Remember the bizarre spring blizzard that swept through the Midwest this past April? The weather anomaly worked out fine for local film director Michael E. Cullen II, because April 9 was the first day of shooting for his newest Christmas-based horror film. “It was great to have the snow,” Cullen says, to begin production on Shelved, a scary take on the recent holiday tradition of the Elf on The Shelf.
He sees you when you’re sleeping
Many of us can relate to being creeped out by the Elf on The Shelf, and Shelved looks to enhance the creepiness and mythology of those red-suited, grinning dolls. The film’s elf is a secret member of Santa’s Special Operations team, sent on a mission, to be the eyes and ears for Santa. Only this elf, Private Gumdrop, takes his job a bit too far, terrorizing a midwest family throughout the film.
Shelved is the newest production from Cullen and writer Lindsey LaForest, both of whom created this year’s “slashomedy” flick Pi Day, Die Day. Like Pi Day, Shelved is another scary, yet fun, take on a holiday. “I think the holiday horror film is just a classic trope that keeps happening because it is an idea we can all relate to,” Cullen explains: “Everyone can relate to fear, and I think we all like to be scared even if we won't admit to it.”
Wrapping up
Though filming for Shelved has ongoing, there are some monetary loose ends to tie up before completion. An IndieGoGo campaign is currently underway with some neat perks. Contributors can receive copies of the film, various wearables with the Shelved logo, and a few lucky backers will even have a cameo in the film (including an epic death scene).
If you’d like to contribute to Northwest Ohio’s next great horror film, be sure to check out Shelved’s IndieGoGo campaign. “Every dollar helps and I think it is always great to help indie film— especially local [indie] film,” says Cullen. “Hollywood films will always be made, but if you’re looking for something different than the typical blockbuster, supporting indie film is a great step. That is where most of the original— and unique— ideas in film originate.”
Click here to find out more about Shelved’s IndieGoGo campaign.
