Chris Stuckmann had every reason to be content with his success as a prominent YouTube movie critic with over 2 million subscribers. Despite this, his childhood dream of making films never faded, and he was determined to pursue it. Stuckmann, who began creating amateur films with friends at 14, continued to hone his craft while building his YouTube presence.
In 2019, he decided to shift his focus to professional filmmaking, which led to a crucial meeting at Fantastic Fest. There, he pitched his film idea, Shelby Oaks, to indie producer Aaron B. Koontz, marking his first attempt at pitching a feature film.
Koontz showed immediate interest during their conversation, which continued through 2020, even as the pandemic disrupted plans. In May 2021, Stuckmann’s idea gained traction when a YouTube channel resurfaced old found-footage videos from a ghost-hunting show, prompting Stuckmann and Koontz to announce their film project.
Although they initially planned to shoot in late 2021, Stuckmann postponed due to potential strikes and budget issues. Recognizing the higher expectations placed on him, he turned to his subscribers for funding. Their overwhelming support resulted in nearly $1.4 million raised, setting a new Kickstarter record for horror films.
Filming commenced in Ohio in May 2022, with postproduction starting in June. Seeking feedback, Stuckmann approached horror director Mike Flanagan, who, impressed by Stuckmann’s earlier support of his film Oculus, offered his assistance.
Flanagan’s involvement, including editing help and musical contributions, was a remarkable boost. When Neon, known for distributing acclaimed films, expressed interest in Shelby Oaks, Stuckmann’s project gained further momentum.