How We Raised the Money
For any indie filmmakers reading this: the way we secured funding wasn’t magic. We shot the hook—the opening scene of the film—and presented it to investors. If we didn’t have skin in the game, why should anyone else?
Personally, I put my life savings into The Luring. Not because I’m reckless, but because I truly believed there was an audience for a smart horror film with a unique story and unpredictable twists. Investors saw that passion—not just in the scene we shot but in everything surrounding it: the LLC, the lawyer, the website, and the sheer amount of work the producing team (myself, Sandy, and Brian) had already put in.
We weren’t waiting for permission. We were already moving, and that’s what got people on board.
Respect Is Everything on Set
When I think back on production, what I’m most proud of is how we treated our cast and crew. We didn’t just feed them—we made sure the meals were energizing and healthy. (I’m vegan, so yes, there were vegan options.) We gave people real places to sleep, never overworked anyone, and hired a phenomenal 1st AD who managed to keep us on schedule—even with 15 straight days of rain.
No one worked past a full day, and that’s no small feat on a 22-day shoot.
I’ve worked on sets where the energy was toxic—where people were treated like tools, not humans. That’s not how we did it. The Luring was built with respect at the foundation. Because when you’re a leader, the only thing that really matters is how you treat your team. If you lead with love, integrity, and hard work, people will follow. Not out of fear—but out of belief in the project.
Distribution Is Just the Beginning
I know this is just the start. Being on platforms gives us the opportunity—but getting the word out is what matters now. Every view, every share, every IMDb click—it all counts.
Because when people see The Luring, they also see the cast and crew who made it happen. That leads to more work, more recognition, and more opportunities for everyone who gave so much to this film.
For many of us, this was our first feature. It’s certainly my first narrative feature—and I’ll never forget the people who helped make it happen.
Film is a collaboration. Always has been. Always will be.
To my cast and crew: I think of you often. I’m so proud of what we created. Let’s get this film seen.
Much love and respect.
