more epic in scope.
- $3K COLOR: For color grading
- $3K AFTER EFFECTS: To hire an AE artist for visual effects and title sequence.
Please become a part of our team! Or we will be arrested by these pretend-cops.
HOW TO JOIN OUR BEND LEAGUE OF MAGNIFICENT WEIRDOS.
1. CONTRIBUTE AND PLEDGE:
You can make a contribution by making a pledge (we need to collect at least 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep our funds). You decide what fits your budget. No pledge is too small.
Every dollar makes a difference in making our film possible. And every person who contributes is part of our community. Also, has anyone told you how great you look today?
Click the blue “make a pledge” button above, and select your favorite perk (we have some great ones!). Make a safe, secure contribution using your personal credit card information. Your credit card will not be charged until the campaign ends and ONLY if we hit our goal. You can always add more to your pledge as the campaign progresses if you’d like. :)
You can choose an incentive or make a pledge to a specific wishlist item. Or you can forego these altogether and just give us money! Your pledge, no matter the size, will make a significant difference in making this film a reality. We thank you for being part of our journey!
2. FOLLOW US ON HERE ON SEED & SPARK, also INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK:
First, follow us here on Seed & Spark. Other socials are below!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Have a friend or family member who is a horror nerd? Atmospheric black comedy nerd? THE BEND is for them!
Please share our posts, our campaign page, and our backer updates!
HELP MAKE THIS CHILD HAPPY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROJECT!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound design and mix
Costs $7,000
We need professional sound design (and mix) to make our atmospheric horror story a film that will provide all the feels.
Editing
Costs $10,000
We have synced & organized our footage, but now comes the hard part: editing. This is really where the movie gets made.
Additional shooting
Costs $3,000
We filmed the majority of THE BEND back in December. We have a few inserts and additional dialogue scenes to go.
Music composition and recording
Costs $5,000
We have the opportunity to partner w/ some terrific Portland bands, including Glitterfox and Wonderly.
Marketing and film festival submissions
Costs $5,000
We'll submit to film festivals, both local and international. This costs $. And if we get in, it costs $ to attend. Plus, the outfits.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
MEET THE CAST AND CREW
WRITER/PRODUCER: CHELSEA CAIN
Chelsea Cain is the author of The NYT bestselling Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell thriller series. Her Portland-based thrillers, described by The NYT as "steamy and perverse," have been published in over 30 languages. Stephen King included two of her books in his top ten favorite books of the year, and NPR named HEARTSICK one of the best 100 thrillers ever written. According to Booklist, “Popular entertainment just doesn’t get much better than this." Chelsea is also the author of several other books, and comic books, including the Eisner-nominated comic book series MOCKINGBIRD and MAN-EATERS.
DIRECTOR/EDITOR/PRODUCER: JAMES WESTBY
Called "a wizard of concision and a master of discomfort" by The NYT, James Westby is an independent filmmaker from Portland, OR. He writes, directs, and edits provocative films with economical budgets and no compromises. And big laughs! And discomfort. Westby-made features include the recent documentary AT THE VIDEO STORE (featuring Bill Hader and John Waters), as well as the narrative comedies RID OF ME, THE AUTEUR, and FILM GEEK. His films have played at the Tribeca Film Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, Palm Springs Shortsfest, BendFilm, and dozens of others all over the world. Westby's work in the commercial world includes campaigns for Tillamook, Wildfang, Oregon Lottery, Duraflame, and Travel Portland. He is currently in post on his next feature, an intimate documentary portrait entitled OH, DENISE!, and in production on THE BEND.
THE PODCAST HOST: CHUCK PALAHNIUK
Legendary author Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB, etc) gives a killer voice performance in THE BEND as the host of a true crime podcast that the MOTHER character listens to throughout the film.
CLEO WESTBY as Ashley
Cleo is a fourth-grade student in Portland, OR, and is the daughter of THE BEND director James Westby. Her interests include basketball, creating art, playing with (and making) various forms of slime, watching The Simpsons, doing gymnastics, and acting. Chelsea Cain wrote the part of Ashley for her, allowing Cleo and her Dad to continue their screen collaborations which have included music videos, comedy shorts, cat videos, and the documentary film AT THE VIDEO STORE. Cleo is 10 and her hero is Taylor Swift (duh). THE BEND will mark her debut as a dramatic lead in a feature film.
LORI FERRARO as Chief Connie
Lori Ferraro is a self-described "actor, writer, and '80s weirdo" who does tv, film, and comedy. She can mostly be seen performing with her favorite people at her favorite place, The Siren Theater in Portland, OR.
CARRIE LYNN SLAYTON as Brenda/Mother
Carrie gives children awesome haircuts, is a three-time gestational surrogate, and actively volunteers in the local community to help promote the safety and welfare of
children. She is currently studying for the LSATs and is making her motion picture debut as Brenda in THE BEND.
HASAAN THOMAS as Hank
Hasaan Thomas is a 55-year-old fresh-faced actor, producer, and writer hailing originally from Texas. Immensely comedic though not a comedian, you can view his acting debut in the hit web series Hasaan Hates Portland.
B. FRAYN MASTERS and ANDREW DICKSON as Chuck & Cathy
ROB CAMPBELL as Deputy Butcher
JACKSON WALKER as Tommy
PRODUCER, COP #5: SEANN McKEEL
Visual artist, producer and music coordinator— Seann McKeel’s projects can be likened to a variety show, including an actual variety show called You Who! She works from her artist complex, Monster Island, in Portland, Oregon. The island hosts a 12 member ceramics studio (Monster Island Clay), a boutique (Maiden Voyage), a frame shop (Portland Creative Framing), and musicians, March Fourth. Seann loves to create and collaborate, when not throwing pottery, she books music nationally for Children’s Cancer Association and enjoys very much working on ghostly endeavors.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: ANDY SEGRIST
Indiana-born, Purdue grad, Andy Segrist fled the Midwest for London, where he studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute. After a stint in NYC, he moved West to beautiful Portland, OR where he worked for a quarter century as a retirement advisor. He was also a producer on James Westby's recent documentary film, AT THE VIDEO STORE.
ECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM GRISSOM
Tom Grissom is known for his work on documentaries, action sports films, true crime TV shows such as Forensic Files and Unsolved Mysteries, as well as his commercial work for Jeep, Adidas, Nike, and others. He once ran several Olympic Downhills with a POV camera for CBS and NBC and lived to tell about it.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: CHRIS TALBOTT
After 20 years spent reporting for the AP, Chris Talbott is now a writer/comedian/producer based in Seattle. He is the creator of the weekly Comedy Battle Royale and the All-Pro Comedy Show. Follow him on Instagram at @bychristalbott.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: ELYSE M. LOPEZ
Elyse has worked in multimedia content creation since 2011, incorporating social media in external communications for companies like Amazon, Alexa, AWS, as well as non-profits.
SOUND RECORDIST: GRADY GRISSOM
Grady is a production sound recordist living in New Orleans. He is also an accomplished musician, and plays both the banjo and the sitar.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LIA MITERNIQUE
Lia Miternique is the owner of Avive Design, as well as the co-creator of the Eisner-nominated comic book Man-eaters. She designs book jackets, and also does all of the other graphic design things that actually make her money.
KEY GRIP, BOOM OPERATOR: GABE ONOFRE
Gabe Onofre is a published short story writer, currently working on a horror novel. He got suckered into this thing.
PRIVATE CHEF/CRAFT SERVICES: DEEDEE HOPKINS
When DeeDee Hopkins isn't catering to assholes in the entertainment industry, she devotes her time to providing free food to Portlanders-in-need through The Mutual Aid Mini Market. She loves festivals, food, fashion, house music, and a cat named Mason.
HAIR/MAKE-UP: SABINE WESTBY
Sabine is a professional makeup artist who is also getting her degree in Pre-Nursing.