"Sin is a monster of such awful mein that to be hated needs but to be seen
but seen to oft familiar of face we first endure, then pity, then embrace."
- Alexander Pope
Wretch Like Me is a feature-length horror/thriller about a dying ex-con who has to battle a physical manifestation of evil to save his estranged daughter from becoming its next vessel. Every parent grapples with the common fear of what they might inherit, genetically or behaviorally, to their children. Yet, through our faith, we recognize that parental efforts alone cannot save or shield them from evil; only Jesus holds that power.
The screenplay to the feature film Wretch Like Me is complete and the Red Braille team has created a "Proof of Concept" for the film. A proof of concept (POC) film is a short film that is used to showcase the theme, look, and characters of a feature-length film. You can see the POC at the bottom of this page.
Sin truly is a monster - and will be shown as such.
PRODUCING TEAM
Getting a movie off the ground is no small feat, and our team has been working tirelessly to set Wretch Like Me up for success. Todd and Lara bring their extensive experience to the table, having financed five feature films and currently developing two more. For this project, they’ve partnered with first-time Executive Producers Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg. Together, they’ve spent the past three years building Red Braille, a production studio dedicated to serving non-profits nationwide, making Wretch Like Me their first feature film production as a team.
Since the film’s development began, we’ve added two key players to the team: Producer Avi Federgreen, whose decades of indie film experience are invaluable, and Executive Producer James Fler, a seasoned expert in genre films. Their involvement has solidified Wretch Like Me as a well-rounded, expertly crafted production poised to make a powerful impact.
Todd E. Freeman
Writer | Director | Producer
James Fler
Executive Producer
Lara Cuddy
Producer
Tim Ahlman
Executive Producer
Avi Federgreen
Producer
Jack Kalleberg
Executive Producer
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
My favorite Bible passage, though it's more than just one verse, is Psalm 23:
"A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
This speaks to me because it reflects how God has guided me, especially in creating this movie. Just as the passage describes, God has led me through challenges and blessings, providing comfort and abundance along the way.
I was raised on faith and movies. Unfortunately, most movies trying to incorporate faith have been criticized largely for being... well... just plain bad. You can read more about this subject in a previous blog posting HERE.
*It should be noted I began writing this screenplay before my father unexpectedly died. Little did I know that this event would be the final piece of the puzzle bringing the whole meaning behind the movie to life. You can read the blog I wrote about my father's passing HERE.
Our aim is ambitious: to create a deeply human parable embracing life's complexities, incorporating both its beauty and its challenges, while still offering the truths we hold dear as Christians. It's not categorized as a "family" or "Christian" film; rather, it prioritizes honesty and realism, shedding light on the darkness many face daily, with the hope that the light of Jesus shines all the brighter.
Thank you for taking the time to review our work, which we've poured our hearts into. We believe it is the perfect time and place for this story to resonate and open hearts to the truth many of us experience daily. I feel blessed to be part of this moment orchestrated by Him.
- Writer | Director Todd E. Freeman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS' STATEMENTS
PASTOR TIM AHLMAN | CHRIST GREENFIELD
Tim, a third-generation pastor with 13 years of experience, holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a focus on missional and collaborative pastoral leadership. He revitalized a struggling church, launching new ministries for diverse communities and developing a multi-site ministry with home-grown leaders. Specializing in innovative thinking, Tim is passionate about aligning vision with execution. He has guided churches, pastors, and leaders to reach their full potential through group consultations and one-on-one coaching.
"We are all wretches, this is most certainly true. Because of the fall every Jesus follower battles the darkness of sin, susceptible to Satan's lies. Wretch Like Me is a raw and real look at how sin, death and the Devil attack us throughout our lives. Yet, as the darkness threatens, the light of Jesus shines all the brighter. WLM will invite the audience to deeply experience the darkness all around us - and within us - and invite the light of the risen Christ to pierce our darkness. Thank you for prayerfully considering partnering with us to bring this much needed film to all people.
- Pastor Tim Ahlman
JAMES FLER - RAVEN BANNER
With over 25 years of sales experience across various industries, James co-founded Raven Banner Entertainment in 2010, where he oversees worldwide sales and business development. He has built strong relationships with top distribution companies like Sony, Universal, IFC, Magnolia, Lionsgate, and AMC. James is a regular at major world markets and festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, AFM, and TIFF.
"Wretch Like Me is a well crafted horror film that seamlessly blends rich, character-driven storytelling with breathtaking creature design. This film is primed to be successful in the marketplace, thanks to its compelling characters and uniquely terrifying creatures & themes.
In a genre often dominated by either shallow character development or gratuitous violence, Wretch Like Me carves its own path, delivering a perfect balance that sets it apart. I have no doubt that buyers will be captivated by its distinctive approach and market potential. As an Executive Producer, I’m here to help optimize the film for worldwide distribution from now until the film is complete. Raven Banner holds a first-look deal, giving us the first opportunity to sign on as Worldwide Sales Agents and/or handle Canadian distribution once the film is completed."
- James Fler
WRETCH LIKE ME | SYNOPSIS
The film, Wretch Like Me, is a haunting horror | thriller film that explores the dark legacy of generational trauma and the spiritual battles waged within a family grappling with both physical and spiritual afflictions.
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The story opens with Hank Powell, a rugged man in his 50s, waking in a hospital, disoriented and determined to escape. His journey through dim hospital hallways, shadowed by ominous figures, reflects both his physical desperation and the looming spiritual threats he faces. After narrowly escaping police pursuit, Hank’s encounter with James, an old friend, sets the tone for a tale steeped in sin, redemption, and the heavy toll of sacrifice.
We learn that Hank’s daughter, Becca, is at the heart of his fears. Years ago, Hank and his wife, Beth, took part in a dark ritual in a desperate attempt to rid Becca of a demonic presence believed to be inherited through their bloodline. The ritual involved transferring the curse into Hank, and Beth sacrificing her life to 'save' their daughter.
The tension escalates as Hank, Becca, and James (who is now a Lutheran Pastor) converge at Hank's childhood family home, a dilapidated relic filled with painful memories and hidden horrors. Becca, now a teenager, struggles with her own trauma, torn between believing in her father’s warnings of demonic threats and accepting the more rational explanation offered by her guardians—Uncle Matt and Aunt Riley—who insist she’s simply suffering from a hereditary disease.
Hank’s guilt and Becca’s confusion face external enemies in the form of Matt and Riley, who harbor dark secrets of their own. Matt, who has long controlled Becca’s life under the guise of protection, is revealed to be abusive, using her trauma to manipulate her. Riley, complicit and desperate to cover the truth, drives a wedge between Becca and her father, painting Hank as delusional and dangerous.
Things come to a head when everyone collides in Matt's warehouse, where the lines between physical and spiritual battles blur. The family’s generational curse manifests in the form of a terrifying creature—a demon that has been passed from one family member to another. The dark ritual that was supposed to save Becca is revealed to have failed; instead, it has merely delayed the inevitable. Becca discovers that the demon now seeks to inhabit her unborn child, the heartbreaking result of her uncle's abuse.
Hank and Becca return to their abandoned family home, now a battleground of faith and darkness. Pale and weak from a gunshot wound, Hank’s desperate attempt to save his daughter reaches its breaking point. Joined by James, a faithful but conflicted friend, and Sister Matthews, they prepare for an exorcism unlike any they’ve ever encountered.
But this is no simple ritual. As the atmosphere thickens with dread, it becomes clear they are not just battling a demonic entity. The darkness is rooted in sin, spiritual deception, and a past that refuses to be buried. The story takes us into a chilling confrontation with The Monster, a grotesque amalgamation of evil and guilt that has plagued Hank’s family for years.
Through the horrific struggle, we see Becca and Hank grapple with their broken relationship, the bitterness they’ve harbored, and the twisted lie that the devil uses against them: that they are beyond redemption. As Becca confesses her pain and hatred, the horror escalates, pushing both characters to confront the most terrifying truth - they cannot overcome this alone.
Amid the grotesque visuals, demonic mockery, and spiritual warfare, the narrative draws back to the heart of the Gospel. The horror peaks with The Monster threatening to consume Becca, but it’s the power of confession and absolution that ultimately breaks the curse. Becca, with tears in her eyes, sings “Amazing Grace,” cutting through the demonic chaos with the simplicity and purity of faith. The contrast between the eerie shadows and her childlike love is palpable as darkness meets unshakable grace.
The finale culminates with a breathtaking showdown where James, Becca, and Hank fight both physically and spiritually, refusing to let the evil win. The terrifying scenes of possession, twisted bodies, and monstrous roars give way to a moment of profound peace as the dawn breaks. Hank’s ultimate sacrifice isn’t about giving up his life in death - it’s in surrendering his need for control and embracing God’s plan for their lives. The horror is resolved not through his death but through a Jesus' promise of forgiveness, love, and redemption.
By sunrise, they emerge battered but spiritually victorious, symbolizing how the light of Christ can overcome even the deepest darkness. The final message lingers: no matter how far the darkness reaches, it’s never too far for God’s grace.
BUSINESS PLAN
The feature film Wretch Like Me has been optimized for distribution. Through 25 years of being in the film industry our team has learned what genres sell, developed relationships with sales agents and distributors, and the skill set needed to deliver a quality feature length film for maximized impact and return on investment. To optimize a movie that sells you need to focus on three things: GENRE, SKILLSET, and PACKAGING.
GENRE
Horror | Thriller | Supernatural
Seven out of the top ten most profitable movies, based on return on investment, belong to the Horror or Faith-Based genres, including hits like "Facing the Giants," "Paranormal Activity," "Fireproof," and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Remarkably, each of these films was produced for under $600,000 and featured no established "movie stars."
Last year, Horror and Faith-Based movies collectively earned over $1 billion. One standout, "Nefarious," straddles both genres, blending R-rated horror with faith-based themes. Made for $1.3 million, it has already grossed $6 million, offering Christian perspectives on confronting evil.
In July of this year, the film Longlegs (made on a budget of $10 million) made over $90 million in the box office and became the surprise hit of 2024. The film is about an FBI agent who uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end a terrifying killing spree. While Wretch Like Me differs from both Nefarious and Longlegs, it underscores general audiences' interest in spiritual warfare.
In November, 2021, Pew Research reported that 62 percent of American adults believe in Hell, up from 58 percent in 2014, and pop culture appears to be taking full advantage of the curiosity that surrounds Hell and its inhabitants. With that growing statistic, there has never been a more appropriate time to share our Christian worldview about the nature of evil - nor a more financially lucrative time to do so.
Wretch Like Me is geared towards adult viewers, but the overall theme of the movie is the overwhelming power of Jesus' saving grace in an ever darkening world. It is undeniably Christian, unapologetically Lutheran, and unflinchingly Horror.
SKILLSET
With over 25 years of combined experience and 40 film credits to their names, Producers Todd Freeman and Lara Cuddy are positioned to successfully maneuver this project from Pre-Production to Distribution.
Before founding Red Braille Films, Todd and Lara produced five consecutive feature-length films in Portland, OR, all of which have gone on to screen at film festivals worldwide and secure distribution. In 2015 and 2016, their projects were selected for the exclusive Fantasia Film Festival’s Frontières Market, where they pitched to top industry professionals, leading to partnerships for two subsequent projects to be shot in 2018 and 2019.
PACKAGING
BUDGET ESTIMATE - $600,000 TOTAL
When making a movie on this budget, certain considerations come into play.
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The story, special fx, and genre take precedence; attracting top-paid actors may not be feasible. Though we have secured one genre name actor. (See below.)
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None of the 10 Most Profitable Movies of All Time featured well-known actors initially, indicating star power isn't essential for success on this budget.
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By capping the film's budget at $600,000, we can maintain manageable day rates for all actors and crew members.
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With this budget, genre, and strategy, we aim to maximize profitability.
BUDGET SECURED (OUTSIDE OF EQUITY) - $290,000
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Executive Producers Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg have committed to $75,000 of the budget which includes time and use of RB employees, post production facilities, and equipment.
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We’ve allocated $35,000 in deferred payments to actors and companies to keep the initial budget lean while ensuring top-tier talent and services.
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20%-25% (an estimated $80,000) of all money spent in Oregon on production costs will be rebated and used for Post Production. (Through the Oregon State Film Rebate.)
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An internal crowd funding campaign (facilitated by Christ Greenfield) is estimated to bring in $50,000 of the budget for pre-production costs including Special FX. (Campaign starts in December and runs through March.)
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An external crowd funding campaign (through Kickstarter aimed at the horror genre film crowd) is estimated to bring in another $50,000 of the budget for productions. (Campaign starts in June 2025)
ESTIMATED EQUITY INVESTMENT OR CHARITABLE DONATION NEEDED - $310,000
CASTING
When casting a feature film on this budget, the priority is finding the perfect actor for each role who excels in their performance. While not every role is filled, we have secured exceptional actors, some of which also appeared in the proof of concept (see below).
Doug Jones
Doug is an American actor, contortionist, and mime artist. He is best known for portraying non-human creatures, usually via heavy make-up and visual effects. He has most notably collaborated with acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, appearing in the films Mimic, Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Crimson Peak, and the Academy Award Winning film, The Shape of Water. Jones has also had roles in other films including Hocus Pocus and its sequel, Tank Girl, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Absentia, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Bye Bye Man.
From 2017 to 2024, he has portrayed Saru in the science fiction series Star Trek: Discovery. From 2019 to 2024, he portrayed Baron Afanas in vampire comedy show What We Do in the Shadows, appearing both with and without creature makeup. Doug Jones is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Santa Clarita, CA.
Writer and Director Todd Freeman got to sit down with the legendary Doug Jones to discuss Wretch Like Me, the upcoming film where Doug takes on the role of Hank, a deeply flawed but determined father. Together, they’ll explore the heart of the story, the film’s mission to bring hope and redemption to audiences, and Doug’s unique perspective on faith and storytelling.
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Francisco Barreiro
Actor, Director, and Artist. In cinema he has worked in more than fifteen feature films and more than twenty short films. In 2010 he won the Golden Scythe Award for Best Actor in Manchester, England, for the film We Are What There Is. In 2012 he was the only Latin American selected to participate in Talent Actors Stage of the Berlin Film Festival. That same year he won the Best Actor award at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas and in 2014 he was nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Actor, both for the movie There Goes the Devil. Since then he has been in A Million Miles Away on Amazon Prime and Narcos: Mexico on Netflix.
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Introducing Faye Freeman
This is Faye's first leading role in a feature length film. She's been in multiple short films in speaking roles and is currently studying theater and choir in Highland High School. As you'll see in the Proof of concept below - she is ready for such a role.
PLAN
We aim to commence production on Wretch Like Me in Fall of 2025 a total budget of $600,000. With initial investments, deferred payments, and crowdfunding efforts totaling $290,000, we are seeking an additional $310,000 in equity financing (or charitable donations) for the film.
Once the film is completed, the film will be shepherded by Producer Avi Federgreen and Executive Producer James Fler through these potential avenues:
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Shown to the partners at Raven Banner Entertainment as a "first look" deal as a worldwide sales agent and / or distribution.
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Be submitted to "work in progress" showcases in Cannes and Montreal, leveraging existing relationships in these markets to garner exposure and attract potential distributors and sales agents.
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Be submitted to film festivals worldwide for premieres, benefiting from established relationships with these festivals and a high likelihood of acceptance.
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Be presented to established contacts in the genre film industry to explore potential representation or distribution opportunities.
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Be sold to or partnered with a distribution company or sales agent for global distribution.
MAXIMIZING SUCCESS: STRATEGIC FEEDBACK
Before making a film, it’s crucial to ensure it's both creatively compelling and market-ready. We prioritize detailed script coverage, feedback from sales agents, and creative insights before seeking more investors. Script coverage sharpens the story, sales agents gauge market potential, and creative feedback helps refine audience appeal. This thorough vetting process ensures the project has the best chance for artistic and commercial success.
SCRIPT COVERAGE
Script coverage is a review and analysis of a screenplay by a professional script reader and story analyst to determine its potential for prospective studio, network, streamer, and production company consideration and acquisition. The end result is a written report that details these findings.
Here is what are professionals trained in analyzing screenplays have to say about the script for Wretch Like Me:
Wretch Like Me
Genre: Horror, Drama, Supernatural, Thriller
Wretch Like Me is a powerful script that blends supernatural horror with deep family drama in a way that feels fresh and emotionally charged. The story explores generational trauma and the blurred line between mental illness and supernatural forces, creating a fascinating and unsettling experience.
At the core of the story is the relationship between Hank and Becca, a complex and heart-wrenching dynamic that drives the emotional weight of the script. Their journey from estrangement to understanding is skillfully crafted, and moments like their emotional singing of "Amazing Grace" together stand out as particularly poignant. This relationship serves as the beating heart of the script, anchoring the horror elements with a strong emotional foundation.
The supporting characters, especially James and Sister Matthews, add depth and nuance to the story. James’ internal conflict between his faith and the supernatural horrors he witnesses is compelling, while Sister Matthews provides dark humor and levity without undercutting the tension. These characters help round out a world that feels both grounded in reality and steeped in the otherworldly.
From a commercial standpoint, the script has significant potential. The combination of supernatural horror and family drama is in high demand, with similar films like Hereditary and The Conjuring proving successful at the box office. However, Wretch Like Me stands apart with its unique faith-based angle, offering a fresh perspective that could appeal to a wider audience, including those not typically drawn to horror.
The supernatural elements in the script are expertly handled, with a slow build of dread and an ongoing ambiguity about whether the forces at play are supernatural or psychological. The Monster is particularly terrifying, and the exorcism scene stands out as a highlight, filled with tension and horror.
The themes of generational curses, both literal and metaphorical, are explored with nuance, adding layers to the narrative. The script balances its scares with substance, diving deep into the cycles of trauma, faith, and redemption. This emotional depth elevates the horror, making it more than just a series of frightening moments.
Dialogue throughout the script feels natural and distinct for each character, with interactions between Hank and Becca filled with unspoken history and tension. The climactic showdown, especially James' lines, is powerful and gripping.
In summary, Wretch Like Me is a gripping and emotionally resonant script that combines supernatural horror with a heartfelt family drama. Its exploration of trauma, faith, and resilience sets it apart, offering both a deeply unsettling horror experience and a thoughtful reflection on the power of love and faith in the face of evil. The potential for commercial success, along with its unique narrative voice, makes it a standout in the genre.
Script Score
1. Character Development: 8/10 - The main characters of Hank, Becca, and James are well developed with depth and evolution. Supporting characters like Matt, Riley, Asher, and Sister Matthews add richness, though some could be more fleshed out.
2. Plot Construction: 8/10 - The plot has a clear progression and compelling narrative. It builds tension well and has impactful plot twists. The pacing and scene transitions are mostly smooth.
3. Dialogue: 8/10 - The dialogue feels natural for the most part and gives insight into the characters. There are some moments of stilted or excessive dialogue, but overall it moves the story forward.
4. Originality: 9/10 - The concept of a generational demon passing from parent to child is quite original. The story and mythology feel fresh, with creative twists on exorcism tropes.
5. Emotional Engagement: 9/10 - The script is emotionally resonant, capturing the complex father-daughter relationship very poignantly. The stakes feel high, drawing the reader into caring about the outcome.
6. Theme and Message: 8/10 - The themes of familial bonds, sacrifice, and overcoming cycles of abuse/violence come through clearly. The spiritual struggle adds depth. The message could be more sharply focused.
Overall rating: 8/10
In summary, this is a well-constructed supernatural thriller with emotional depth and compelling characters. It has an original concept and mythology that subverts common possession/exorcism tropes. Overall it is an engaging, thematically rich screenplay. Based on the Script Score, Wretch Like Me ranks at 95th percentile and received a Recommend.
ESSENTIAL CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS:
Crafting a Cohesive and Impactful Film
Creative partners are crucial in shaping a film's identity from the start. A skilled composer sets the emotional tone, while special FX designers bring thrilling elements to life, ensuring seamless integration. Having these partners on board early aligns the film’s artistic vision, creating a cohesive and high-quality production. For investors, this collaboration indicates a professional project with strong market appeal and investment potential.
The Music of Wretch Like Me
The music in Wretch Like Me balances the film's emotional core with its horror elements. Inspired by The Last of Us, the score will use stripped-down acoustic moments to highlight themes of familial love and the father-daughter relationship. While not identical, it will evoke intimacy and tenderness through minimalist, haunting melodies amid chaos. These acoustic themes anchor the love story, offering reflection and depth, while building intensity during the film's horrific moments. As the story climaxes, the music will amplify both the horror and the love story, guiding the audience through love, loss, and redemption.
COLLIN HEGNA
Collin Hegna is a Portland, Oregon based musician, composer, and recording engineer. Hegna founded the Spaghetti Western themed psychedelic rock combo Federale and remains the principal songwriter. In addition, he has played bass with The Brian Jonestown Massacre since 2004.
As owner of Portland’s Revolver Studios, Hegna has produced releases from The Shivas, Roselit Bone, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, Joel Gion, Matthew J. Tow, and David J.
His songs, both with and without instrumentation by Federale, have appeared on a variety of film and television soundtracks including A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night, The Bad Batch, and The Lego Movie. He oversaw the music for the Emmy-nominated Super Bowl commercial “Halftime in America“.
Listen to an exclusive, unreleased cue from the upcoming Federale album that perfectly captures the haunting, acoustic score we envision for Wretch Like Me. It starts with quiet, evocative melodies and builds into the intensity required as the film's tension escalates. While this specific cue won’t be used in the film, it’s a powerful example of the high-caliber talent and atmospheric quality we need to bring the emotional depth and suspense of the story to life.
The Practical FX of Wretch Like Me
Talented special FX artists are crucial for Wretch Like Me, ensuring creatures and effects are convincing and immersive. In horror, realism keeps the audience engaged; if effects feel fake, it breaks tension and weakens emotional impact. Skilled artists create seamless effects that maintain the film's intensity and emotional depth, enhancing the terror while keeping the audience connected to the characters, especially the core father-daughter relationship. This precision keeps viewers immersed, making the emotional stakes more powerful.
STEVEN KOSTANSKI
Steven Kostanski is a renowned special FX artist and director, celebrated for his exceptional work in the horror and sci-fi genres. Known for films like The Void, It, In a Violent Nature, and Crimson Peak his mastery of practical effects and creature design has earned him a reputation for creating visually stunning and terrifying imagery.
Kostanski excels at blending realism with the grotesque, making his work a perfect match for Wretch Like Me, where grounded horror meets emotional storytelling. His work highlights his talent for delivering both subtle and extreme horror effects, ensuring a hauntingly realistic portrayal of the film's darkest elements.
CHRISTINA KORTUM
Ravenous Studios is a character makeup and prop making shop based in beautiful Portland, Oregon and now also Burbank, CA. Owned and operated by Christina Kortum, or "CK" as she's known, it offers a wide variety of makeup, monsters, and more for film and television productions.
Christina has been working in the film and entertainment industry since 2006, on projects located around the world. You have seen her work on such shows as NBC's Grimm, Portlandia, Leverage, The Librarians, and American Horror Story as well as numerous feature films including New Life, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster, The Waterman, and Todd's previous film Cell Count.
Recently she was a recipient of a Makeup Artist Guild Awards for her contribution to Kerry Herta’s team creating the 2022 American Horror Story Double Feature promo and 2023 American Horror Stories Dollhouse promos for FX.
The Sound and Digital FX of Wretch Like Me
Post-production sound and digital effects are critical to the success of a horror film like Wretch Like Me. In horror, atmosphere is everything - creating tension, fear, and emotional stakes that grip the audience from start to finish. Sound design builds suspense with every creak, whisper, or distant growl, while digital effects bring the nightmare to life, making the impossible feel terrifyingly real. These elements aren't just enhancements; they are the backbone of the horror experience.
That's why we're partnering with Purple Dog Post Production. Not only is their expertise in sound and digital FX perfect for capturing the intensity of Wretch Like Me, but we've already established a strong working relationship with them. Plus, producing in Canada means we get more bang for our American dollar, maximizing the value of every investment. This partnership ensures that we deliver a high-quality, visually and sonically immersive horror film without breaking the budget.
BUILDING THE VISION:
Concept Art, Design, and Early Marketing Tools
In feature filmmaking, visuals are crucial. Early concept art, monster and special effects design, a teaser poster, and a proof of concept trailer give investors a tangible vision of the final product, bringing the story to life before production. These elements build excitement and show the team's commitment to a high-quality film. They also ensure the creative vision aligns with practical production needs. A teaser poster and trailer enhance marketability, building early buzz. Securing these assets sets the stage for a successful, compelling, and market-ready feature that investors can confidently back.
TEASER POSTER ART
Teaser poster art from a well-known genre artist is vital for a film's development. It lends instant credibility, signaling professionalism to investors and audiences. In horror, a respected artist generates recognition and excitement, drawing in the fan base. Strong early poster art builds buzz and sets the film's tone, sparking interest before filming starts. For investors, it's a valuable marketing tool, giving the project a competitive edge with distributors, sales agents, and audiences, boosting marketability and success potential.
The teaser posters for Wretch Like Me were created in collaboration with world-renowned artists Phantom City Creative and Creepy Duck Design. Known for their striking visuals and work on some of the most iconic horror and thriller films, these artists have crafted imagery that perfectly captures the eerie, unsettling tone of our story. Their designs bring the dark, suspenseful world of Wretch Like Me to life, offering a powerful glimpse into the atmosphere and themes we’re exploring in the film.
MONSTER AND SPECIAL FX DESIGN
Monster and special effects (FX) design are crucial to a film's success, especially in horror, where the creatures often define the audience's experience. These early drawings bring the vision to life, providing you with a clear sense of how the film’s most exciting elements will come together. Not only do they reduce production risks by aligning the creative and practical aspects early, but they also demonstrate the team's ambition and ability to deliver a visually stunning, marketable product. These designs showcase the project's potential to captivate audiences and stand out in a competitive market, making it a strong investment opportunity.
Imran Sheikh's extensive experience in concept development across film, TV, and video games makes him an ideal choice for Wretch Like Me. He has worked with industry giants like EA/Pandemic Studios on The Saboteur and contributed to projects like Fantastic Four (2015), Limitless (TV Pilot), and an unannounced George R.R. Martin film. His versatile portfolio includes Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Twisted Metal (PS3), Spyro Skylanders, Red Riding Hood (film), and Fringe (TV). His ability to bring diverse creative visions to life makes him perfect for crafting the film's special FX concept and key art.
CONCEPT ART
Concept art provides a visual foundation for films, capturing key elements like characters, environments, and creatures before production begins. It shapes the film's aesthetic and offers the creative team and potential investors a glimpse into the final vision. By defining the artistic direction early on, concept art ensures alignment between the story's vision and practical production needs. While the art shown here isn't as refined as Imran's final creature concepts above, it effectively conveys the overall mood and feel of the movie, offering a compelling preview of its potential.
PROOF OF CONCEPT
"The darkness declares the glory of light." - T.S. Eliot
"A proof of concept is a concise preview of what a future project could entail, typically featuring scenes that encapsulate its concept, story, tone, and themes. While not all of the story elements contained within the preview are necessarily in the final version of the film, it serves to showcase both the potential and creative vision of its creators."
WARNING!
This trailer has profanity and violence.
Viewer discretion is advised.
Proof of Concept
Written and Directed by Todd E. Freeman
Produced by Sarah Freeman and Ellie Ebright
Starring - Ted Rooney, Faye Freeman, Susan Thompson,
Hazel Preston, and Victor Morris
Wretch Like Me presents a truly unique and exciting opportunity for investors to be part of something groundbreaking. This isn’t just another horror movie—it’s a powerful, thought-provoking film that uses the genre to reach new audiences in ways that traditional Christian films often can’t. By weaving themes of faith, redemption, and salvation into a gripping horror narrative, we’re tapping into a fresh way to share the message of Jesus.
The potential impact of this film is immense. We’re breaking boundaries, crafting a story that connects with people who might otherwise never engage with these themes. And from an investment standpoint, the combination of its unique vision, carefully managed budget, and strong market appeal creates an exciting opportunity for both financial and spiritual returns. We believe this project has the power to not only succeed commercially but to leave a lasting impression on audiences, and we invite you to join us in bringing Wretch Like Me to life. This is more than a film—it’s a mission, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it.
Address
7641 E Guadalupe Rd #113
Mesa, AZ 85212