My name is Samuel Garcia, filmmaker and founder of Synematix, and I’m currently developing my independent horror feature film, The Hayman.

What originally began as a short horror proof-of-concept while I was studying Digital Media & Film at SUNY New Paltz has since grown into something much bigger along with my team.

Now that I’ve graduated, gained more professional production experience, expanded my filmmaking resources, and had more time to develop the story, I’ve decided to take the project where I always believed it could go into a full-length independent feature film.

Set in New York’s Hudson Valley, The Hayman follows Mason, a young man still searching for answers after the disappearance of his younger brother. As disturbing events begin unfolding throughout his town, Mason discovers a interesting and eerie twist.

The film is being built around atmosphere, suspense, practical filmmaking, cinematic visuals, strong characters, and the eerie fall identity of the Hudson Valley. At its core, the story explores grief, guilt, fear, family, and the idea that some places never truly forget what happened on their land.

At Synematix, our goal is to create an independent horror film that feels far bigger than its budget and introduces a memorable new horror character with the potential to live beyond a single film.

I have already invested heavily into my filmmaking career and own much of the professional camera, lighting, and production equipment needed to bring the project to life. Because of that, the money raised through this campaign can go directly toward the areas that will make the biggest difference on screen.

Where Your Support Goes!

Funds raised will directly support:

Cast & Crew — helping us bring talented actors and experienced crew members onto the production.

Professional Production Sound — ensuring the film sounds just as polished and cinematic as it looks.

Locations & Permits — securing the houses, businesses, fields, roads, and other locations needed to build the world of the film.

Production Design & Set Dressing — transforming locations and creating an authentic, lived-in Hudson Valley setting.

Costumes & The Hayman Character Design — developing the physical appearance of the film’s central horror figure and its characters.

Practical Effects & Special Effects Makeup — creating scares and horror moments practically whenever possible.

Props & Specialty Equipment — including important story props and production tools needed for specific shots and scenes.

Transportation & Meals — supporting our cast and crew throughout production.

Music, Sound Design & Post-Production — including editing, color grading, sound mixing, visual effects, scoring, and final mastering.

Every contribution allows us to put more value directly onto the screen.

As a thank you, supporters will have the opportunity to be recognized with a Special Thanks credit in the finished film. We also plan to celebrate the completion of The Hayman with a local premiere screening where supporters, cast, crew, friends, and family can experience the finished movie together.

This project means much more to me and my team now than it did when I first came up with the idea.

We're no longer approaching it as a student film. We're approaching it with the experience, equipment, knowledge, connections, and creative growth I’ve gained since then. While also still carrying the same ambition that made us want to create The Hayman in the first place.

The goal isn’t simply to finish a movie.

It’s to create something audiences remember.

Something cinematic, unsettling, and uniquely tied to the Hudson Valley.

Something that can begin its life as an independent production and hopefully continue through film festivals, distribution, and wherever audiences ultimately take it.

Whether you contribute financially or simply share the campaign with someone who loves horror and independent filmmaking, your support means more than you know.

Thank you for helping us bring The Hayman to life.

The land remembers...

It’s time to awaken... The Hayman.