"Honeymoon" Horror Short Film
by Conor O'Keefe

Conor O'Keefe
Follow
"Honeymoon" Horror Short Film
by Conor O'Keefe
Conor O'Keefe
Follow
A newlywed couple retreat to a secluded cabin for an idyllic honeymoon, where their relationship, sanity and lives are jeopardized by ghosts of the past, both real and imagined.
A newlywed couple retreat to a secluded cabin for an idyllic honeymoon, where their relationship, sanity and lives are jeopardized by ghosts of the past, both real and imagined.
-
Story
Mission Statement
Throughout pre-production of "Honeymoon", we have reached outside of our circle to include a diversity of voices in our community. We have assembled a team that is stronger with 40% women. The subtext of our film grapples with dangerous male delusions and their consequences.About The Project
Synopsis
Months ago, Vincent’s life was in a hopeless place. He was a man in his 30’s stuck caring for his ailing grandmother, her ceaseless demands and agonized groans depriving him of peace between his long shifts at a dead-end retail job. His only source of happiness was Camilla, a younger woman he coveted – but as long as he was stuck in this holding pattern, Camilla was unattainable. One night, Vincent reached his breaking point. He stepped into his grandmother’s bedroom, picked up a pillow, and took a decisive action that could never be taken back.
Today, Vincent and Camilla are newlyweds. Vincent, unburdened and newly wealthy, has pitched Camilla the possibility of a new life for both of them, and she’s just optimistic enough – or gullible enough – to believe him. They drive out to a lovely cabin in the woods for their honeymoon. But the past is creeping up on their peaceful getaway. A sinister apparition plagues Vincent’s dreams and waking hours, chipping away at his sanity. Camilla sees the cracks appearing in her new husband’s personality, and starts to wonder who she married. One Detective Moseley gives Vincent a call, asking for a quick follow-up statement about the night of his grandmother’s death. Nothing is certain anymore. But in any case, this will surely not be the honeymoon Vincent or Camilla expected.
We are Walking Distance Media.
But we are so much more with the team we've assembled.
Since starting our video production company in 2016, we’ve created original short films, music videos, and promotional spots for local businesses and organizations like Aslan Brewing Co., The Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, and the Bellingham Arts and Music Festival.
For this project, we reached outside of our normal circle to search for the most driven and talented filmmakers in Bellingham and beyond (all of whom you should read about in the team section). While a lack of paying jobs in the creative industry drives some away, we want to create opportunities for our community by paying all our crew a reasonable wage and put Bellingham on the map as one of the video production hotspots in Washington state. We hope to showcase talent in the Bellingham area, inspiring larger productions to film here and hire our locals. But, first, we need your help.
Stretch Goals
$7,000 will pay for the entirety of cast and crew along with production insurance but there are more expenses to be covered.
- If we raise $10,000, we'll be able to pay for all Special Fx and cost of location
- If we raise $12,000, we'll be able to cover costumes, additional set design, and catering for cast and crew.
- If we raise $14,000, we'll be able to cover all unforeseeable expenses during production and some of our post-production costs.
You could have been on any site in the world wide web but you're here with us. Thanks so much for your support!
Meet the Characters
Luke Schuck stars as Vincent. The husband. Formerly a nobody stuck in a dead-end holding pattern, Vincent has transformed himself entirely since the fateful night he finally mustered the resolve to escape those suffocating circumstances. Now reinvigorated with newfound passion, energy, and a sizable inheritance, he devotes it all to his new bride Camilla. But underneath it all, Vincent still harbors a creeping sense of guilt and dread that threatens to eat him alive.
McKenna Ralston stars as Camilla. The wife. Camilla stopped believing in fairy tales long ago, but now she seems to be living in one. Since Vincent swept her off her feet and married her, she's been gradually rekindling hope in the possibility of a happy ending. But as a shadow of dread encroaches on their honeymoon, Camilla can't shake the feeling that saying “I do” might turn out to be the biggest mistake of her life.
Michael E. Bell stars as Detective Moseley. A policeman who's been bugging Vincent to follow up on some details related to an old case. Moseley is unerringly professional and easygoing, but he seems oddly insistent on taking Vincent's statement, and frustratingly evasive about the details of his inquiry.
Erin Kinzer stars as The Hag. She lives in your shadow and feeds on your mind. Corruption of the flesh and mockery of the soul. You will know no other dream, and you cannot look away.
A majority of the money we raise on Seed and Spark will go towards paying cast and crew because paying talented people for their work is a necessity that is too often brushed off in the arts community. For some cast and crew, this will be the first time that they will be payed for production work. You can help give these filmmakers a new opportunity to make their passion into a career.
Special Effects
No monster horror movie is complete without awesome special effects. We already have the "Hag" costume made but it wasn't free. For our monster to look real and be legitimately scary, we needed a convincing mask, fake hands, and slimy teeth. For our gory ending, we also needed fake guts, blood, and a head that can be ripped open. That's only gonna run us about $1,000 due to the awesomeness and generocity of Kris Carroll!
Location
We will be filming at a cabin off of the Mt. Baker Hwy in Glacier, WA. Since we will be shooting for four consecutive days, the cabin will work as lodging for crew and cast. We will check in on Wednesday, May 1st, spend the first night setting up the cabin and getting settled in with crew. Thursday through Sunday will be full-shoot days leaving Sunday night and Monday morning to clean up the cabin. We are renting this cabin through Air BNB and have permission to film there from the owner. For four days and five nights, the cabin will cost production about $2,000.
Statement from Writer/Director Alex Furnas
"The script for 'Honeymoon' is the result of my own experience with sleep paralysis. This hiccup in the sleep cycle causes the sleeper to wake up while their body remains immobilized and their brain still generates images from the dream state. In most cases of sleep paralysis, two types of 'visitors' are most often reported: 'Shadow People', or 'The Hag'. I saw a pale, stringy-haired, vaguely female creature would slowly push my bedroom door open and crawl onto my bed.
I hope the main characters of Vincent and Camilla speak to audiences as well. Vincent is a fairly despicable figure to be sure, but I want the horror of my script to emerge from trapping the audience in his headspace. I’m sure plenty of people have seen opportunities to improve their lives or escape lousy circumstances by doing something bad, in large and small ways, and there’s always a temptation. What’s the worst that could happen, right? And as for Camilla – how well do you really know the people you’re closest to? You could be one unearthed secret away from completely shattering your perceptions of them. I want to make a film about flawed but relatable characters, and force the audience to relate to them as they succumb to their flaws. That’s the real horror. In any case, we’ve got terrific actors lined up to play both roles, and I hope we get to put those performances on screen."
Thank you again for your time and consideration. We are forever grateful for your contributions! Please consider sharing our Seed and Spark campaign through email or on social media. Any additional people we can reach is much appreciated.
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout!
Thanks for contributing to "Honeymoon". We love you and wanna say your name on social media! #Joinusinbed #Honeymoonshortfilm
$20
Private Link to the Film
Your donation goes further than you would expect. We want you to see how the movie turns out before the rest of the world. Upon completion of the movie, we will send you a private link that will remain active for one week before we send "Honeymoon" through the festival circuit.
$25
Digital Poster + Soundtrack
We won't have a final version of "Honeymoon" for awhile so, in the mean time, you can spend your evenings staring at our movie poster by Paris Spence or listening to our soundtrack by Alex Wolfe and Nathan Malick. They're earie and unnerving tones will send a chill through your bones. Plus you won't be able to get "The Hag" out of your head! What terrifying fun!!
$35
Who Likes Stickers?!
Thanks so much. You're the best! You deserve a gold star!! Unfortunately, we're all out of gold stars. But, wait, even better. We have "Honeymoon" stickers from local Bellingham artist Evan Bogart at EBogArts. Donated by Stickers For Days. Congratuations! All prior incentives included.
Claimed: 17 of 200
$50
Access to BTS Footage + Commentary
See what it takes to make a short horror film. Relive the high and low points of the "Honeymoon" Production through commentary, bts footage, and interviews. Guess what? You're leaving with everything else listed before too.
$75
We'll Review Your Favorite Film
Not all filmmakers are buff but all filmmakers are film buffs, at least when it comes to the good ones. Send us the title of your favorite movie in the subject of your email to walkingdist@gmail.com and we'll send you a personal review (and/or roast) it within the next week. Hell, we might even send it to you then and there. We'll be real about it too. Prior incentives included as well.
$100
Free Ticket to a Screening
Thank you so, so much. We're so excited for you to be on this project with us. You should probably see how the movie turns out right? You're invited to a screening in Bellingham or Seattle once the film is completed and you won't even need to buy a ticket (Travel and Lodging not included). Look for your name in the credits under the "Special Thanks". Make sure to spice up your popcorn and enjoy the show.
$120
Keep one of the Actor's costumes
*Limited Incentive! Feel like an actor wearing the same sweatshirt as "Camilla". No like, actually the sweatshirt that she wore on set. Talk about a collector's item. Design and Donated from BxPACIFIC. Prior incentives are included.
Claimed: 1 of 2
$150
Thank You Video
You mean so much to our campaign, we just thought we'd thank you from set. You helped make this script into a reality. Get a personalized thank you video from cast and crew on set. You're an all-star. Hey. All prior general incentives included.
$250
The Collector
You are officially the King, Queen and/or Czar of merchandise. You'll get valuable collector's items such as a full size "Honeymoon" poster signed by all of cast and crew to hang up in your office, business, or home so you can say "Hey friends, look at what I've done. What have you done lately?" You'll also receive a personalized post card from set, Vincent and Camilla's engagement photos, along with a "Honeymoon" shirt to finish off the deal. Wow, you must be a really big fan! We thank you. All other incentives, unless specified, are included.
$500
Associate Producer
You will be listed as an "Associate Producer" in the credits of "Honeymoon"and on The IMDB, Internet Movie Database (Yeah, that one). You will truley be the envy of all your friends. You're invited to dinner with the cast and crew at Aslan Brewing Co. in Bellingham, WA before a private screening of "Honeymoon" (Travel and Lodging, not included). You'll have a chance to get to know the people that you're supporting with this contribution! Not to mention, all other general incentives.
$1,000
Bronze Executive Producer
You are this production's guardian angel and you deserve to know exactly what we're doing and how we're accomplishing our goals. We will send you personal video updates as well as talking to you on the phone and answering whatever questions you might have. It takes an incredible amount of effort and luck to produce a good movie, even a short. Truely feel like one of the team members by hearing our trials and tribulations. We'll even tell you exactly how your money is being spent and why it is useful to our production. Your name will be shown in the end credits along with the other "Bronze Executive Producers". You too are invited to the private cast and crew screening of "Honeymoon" upon completion (No travel or lodging expenses covered) along with the general incentives, including an IMDB credit, listed before.
$2,500
Silver Executive Producer
If you were here right now, I'd kiss ya. But wait, you could be! You're invited on a trip to set to see how a film is made (Travel and Lodging not included). You'll get to be in the same room as all of the action. You'll be the one telling your friends about your new wealth of "movie magic" knowledge, and if one of them doesn't believe you, you can say, "Ahh, but I was there".
*P.S. We will not forcibly kiss you.
$5,000
Gold Executive Producer
As a "Gold Executive Producer", you are the top dog of them all. Your name will be listed at the beginning of the movie under "In Association with" along with your name on a single slide in the end credits. In additon to inviting you to set, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to sit in on post-production sessions. You could be helping to make sound effects or talking with the editor or composer as they bring "Honeymoon's tone and atmosphere to life (No travel or lodging expenses covered). You get all of the general incentives that came before too. But seriously. Wow! I'm speechless. We are forever in your service.
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout!
Thanks for contributing to "Honeymoon". We love you and wanna say your name on social media! #Joinusinbed #Honeymoonshortfilm
$20
Private Link to the Film
Your donation goes further than you would expect. We want you to see how the movie turns out before the rest of the world. Upon completion of the movie, we will send you a private link that will remain active for one week before we send "Honeymoon" through the festival circuit.
$25
Digital Poster + Soundtrack
We won't have a final version of "Honeymoon" for awhile so, in the mean time, you can spend your evenings staring at our movie poster by Paris Spence or listening to our soundtrack by Alex Wolfe and Nathan Malick. They're earie and unnerving tones will send a chill through your bones. Plus you won't be able to get "The Hag" out of your head! What terrifying fun!!
$35
Who Likes Stickers?!
Thanks so much. You're the best! You deserve a gold star!! Unfortunately, we're all out of gold stars. But, wait, even better. We have "Honeymoon" stickers from local Bellingham artist Evan Bogart at EBogArts. Donated by Stickers For Days. Congratuations! All prior incentives included.
Claimed: 17 of 200
$50
Access to BTS Footage + Commentary
See what it takes to make a short horror film. Relive the high and low points of the "Honeymoon" Production through commentary, bts footage, and interviews. Guess what? You're leaving with everything else listed before too.
$75
We'll Review Your Favorite Film
Not all filmmakers are buff but all filmmakers are film buffs, at least when it comes to the good ones. Send us the title of your favorite movie in the subject of your email to walkingdist@gmail.com and we'll send you a personal review (and/or roast) it within the next week. Hell, we might even send it to you then and there. We'll be real about it too. Prior incentives included as well.
$100
Free Ticket to a Screening
Thank you so, so much. We're so excited for you to be on this project with us. You should probably see how the movie turns out right? You're invited to a screening in Bellingham or Seattle once the film is completed and you won't even need to buy a ticket (Travel and Lodging not included). Look for your name in the credits under the "Special Thanks". Make sure to spice up your popcorn and enjoy the show.
$120
Keep one of the Actor's costumes
*Limited Incentive! Feel like an actor wearing the same sweatshirt as "Camilla". No like, actually the sweatshirt that she wore on set. Talk about a collector's item. Design and Donated from BxPACIFIC. Prior incentives are included.
Claimed: 1 of 2
$150
Thank You Video
You mean so much to our campaign, we just thought we'd thank you from set. You helped make this script into a reality. Get a personalized thank you video from cast and crew on set. You're an all-star. Hey. All prior general incentives included.
$250
The Collector
You are officially the King, Queen and/or Czar of merchandise. You'll get valuable collector's items such as a full size "Honeymoon" poster signed by all of cast and crew to hang up in your office, business, or home so you can say "Hey friends, look at what I've done. What have you done lately?" You'll also receive a personalized post card from set, Vincent and Camilla's engagement photos, along with a "Honeymoon" shirt to finish off the deal. Wow, you must be a really big fan! We thank you. All other incentives, unless specified, are included.
$500
Associate Producer
You will be listed as an "Associate Producer" in the credits of "Honeymoon"and on The IMDB, Internet Movie Database (Yeah, that one). You will truley be the envy of all your friends. You're invited to dinner with the cast and crew at Aslan Brewing Co. in Bellingham, WA before a private screening of "Honeymoon" (Travel and Lodging, not included). You'll have a chance to get to know the people that you're supporting with this contribution! Not to mention, all other general incentives.
$1,000
Bronze Executive Producer
You are this production's guardian angel and you deserve to know exactly what we're doing and how we're accomplishing our goals. We will send you personal video updates as well as talking to you on the phone and answering whatever questions you might have. It takes an incredible amount of effort and luck to produce a good movie, even a short. Truely feel like one of the team members by hearing our trials and tribulations. We'll even tell you exactly how your money is being spent and why it is useful to our production. Your name will be shown in the end credits along with the other "Bronze Executive Producers". You too are invited to the private cast and crew screening of "Honeymoon" upon completion (No travel or lodging expenses covered) along with the general incentives, including an IMDB credit, listed before.
$2,500
Silver Executive Producer
If you were here right now, I'd kiss ya. But wait, you could be! You're invited on a trip to set to see how a film is made (Travel and Lodging not included). You'll get to be in the same room as all of the action. You'll be the one telling your friends about your new wealth of "movie magic" knowledge, and if one of them doesn't believe you, you can say, "Ahh, but I was there".
*P.S. We will not forcibly kiss you.
$5,000
Gold Executive Producer
As a "Gold Executive Producer", you are the top dog of them all. Your name will be listed at the beginning of the movie under "In Association with" along with your name on a single slide in the end credits. In additon to inviting you to set, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to sit in on post-production sessions. You could be helping to make sound effects or talking with the editor or composer as they bring "Honeymoon's tone and atmosphere to life (No travel or lodging expenses covered). You get all of the general incentives that came before too. But seriously. Wow! I'm speechless. We are forever in your service.
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Cast
Luke Schuck as Vincent
Luke is a character actor at heart. He enjoys performing as unredeemable and sometimes despicable characters so he can bring humanity to the role and show the audience how people can react in dire situations. Luke has worked on some of the biggest television productions in the northwest including “Everything Sucks!”, “Z Nation”, and “The Librarians”. He is currently acting in the fanmade production of “Friday the 13th: Vengeance” as well. We are excited to have an actor with his expertise on board with our project and can’t wait to see what he bring to the Vincent role.
McKenna Ralston as Camilla
McKenna disappears into her characters. When I first met her on the set of “Z Nation”, her name was Becky, not McKenna. She went from being a sweet girl to a zombie thrashing around on an examination table like the flip of a light switch. Only after we were done with filming, did I get to meet McKenna. That’s how committed to her roles she is. I am lucky to have crossed paths with her so early in her career. While she may be unknown at this time, I guarantee that she will be making big moves in the future. Her intense dedication to her roles will bring Camilla to life in ways that we did not see possible.
Michael Bell as Detective Moseley
Michael Bell has been acting for a number of years. He has had small roles on several popular productions including “KIDS”, “The Sopranos”, “30 Rock”, and “Rescue Me”. Despite his accomplishments, he remains humble and continues to act around the Northwest. If I had to choose one word to describe Michael, it would be smooth. His calm and suave demeanor will contrast well with Luke’s panicky portrayal of Vincent building tension throughout “Honeymoon”.
Erin Kinzer as The Hag
Erin Kinzer know how to control her body and how her movements reflect her characters. In her short audition, she blew us away with her adaptability to our directions and critiques. While many of her professional roles have been voice over related, she also has extensive experience making her own prosthetics and special effects. Her wellrounded knowledge will make it that much easier for her to work with our special effects wizard Kris to make The Hag terrifying and believable in her movements.
Crew
Conor O’Keefe, Producer
Conor O’Keefe is the founder and owner of Walking Distance Media. After graduating with a concentration in “Video Production, Film Studies, and Cultural Audience” from WWU, he went on to work as a Boom Operator and Production Assistant on SYFY’s “Z Nation” and Seattle’s independent film “Thin Skin”. In addition to his large scale production work, he co-wrote, co-directed, and edited the film “Gone”. On “Honeymoon”, Conor is a producer with his hands in everything; from putting together the team, creative input, and fundraising.
Alex Furnas, Writer/Director
Alex comes from a dark sketch comedy background that has influenced his style as a writer. He joined Walking Distance in 2016 and directed two projects associated with the company: a short film called “First Day At Work” and a music video for the song “Goth Party” by Bellingham band Hello, I’m Sorry. He has also assisted in smaller roles for other Walking Distance Productions. Alex has been saving for several years to bring his vision for a more ambitious project like Honeymoon to life, and hopes that viewers will enjoy the ride.
Kris Carroll, Special Effects Supervisor
Kris has been doing extreme sfx, prop and creature design for several years. She has won special fx awards for local horror films such as “The Junkie”, “Transitions”, and “Exposure”. Kris had a career in medical imaging for 27 years, giving her access to what real body gore looks like - exceptional realism. The Hag may be her finest work yet.
Eddie Hayes, Director of Photography/Camera Operator
Eddie is an award winning filmmaker and photographer in Bellingham, Washington. His work in Alaska has reached millions online and has been featured on major television networks. In 2017, he started his own film and photography business and currently works full time on a variety of projects including Short Films, Weddings, Real Estate, Commercials, Music Videos, and more.
Cheyenne Smith, Assistant Director
Cheyenne Smith knows her way around a film set. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Filmmaking, she moved to Washington state. In the fifth season of “Z Nation”, she started as a Set Production Assistant and quickly moved into the Key position. Soon after, she worked as the 2nd 2nd Assistant Director on “Thin Skin” in Seattle. She keeps moving up the ladder for a reason. As our Assistant Director, her problem solving and adaptability will keep our production efficient and on schedule.
Leilani Willson, Hair/Makeup Artist
Leilani is a hawaiian native, Washington grown. Art has always been apart of her life, an escape. She's been mastering the art of special effects makeup for the past five years. Since she always had the freedom to play with makeup as a young girl, she was able to gain the confidence in the basics thus pushing her boundaries into the SFX world.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers