Chris Stuckmann’s horror debut wows at Fantastic Fest
Cinematographer Andrew Scott Baird spent nearly four years developing the visual approach for Shelby Oaks, the feature directorial debut from horror film critic Chris Stuckmann. The production used RED V-Raptor VV cameras with Cooke FF SF Anamorphic lenses to achieve strong performance in low-light conditions. Baird handled the color grading himself due to budget constraints, working within the ACES color space and delivering the final result in DaVinci Resolve.
The filmmakers drew inspiration from The Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, and The Shining when establishing the visual style. Stuckmann built the script around available locations and kept the cast small to accommodate the tight production schedule. The documentary sequences received different treatment than the narrative portions, with the former using Easy-Rig shooting techniques and the latter employing deliberate, slow camera movements.
Baird advised aspiring horror filmmakers to write scripts that match their resources and complete detailed shot lists before production begins. He emphasized the importance of treating sound mixers well, noting their significant impact on the final production quality. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest after the extended development period.
