# The Savage State

Be part of a new feature film set in a darkly atmospheric & visual fantasy world

## Elevator pitch
We are making a feature length film.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/thesavagestate
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:116359
- Last updated: 2026-07-07T23:54:36Z
- Generated at: 2026-07-08T05:05:41Z

## Quick facts
- Raised $50K already and completed Act 1, now filming the final 12 days with your help.
- Set in an expanding world of stories with future films, books, and more down the road
- Emmy and Addy Award winning team with a proven track record
- Fantasy is one of the fastest growing genres on Netflix, Amazon, and HBO

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:64044: 4(a)(6) open (USD)

## Story
Today’s fantasy films have lost their soul.In a world dominated by CGI and studio formulas, authentic, handmade storytelling has nearly vanished. The tactile wonder and emotional resonance of early fantasy, from The NeverEnding Story to The Dark Crystal, is missing. Audiences are craving something real again: texture, mystery, and emotional depth.What if a film could feel like an artifact from another world?We’ve already raised $50,000 and filmed the first act. Now we’re inviting you to join our team and help complete the final 12 days of production.We’re building a handcrafted fantasy film from the ground up.The Savage State blends folk horror and dark fantasy to tell the story of a young boy who discovers a fallen star in 1850s New England, an event that fractures time and sets the stage for a century of myth. The film uses miniatures, in-camera effects, and real landscapes to create a timeless world that feels both ancient and new.One film, many revenue streams. Built for long-term return.The Savage State is the first in a series of interconnected stories within a shared universe. A handcrafted cinematic world spanning 100 years of alternate history.We expect revenue and value grow through:Traditional & streaming distribution (festival-to-VOD pipeline)Merchandise, collector editions, and limited art printsCross-medium IP expansion (short films, zines, novels, exhibitions)Long-tail licensing across Theater13 projectsAudiences are hungry for handmade fantasy.Elevated, arthouse fantasy is thriving:Films like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Green Knight, proved there’s a growing market for cinematic, slow-burn fantasy and horror worlds.The global fantasy film market exceeds $50B annually, and niche fantasy communities are expanding rapidly via YouTube, BookTok, and fan conventions.The Savage State bridges that gap. Beautiful enough for art-house audiences, but universal enough for mainstream discovery.We Are award-winning storytellers with a proven record of finishing what we start.Our spectacular team has been working in the film industry for well over a decade, on projects ranging from Oscar-nominated films to Hollywood blockbusters and everything in between. Our own projects have screened and won awards at film festivals worldwide, been recognized by major websites and publications, and garnered extremely positive critical and audience reviews.Chris Heck - Writer/DirectorDirector's Demo ReelBorn and raised in the green mountains of Vermont, Chris has since traveled the globe working on every level of production from A-list music videos and Oscar-nominated films to documentaries with the Hell's Angels. His short films and commercial work have screened and won awards at film festivals worldwide, been awarded multiple advertising awards, and featured on sites such as Short of the Week, Bloody-Disgusting, Vimeo, and more. This will be his debut feature film.Kaylee Nedley - ProducerKaylee has successfully produced micro budgets while ensuring the wellbeing and safety of the crew. Her most impressive accomplishment was managing an independent film (THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH) that was filmed on remote 88k acre ranch.Michael Rekola - Executive ProducerMichael is the founder of Rekola Studios, a multi-family studio that champions independent cinema from concept to completion. He is an investor (BETA TEST, MY DIVORCE PARTY) and producer of feature films (THE MEET CUTE MURDERS, BURYING DORIS).Jacen Sievers - Director of Photographyhttps://www.jacensieversdp.com/Jacen’s passion for visual storytelling began at an early age, animating stop-motion adventures with his toys that he could show to family and friends. That same child-like imagination continues to motivate him, using his skills as a cinematographer to capture compelling stories in visually exciting ways. His work has won numerous awards, including an Emmy for Best Commercial Campaign and a Gold Addy for Cinematography.Skyler Gardner - Costume Designerhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm8371565/Skyler is a costume designer living in Phoenix, Arizona. 10 years immersed in film production, he’s found a voice in clothing and character, his designs contributing to multiple award winning shorts, and now his first feature.Join us in finishing a film that will outlive us.We’re building more than a movie, we’re building a legacy of handcrafted storytelling.Invest today and help bring The Savage State to life.Will you join us in The Savage State?Additional Links:Pinterest BoardsSpotify PlaylistFilm InspirationsBook a one-on-one call

## Team
- Chris Heck (Writer/Director)
- Kaylee Nedley (Producer)
- Michael Rekola (Executive Producer)
- Jacen Sievers (Director of Photography)

## Recent posts
- Exciting Investment Match Opportunity for "The Savage State"! (2024-02-13T23:10:56Z)
- Our First Week (2022-06-13T21:36:57Z)