Bring the Horror to Life: Support Our Short Film "Weight"!

Bring the Horror to Life: Support Our Short Film

Hi! My name is James Lessard, and I’m a Canadian indie filmmaker based in Ottawa, Ontario. Alongside a small, passionate team of local cast and crew, I’m working on a new psychological horror short film titled Weight—and we need your help to bring it to life. Production is estimated to begin around September 2025, and will be filmed in my hometown of Ottawa, Ontario!

Weight tells the story of a man named John, unravelling after a difficult breakup. As he struggles with isolation and inner turmoil, his darkest thoughts take shape, becoming something far more sinister than just a bad dream. The film explores grief, guilt, and the haunting power of the subconscious—all through a disturbing, atmospheric lens.

At its heart, Weight also sheds light on the often-unspoken struggles men face with mental health. In a world where vulnerability is still stigmatized, especially among men, this story aims to depict the silent battles many endure alone—and the psychological toll that can follow. Through horror, we hope to open up a conversation that extends beyond the screen.

We're aiming for high production value, with practical effects and stylized animations to create an almost paranormal visual experience. But to make that happen, we need a budget to match our vision.

While I’ve successfully completed previous projects on limited budgets, this time we’re aiming for a bigger budget to fully bring our vision to life and push the creative boundaries of what can be achieved. Your support will go directly to essentials like equipment rentals, lighting, props, costumes, set design, and hiring a talented animator.

As a filmmaker without access to big studio backing or deep pockets, this project is a chance to prove that you don’t need millions to tell a powerful story—you just need vision, dedication, and a little help from your community.

All donors will be credited at the end of the film as a token of our appreciation. Whether you’re a horror fan, a supporter of indie film, or someone who believes in creative underdogs, your contribution means the world. Donors will also be granted access to exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew before the general audience.

Let’s bring the horror to life—together.

Linked below are my previous film projects:

Numbers (short): https://youtu.be/eLcFrymXR0s?si=gsHBOCsRMV5y0yG_

Incognizance (short): https://youtu.be/CJcgDRNbGHw?si=LVsYTG0StHzhDl6A

Animus: https://youtu.be/TPA_W8V-CEw

Here is a chance to meet the crew!

https://youtu.be/I5hmy0s68t0