‘Mean Spirited’: Jeff Ryan’s Found-Footage Horror-Comedy To Start Filming This Fall
After collaborating with creative partner Arielle Cimino on films such as YouthMin and Mass Hysteria, director Jeff Ryan is venturing into the world of solo projects with his next film Mean Spirited. It’s currently being billed as a found-footage horror-comedy, which made this writer’s ear perk up.
One of Ryan’s previous films YouthMin plays in the found footage format. In this comedy, a documentary crew follows an eccentric youth pastor and his group as they head to Bible Camp. While it’s no horror film, YouthMin showcases Ryan’s talents with comedic timing, as well as found footage techniques. Now, it’s his time to shine with Mean Spirited.
Also Read: I Just Watched One Of the Scariest Found Footage Movies I’ve Ever Seen
The film follows Andy (Will Madden), an up-and-coming vlogger who attempts to reconnect with his estranged friend, Bryce (Jeff Ryan). But, this all starts to fall apart while a demonic presence begins tormenting the vacationing group. Mean Spirited is set to begin filming this fall in the Pocono Mountains.
When speaking about his inspiration for the project, Ryan said, “Growing up reading Weird NJ, I would often break into abandoned hotels and insane asylums. I wanted to tell a personal story about friendship, jealousy, and an inherent need to be seen amidst the former Honeymoon Capital of the World: The Poconos.”
Madden caught Ryan’s eye after Ryan saw his performance in Beast Beast. “After seeing Beast Beast, we knew we needed Will Madden to play Andrew in this film. I’m humbled for the opportunity to work with these amazing actors,” he said.
Michelle Veintimilla (Gothman) and Neville Archambault (The Block Island Sound) have also joined the cast for Mean Spirited. Daniel Rashid (Beast Beast), Jake Cannavale (Nurse Jackie), Maria DeCotis (Euphonia), and Charlie Pollock (The Good Wife) will also appear in the film.
Mean Spirited is also co-written by Ryan and Joe Adams. It is a First-Names Films production, an independent production company founded and owned by Ryan.
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