Shelby Oaks: The Journey from YouTube to Filmmaking
The journey of Chris Stuckmann from a popular YouTube movie critic to a first-time filmmaker has been nothing short of remarkable. Stuckmann, known for his insightful movie reviews on his YouTube channel, decided to pursue his original ambition of making movies. His dream came to fruition with the creation of his first feature film, “Shelby Oaks.”
The story of “Shelby Oaks” began at the 2019 Fantastic Fest, where Stuckmann met producer Aaron B. Koontz. A chance encounter led to Stuckmann pitching his film idea on the fly, catching Koontz’s attention. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Stuckmann and Koontz continued to develop the project, eventually leading to the decision to make a feature film centered around the disappearance of a ghost-hunting show host.
To fund the film, Stuckmann turned to Kickstarter and set a record for horror films with nearly $1.4 million raised. With the support of his loyal subscribers, Stuckmann was able to shoot “Shelby Oaks” in his home state of Ohio in May 2022. The post-production phase saw the involvement of acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who provided valuable feedback and support.
The film’s journey took an exciting turn when Neon, known for distributing acclaimed films like “Parasite” and “I, Tonya,” acquired the worldwide rights to “Shelby Oaks.” The timing of the deal, coming right after Neon set a new opening weekend record, added to the serendipitous nature of the film’s journey.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Stuckmann and his wife welcomed twin boys into their family, a journey that inspired elements of the film’s story. Stuckmann’s decision to focus on creating content he connects with on his YouTube channel has also been a positive shift in his career.
“Shelby Oaks” premiered at Fantasia in Montreal, a fitting venue for its world premiere given the festival’s love for genre films. The film’s success is a testament to Stuckmann’s dedication and passion for storytelling, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career as a filmmaker.
As “Shelby Oaks” prepares for its theatrical release, Stuckmann’s journey from YouTube critic to filmmaker serves as an inspiring example of following one’s dreams and making them a reality.
