The $5 Film Experiment: Can Strangers Help Bring an Independent Horror Film to Five dollars One film Let’s see what happens Life?

My name is Craig Layton. I’m an independent filmmaker from Nova Scotia, Canada, and I’m trying a little social experiment.

Can small, voluntary contributions of just $5 collectively help an independent film move closer to becoming a reality?

I honestly don’t know. That’s why I’m curious to find out.

The film is RAVENSHADE, an original Gaelic folk-horror feature set in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

The Film

A town eats what you remember.

Five friends disappear in a Cape Breton town that doesn’t simply kill its victims. It erases them from existence.

One woman survives, carrying the memories of people the rest of the world insists were never born.

RAVENSHADE explores memory, identity, grief and the terrifying possibility of being completely forgotten.

I’ve spent considerable time developing the screenplay and assembling the creative foundation for the project. We have an existing script, interest from cast and creative collaborators, and a clear vision for the film.

The next step is securing the resources needed to bring those elements together.

Why the $5 Experiment?

Independent filmmaking is challenging, particularly for emerging filmmakers trying to bring original stories to the screen.

I’m actively pursuing traditional financing opportunities, industry partnerships and other sources of support.

This experiment isn’t intended to replace those efforts.

I’m simply curious whether a large number of people, each making a small contribution, could collectively help move a film forward.

There’s no expectation that anyone donate more than $5, and absolutely no pressure to contribute at all.

Where Will the Money Go?

Our initial fundraising goal is $5,000 CAD.

These funds will help support the next stage of RAVENSHADE’s development, including:

* Hiring professional artists to create original promotional artwork.

* Professional production budgeting and financing materials.

* Additional packaging and development services.

* Essential legal and administrative expenses.

As funding becomes available, I intend to work with and fairly compensate creative professionals wherever possible.

If the experiment gains momentum, we’ll continue toward additional milestones, with an ultimate stretch goal of $100,000 toward the film’s production financing.

The goal is to build on the work already completed and help move RAVENSHADE toward its next stage of production.

A Note About AI and Supporting Real Artists

I also want to be transparent about the use of AI.

I’m a filmmaker and writer, not a graphic designer. At this stage, I don’t have the financial resources to commission all the professional artwork and promotional materials the project needs.

I may use AI-generated concept images temporarily to help communicate ideas and explore the visual direction of RAVENSHADE. Any such images will be clearly identified as AI-generated.

However, my intention has always been to work with real artists and creative professionals.

One of the specific goals of this fundraiser is to hire a professional graphic designer, commission original artwork and fairly compensate the people whose talents will help shape the film.

I understand that AI in the creative industries is a complicated and sometimes controversial subject. I respect those concerns.

For me, AI is a temporary resource while funding is limited, not a substitute for the artists I want to collaborate with.

My goal is to use this experiment to create opportunities for real creative professionals, not replace them.

Transparency and Accountability

I believe anyone contributing to a project deserves to know what they’re supporting.

I’ll provide updates about the campaign’s progress, funds raised, relevant expenses and the work being completed.

All contributions, less applicable processing fees, will be directed toward the disclosed development, packaging and production purposes.

This is a voluntary crowdfunding experiment, not an investment opportunity. Contributions do not provide ownership, profit participation, repayment rights or guaranteed financial returns. Charitable tax receipts will not be issued.

My intention is to make the process as open and transparent as possible, allowing supporters to follow the project’s progress and see how their contributions help move it forward.

Let’s See What Happens

I’m not expecting strangers to finance my dream simply because I have one.

I’m genuinely interested in discovering whether small contributions from people who believe in independent creativity can collectively make a difference.

Maybe a few people will participate.

Maybe a few hundred.

Maybe something unexpected will happen.

Whatever the outcome of the experiment, I intend to share the journey honestly.

If you can spare $5 and would like to participate, thank you.

If you’d rather just follow along and see how the experiment unfolds, you’re equally welcome.

Five dollars. One film. Let’s see what happens.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Craig Layton

Writer / Director — RAVENSHADE

STABBYTIMETV Inc.

Nova Scotia, Canada