THE PLOT

Charlie has earned himself a scholarship to study the history of the paranormal at the prestigious Miskatonic University. Before semester begins, however, he needs to find a place to live for the summer, away from his unsafe family situation. Finding a cheap apartment on the mysterious Rue D'Auseil, he becomes fascinated with his neighbor Erich Zann, a mute musical savant who's escaped from both the Holocaust and, if rumors are to be believed, from the infamous Arkham Sanitarium. Captivated by his music, Charlie tries to learn what he can about Erich's history. What he uncovers will forever warp his understanding of the universe.

THE FILM

The horror in the works of H.P. Lovecraft generally rests on two different premises. One is the existential horror of living in a bizarre and uncaring universe, a theme which continues to resonate. The other premise is that people who aren't Anglo-Saxon are scary. So how do a couple of Jewish filmmakers adapt the work of a writer who was considered abhorrently racist and anti-Semitic even by the standards of the 1920s? His short story "The Music of Erich Zann" provides an exciting opportunity for a modernized adaptation. The story's ambiguity, which is one of its strengths as a piece of fantastic horror, provides ample opportunities for exploration both as a low-budget filmmaker and as a writer looking to develop character in ways that both enhance Lovecraft's timeless themes and subvert his troubling ones. Old Howard Philips might be rolling in his grave over all this, but what horror fan doesn't love scary moving corpses?

THE CAMPAIGN

To pay talented actors and pull off the mix of digital and practical effects we need for our 8-10 minute film, we're looking to raise at least $5,000. This will get us through production and take us into post-production. Those who contribute will be treated to an advanced look at the film. For higher donation levels, we're offering all sorts of treats: walk-on parts, the opportunity to design a monster for the climax, even a snake puppet used by Neil Gaiman in the director's previous short film, "The Making of a Superhero Musical." Those who are unable to donate have the opportunity to follow the project for behind-the-scenes updates and release information.