This Curse Doesn’t Knock – It Leaves Instructions

Hi, I’m Shaun Bless, aka Mr. Cinema—a multi-award-winning music producer turned filmmaker.

After years in the music industry, I followed a deeper calling: visual storytelling. I went back to school for cinematography and began building original, cinematic stories from the ground up. Now, I’m raising funds for The Story of Lola, a psychological horror about a gripping curse. (Proof of concept video): https://youtu.be/15K2FSah1MA

With your support, we’ll complete post-production and use this project as a launchpad to develop the feature film version. I plan to shop this to powerhouse studios like Blumhouse, Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw, and A24, because I truly believe The Story of Lola can stand among the best in modern horror.

In a film climate full of failing stories and soulless remakes, I wanted to create something fresh—something that can be powered by the people. By real movie lovers. Young or old, if you love suspense, mystery, and smart horror, this is your film. I also attached what we could accomplish before and after we shot this with $200 and with my skills and these fantastic talented actors. I will list progress starting with my first pitch and concept video

Some curses don’t knock.

Thanks for your consideration. We can :https://youtu.be/EJKw6NbtZtI not wait for them to believe!

About the Film:

Lola moves into a new apartment, hoping for a fresh start. But everything changes when she finds a handwritten note that reads:

“Welcome to the apartment. Whatever you do, don’t look under the bed.”

At first, she thinks it’s a joke. But as the nights unfold, more notes appear—each one darker than the last. Something unseen is pulling the strings, asking her to follow instructions… and she may not be the first.

The Story of Lola is a suspense-driven psychological horror in the vein of It Follows, The Ring, and Hereditary—blending eerie quiet with creeping dread.

What We’ll Use the Funds For:

Post-production: editing, sound design, music, and color correction

Crew & Cast Compensation: Fair pay for passionate creatives

Props & Set Design: Turning locations into cinematic nightmares

Marketing & Festival Submission: launching Lola into the world

Feature Film Development: This short is just the beginning

Target Budget: $80,000

Initial Goal: $25,000 (to finish the short and prepare pitch materials for the feature)

Rewards & Ways to Join the Curse:

$5 – Curse Contributor

Your name will be listed in the “Special Thanks” credits. You helped summon the story—thank you.

$25 – Behind-the-Scenes Access

Digital script, BTS photos, and a social media shoutout. Includes your name in the credits.

$150 – Official T-Shirt + Credit

Limited edition The Story of Lola T-shirt, credits, and all previous digital rewards.

$250 – Executive Producer Bundle

Executive Producer credit, possible cameo (if local), signed replica of the cursed note, exclusive shirt, and all digital rewards.

$2,500 – Producer Circle (Top Tier)

Official Producer credit, set access or virtual production call, collector’s note, shirt, and everything above. You helped tell the story.

Let’s Make Horror History

With your help, we’ll complete The Story of Lola, build momentum toward the feature, and show the world that bold, independent horror still has power.

Thank you for supporting new stories, diverse voices, and indie film.

Because some curses don’t knock, they leave instructions.