🔥About the Film

He Who Follows — A Slasher Film

“The past always finds you.

About the Film

He Who Follows is a feature-length slasher horror film about family trauma, survival, and the terrifying bond between siblings.

When Bella Blackwood flees to a secluded cabin in the woods with her friends to escaped reality and the scars of her past. Seeking respite from the pressures of life, they aim to bond and relax. However, their idyllic retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when a deranged killer, fueled by a thirst for vengeance, targets them. Trapped in the isolated cabin, the friends must fight for their survival against the relentless pursuit of their unseen tormentor. As the body count rises and paranoia sets in, they realize the true horror of their situation and the lengths they must go to to escape the killer's deadly game.

Why This Story Matters

He Who Follows is more than just a slasher film. It shines a light on:

• The criminalization of mental illness, especially among young men & women.
• The invisible struggles of family caregivers.
• The lack of mental health resources in rural, working-class communities.
• The unhealed scars of trauma and how they shape us.

Backing this film means supporting independent cinema that uses horror as a mirror to our deepest fears and truths.

Where We Are Now

• Script: Completed, finalist in multiple screenplay competitions.
• Distributors: LOIs secured from Breaking Glass Pictures & Show Biz Direct.
• Production Timeline: Filming scheduled for Feb–March 2026 in Ohio.
• Festivals: Horror and indie festivals targeted for Fall 2026.

Why Kickstarter?

We’re raising $25,000 to make He Who Follows possible.

Your support covers:

• Cast & Crew pay (30%)
• Equipment rentals (25%)
• Locations & Set Design (20%)
• Post-Production (15%)
• Marketing & Festival runs (10%)

Kickstarter allows us to build a community of early supporters who will be the first to see, share, and shape this film.

Backer Rewards

Every pledge matters — whether $10 or $5,000.

From early screeners and signed posters to on-set visits and producer credits, there’s a reward for every horror fans

Progress Rewards

We’re keeping this campaign alive with unlockable milestones.

As funding grows, we’ll reveal:

Tone & Look

The film’s visual language is atmospheric, raw, and unflinching. Expect isolated woods, claustrophobic cabins, scorched barns, and the looming presence of Ethan — a relentless force of obsession and violence.

Stretch Goals

If we surpass $60,000, even more is possible!

• $70,000: Cabin stunt expansion
• $80,000: Short doc: Mental Health & Horror ( The Making of He Who Follows)
• $100,000: He Who Follows II pre-production teaser

The Team

He Who Follows is led by independent filmmakers committed to making bold, socially-driven horror.

• Christopher Ott – Writer/Director
• Orion Monroe - Executive Producer: Orion Monroe is a filmmaker, writer, and advocate for social change, committed to storytelling that sheds light on critical societal issues. With a strong academic foundation, he holds advanced degrees in Economics, Accounting, and Social Science; a combination that provides him with a deep and analytical understanding of human behavior, financial systems, and the broader societal structures that influence social outcomes. His ability to merge these disciplines allows him to explore the complexities of systemic inequality, mental health, and social justice in his work. For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
• Cast & Crew — To be revealed as milestones are unlocked!

Risks & Challenges

Filmmaking always carries risk, but our team has planned carefully:

• Schedule & Budget: Our budget has been vetted and distributors are already on board.
• Production Risks: Shooting in February in Ohio means unpredictable weather, but we’ve scouted locations and built in contingency plans. In the event we have to delay filming, all backers will still receiving an update on their items and when the film will release.
• Distribution: With LOIs secured, we’re confident the film will reach audiences around the world sometime in either 2026 or early 2027.

By backing, you’re not just funding a film — you’re joining the first wave of believers who will help bring He Who Follows to life.

Risks and challenges

Filmmaking always carries risk, but our team has planned carefully: Schedule & Budget: Our budget has been vetted and distributors are already on board. Production Risks: Shooting in February in Ohio means unpredictable weather.