Horror Short Film "What Happened Downstairs?" | ALTER

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While staying at an Airbnb in upstate New York, Robert and May find themselves in a haunted house. The problem is, they can't remember anything that happens downstairs. Quickly acknowledging that their rental is haunted, they endeavor to leave, but every time they exit their room, supernatural hoodoo returns them to it, absent any memory of what happened outside. The couple must put aside their habit of bickering to come together and solve the mystery of their haunting in order to escape.
"What Happened Downstairs?" by Andrew Nisinson
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmaker:
/ nisinson
andrewnisinson.com/
"What Happened Downstairs" Credits:
DIRECTED BY Andrew Nisinson
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY BY Nisinson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Andrew Nisinson Meilin Gray
PRODUCER Michaela McMahon-Dunphy
ROBERT Andrew Nisinson @nisinson
MAY Meilin Gray @meilinbae
GHOST GIRL Katy Rea @katy_rea
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Geoffrey Taylor
EDITOR Kyle Moriarty
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Julia Payne
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION DESIGNER Tyler Ruzicka
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Nicole Townsend
COMPOSER Sean Mcverry
SOUND Ash Knowlton
VISUAL EFFECTS Trung Bao, Ben Tuber
COLOR GRADING Ayumi Ashley
COSTUME DESIGN Jordan Henderson
HAIR & MAKEUP Tia Rivers
1ST ASSISTANT CAMERA Richard Martin
2ND ASSISTANT CAMERA Sarah Penson
CAMERA OPERATOR Blake Steigerwald
KEY GAFFER Ariel Nehorayoff
KEY GRIP Inder Mann
BEST BOY GRIP Rome Peterson
SWING Emma Penrose
DRONE PILOT Alec Thayer
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Eli Perdew, Karoline Iversen
LOCATIONS MANAGER Conlan Olberding
SHOOTING LOCATION Home Sweet Hudson
SPECIAL THANKS CPT Rental Inc., The Sodium Ranch, That Cat Camera Support
About ALTER:
ALTER is an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror. We are a home, community and launching pad for our filmmakers. Slip into the dark, disturbing corners of cutting-edge horror.
Filmmakers should visit filmfreeway.com/alterdustsubm... to submit your horror shorts. (Only completed horror shorts will be considered. Unsolicited scripts or pitches will be immediately deleted without review.)
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About Gunpowder + Sky:
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Video Title
/ watchalter

[@nisinson]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching, if you watch the film ten times, the 11th time is free! (it will be free to watch every time).

[@ihatewastefood3948]

waiting your next ❤️

[@user-do1uf7sv8q]

you are ingenious

[@tanrose8645]

Super!! Loved that it's a win-win❣️ Acting was AWESOME!! Well done ❣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌹 Blessings to you and your viewers~💫☃️ 🌛🌹🌜

[@artemisnectar7]

​@nicky kalinkski luv ur profile pic 👍🏽🥳👍🏽

[@gloomysunday9534]

im a horror fan, very picky and its VERY hard to keep my attention....i LOVED it ! Bravo 👏👏👏👏 oh and where did she geet the bat from ? 😜

[@jimmcgibbits2306]

so much of the time when horror tries to go the comedy route it ends up being more funny than scary, but I really love how this has some genuinely freaky parts while also being hilarious. I really enjoyed that.

[@nisinson]

Thanks Jim! I attempted to strike this balance by letting the comedy exist in the scenes for exposition (while satirizing how exposition is typically done in horror films) but left the waves of horror alone, allowing them to exist with full weight and stakes. I think it also makes the funny stuff funnier. After the ghost girl comes in and scares May, it's great to break that with me entering, dumb expression on my face, holding a key that I clearly know absolutely zero about.

[@calykoo69]

Loved it! Great acting and story.

[@NoahCanFB]

Thanks for telling me not to watch. Why not post it as horror-comedy in the title? I come to horror, wanna watch horror. Not laugh

[@bensweiss]

@@nisinson Thank you for this. The blemish on your face looked like a hole, and very painful, to me. I enjoyed your performance and wonder what the key had to do with anything. 1.What was your most memorable experience filming this? 2. What was your reaction to reading the script and what parts are your own interpretations?

[@user-vn4lm2du6o]

That was great! I love the look the ghost girl got on her face when the couple was arguing about whether they should go downstairs with her or not. Lol

[@TheReagentX]

Love how different the humor here is. Many films have me thinking about how I would approach the situation, but this one leaves me thinking about the concept they constructed.

[@RM-tc9pu]

That line about having watched Blumhouse movies is just so funny.

[@simplebubble6560]

perfect balance between comedy and horror.

[@AB-fx7tg]

This was great. Loved it. I would watch a whole series of this couple going around and investigating haunted AirBnBs (that they accidentally chose to stay at)

[@jessam4875]

Yes!!

[@14s0cc3r14]

“It’s very wack” I can’t get over that line

[@brentage5000]

Read this just as he said it in the film. Brilliant.

[@jenifersmith8024]

It's probably my favorite part. Lol

[@nisinson]

Those oner liners alway hit lol

[@sethwinters2112]

They say the hardest genres to write for are comedy and horror. You nailed them both. Kudos!

[@GeorgeWeeman]

I lost it when he said "It's very whack." Very funny, and spooky movie!

[@nealdamkjer192]

2 minutes into it, I wanna push May out the 2nd story window. *GOOD ACTING*

[@hannahc733]

stinkyyy.....scaryyyy

[@ShrodingersHat]

Right? She talks like a 5 year old

[@BarterTom]

I thought about commenting the same thing much earlier.

[@moniqueyoung2878]

When he said “who enjoys music like this?” I died laughing. They both are funny but he (the main male character) is terrific 😅

[@kevincousen3045]

this duo is hilarious, should have there own ghosthunters series :D

[@nisinson]

I'm in!

[@The_Beast_666]

@Kevin Cousen AFUCKINGMEN DUDE! IKR! :P

[@hannahc733]

hey its jill from the ghosthunter series i tunk this a horrid idea they woukld not be good assets to the squad

[@kevincousen3045]

@@hannahc733 I agree, as an addition to the already existing squad they'd fail big times :P

[@hannahc733]

@@kevincousen3045 Yep XD

[@angelgibbs2478]

Where are the subtitles 😫 I can’t hear a movie if I can’t read the subtitles lol

[@daynasafranek7807]

@@jjm-lk4zy because hearing loss is sooo hilarious 🙄

[@nancy-jeancizman168]

Unfortunately, short films don’t have subtitles. I’ve been binging short films for weeks and have yet to find one that have them. I always have subtitles on too. I think it’s because they have less of a budget.

[@vidyakunnath5574]

A nice mix of comedy and horror that made me bite my nails but also laugh out! I loved it when the ghost girl rolled her eyes seeing the couple fight!!! Nice one

[@patriciamccutcheon1169]

Took a minute for my old, tired ass brain to catch the flow, and then I was completely enamored. Great film.

[@sourxxpsycho1938]

The girl already annoys me with the whines.

[@Hey_Jamie]

I SIMPLY CANNOT DEAL WITH THE WHOOSH SOUND EFFECT WHEN HE LIFTS UP THE MUSIC BOX KEY LMFAO HE DIDN’T EVEN MOVE QUICKLY THAT WAS SO OUT OF POCKET 😂🤣😂🤣 I’m cryinggggfff

[@-Adrianne-]

Took escape rooms to a whole new level

[@kyfy777]

They are so theatrical. It’s interesting and refreshing.

[@theboywithathorninhisside.4179]

Theatrical.. thats more over stated than the dam awful Acting. Just dreadful.

[@nisinson]

thanks! yes that was the point, being a bit camp and over the top, glad you enjoyed!

[@jimmcgibbits2306]

@@nisinson That's what totally made it for me. The absolutely cheesy acting was perfect. It really helped set the mood. I totally bought in to the idea that these were two complete morons caught up in a ghost story.

[@jaiwinchester9566]

"Why dont you go smoke some more weed".. i love that line.. 😍😍

[@nisinson]

and then I did! prob woulda found the bat if I hadn't... smh

[@clarsach29]

this was a really refreshing, original take on comedy horror and on the usual haunted house type film....the way the couple bickered was exactly the way most couples would handle this situation and the amnesia bit of the haunting experience was well done and new.

[@daynasafranek7807]

Love the comedic atmosphere of this horror film.

[@hannahc733]

was it actually funny tho. i dont think so dayna

[@nancy-jeancizman168]

This was such a nice surprise! It wasn’t labeled as a horror comedy so I wasn’t expecting it to be funny. I love horror comedies!!! Done perfectly!

[@MahooroSebuguzi-ow1uo]

Everytime i hear the words "no such thing as Ghosts" Proves to me that there is totally is! 😮

[@JiaPia3]

Omg,I always call myself “the dumbest smart person on the planet.” Weird. Also, I LOVE this so far. I lovethecreepy moments along with the comic relief. They had greet timing for both ❤

[@lhasalynn2091]

That last line, when he says "By the way------Where did you get the bat!?!?!?! THANK YOU! LOL! I had been fixated on just that very same question---ever since his wife managed to find such a modern weapon----in such a beautiful, old B&B!!! Oh--and also! That's SOME 'crater' her poor hubby sustained on his cheek----yet his wife didn't bet an eye! This was a very 'fun' haunting!!! 🙂

[@rabiarasool4991]

Which bat?

[@lhasalynn2091]

@@rabiarasool4991 .....the BASEBALL bat with which she clobbered her enemy with----and which was conveniently located in the room of that old Inn!!!

[@azure_vxiii]

There's a subtle sense of horror right from the first frame, amazing audio direction too. I showed this one to my friends, they loved it! Thank you Alter :)

[@returnofthegoth2220]

That description did not do this short film justice. The humor was on point. Great stuff! Can't wait to see more from these folks!

[@athomeinmyhead]

That was really cute. Loved the deadpan delivery of the male actor. Good job.

[@GilbertoBanuelos]

This short reminded me a lot of the Scary Movie days but the first 3. I really enjoyed it. 😅

[@gabriellebraswell3306]

This was great. Why can't we actually get good horror/comedy movies like this in theaters. I loved this 😁 I wish it was a full length film

[@CAMBY608]

why do i feel dumb after watching this? maybe i didn't pay 100% attention...cuz i have no idea what that was about, or rather the point...? anyone? lol

[@Extra_050]

The ghostly girl was abused by her father. That's who kept stomping about and giving her- and the two living people- bruises. Abuse victims often lie about what happened to them, or block out all memory of it, therefore the guests couldn't remember what they saw or who was hurting them each time they left the room. Destroying the music box gifted by the abusive father "broke the spell" as it were and brought the girl's soul to rest. Alternatively, they could just be hallucinating because of the drugs at least one of them enjoyed taking before going to bed. I don't see the point of it either, but at least it made me smile.

[@CAMBY608]

@@Extra_050 - thank you for this!!! i appreciate your time! :) that makes sense!

[@elisafloriana]

Thanks for entertaining, Alter! Honestly, I like the ghost in the first scene. This film lifts the mood.

[@thestinger5047]

“I’m looking for a weapon”. First thing he picks up is a fan. Smooth 🤦🏾

[@shardinhand1243]

why is the girlfriend so damn mean all the time.

[@AaronBrownlee]

This is the perfect tone - need way more of these in my life!!!

[@jimjustice581]

Great for a short flic! Problem, attempt to overcome, and… The special effects on the ghost were great. Loved it.👍

[@hannahc733]

the special effects were shocking stop lying to yourself jim justice

[@emmaslowe4612]

Really enjoyed this, great acting & plot 🎉

[@hannahc733]

i fully agree emma

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!

[@dawnfalvey6766]

I loved this. Great job!! In my opinion , everything about this was perfect.

[@KRSCaleHenituse]

This video is a good horror comedy vid it got me scared one moment then the next I was laughing.

[@wheelsndealz]

halfway through I was thinking it was a haunted house escape room thing. Like someone turned a real haunted house into an escape room challenge or something.

[@sanghitadey8475]

Even the ghost was annoyed. Never saw a ghost rolling her eyes 😂

[@joeyj6808]

Cool story...*and* a happy ending??? Amazing!

[@1isgrl88]

Thank you. That was a blast to watch. I love horror that doesn't take itself too seriously.

[@JiaPia3]

This is one of my favorite films on the channel (granted, this is only my second day of subscription, but still) Scary, creepy, unironicaaly *funny*, I love it! 💕

[@jupiterr9892]

I'm sure I've seen this before, but I can't remember! 😭

[@adjuafrican2664]

I had to give this a like. It was awesome! Great job 👍🏾!

[@einienj3281]

I love comedy horror! Thank You 💖

[@kagamiasurakaikimimaru1402]

Such a great short horror movie ✨🔥🖤👏😁

[@hannahc733]

ikr kagami asura kai kimimaru

[@42Core]

Love the callout about the bat at the end

[@Jess-yo9rt]

The smartest millennial couple of all cinema history

[@thatoneguy2535]

Ngl I want more of them😂

[@nisinson]

Coming soon!

[@dawnrosecrants8919]

Loved it. Funny and SCARY always a good combination. 😱👍❤️

[@Every-dog]

Really enjoyed it great production values, the two leads were good together and funny. Good job.

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

This is a slick and taut blend of humor and horror. Storms and Creepy Houses go with horror like peanut butter and jelly. The dialogue was entertaining it was a cool puzzle with the couple needing each other while getting on each other's nerves at the same time. Liked it. Peace.

[@Darkstalker1012]

This was cool!! Movies with loops are a banger ✨

[@karabiel9167]

This was dope! Full movie PLEASE

[@zapusama67]

One of the best in a long time.

[@ihatewastefood3948]

shall we dance?🤣🤣 urban legend the crow dancer if you can remember bonus you get a wish

[@donnanorman1022]

That was so funny, great short!😅

[@ericbumbles4145]

Love that, "why do you know the weirdest things?" That's me though! I have a knack for storing useless trivia, but it is never really that useless. Like a topic will always comes up and I have some fact that I can apply to the conversation. Then folks say, How do you know about such a strange things? I just laugh.

[@carolinemcallister1473]

Fun! Scared but not scared...lol!

[@rukhsarsaleh8948]

Subtitle pleasee

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Magnificent short film 👻

[@satiashaw1857]

This was great! Surprisingly funny and spooky, and downright entertaining!!

[@shardinhand1243]

^^ fun concept i like it. thanks guys.

[@dnoelm1983]

This was so cute to me 🤣 I love their relationship

[@FLATLINE_PICTURES]

So what happened downstairs?

[@NikBlaze]

Read if you don't know what happened. So a couple arrived in a house for holidays. The house was haunted with a girl and her abusive dad. For some reason, the couple can't remember anything that happens outside their room. The spirit of girl gave them a hint, to get rid of the music box. Once they did it, they were able to expel the spirit of dad and free the girl.

[@gsurveil1]

I absolutely loved this!

[@jomontanee]

It is so funny and so scary at the same time.😂👍

[@arlenetilson7178]

Made me laugh. Thanks for the vid😊

[@Ch50304]

Very interesting idea. I like the entire story

[@NickSchafer-ve4gj]

this was fucking brilliant. the way you made it intentionally stupid was perfectly pulled off

[@marianaavrigeanu7538]

Congrat.Sometimes the spirit of owners remains there. For ever.😄👍

[@durasaxon5131]

Well-thought out. Excellent storyline. Nice acting. Just scary enough. Wouldn't you have gotten out of the night clothes in into more daytime apparel so-as-to be ready for what was before you? Wouldn't you hold hands with your wife and head for the door? This was a very well done and well-thought-out scary horror short. * * * * * / 5 Stars of 5

[@mollyfixxer8799]

I really enjoyed this. I think it is a crime movies like this one, or Tusk (another of my favorites) aren't more appreciated for what they uniquely offer.

[@ericdonalson7276]

Cool, a happy ending, and enjoying 😉 !!

[@ico3708]

I love them

[@bensweiss]

So enjoyable, thank you! Original in my opinion.

[@yossra93]

I love it , it was so fun to watch 😂

[@kaychellesymplirefreshn8240]

They never went downstairs but down the hall 🙄🙄🤣🙄🤣🤣

[@avanthapolwatte5641]

That was a wierdly horrifying comedy

[@sky1740]

I'm so scared right now

[@yhaalhast7313]

Another banger ❤❤❤

[@bartekjedrzejczak3048]

I enjoy it a lot. Thx

[@leonbowen6567]

I'm 3 minutes in and it's seems kinda comedy horror type I could be wrong I'll let you know when it's over besides that it doesn't really matter alter never disappoints

[@nisinson]

Yup, comedy-horror! How'd the rest of it go for ya? 🤞

[@jimintae3284]

Loooovved ittt

[@krystalivery45]

He sounds like and kind of favors Jeremy Piven LOL.

[@noneedforaname640]

Nice and such a Sweet movie :) .

[@kellylott9296]

Does anyone else think the main character fellow looks like a cross between Elon Musk and Better Call Saul's character played by Bob Odenkirk? Maybe it's just me? 🤔

[@JiaPia3]

Best pro-marijuana film I’ve seen in a while.

[@sourxxpsycho1938]

Alter you hit the mark with this one & yall usually good.

[@nisinson]

Alter is amazing :)

[@sourxxpsycho1938]

@@nisinson i know that. Im saying this film in particular was not a good one.

[@nisinson]

@@sourxxpsycho1938 lol I think you meant to say "missed" the mark then! we "missed the mark." If we'd "hit the mark" then you would have loved it. I'm sorry you didn't care for the movie! Your refund will be processed shortly 🤣

[@sourxxpsycho1938]

@@nisinson minor error, regardless it still makes sense.

[@nisinson]

@@sourxxpsycho1938 😘

[@aaronbrandt5026]

Good cheese. Fun writing

[@rohinilama6589]

One has to be really very intelligent nd smart to understand the stories of ALTER these days

[@JudgeDrey]

"Stinkyyyyyyy" "Scaryyyyyyyy" 😖"Uh babe....We need to talk...."

[@SAROCMAN]

Es la mejor película de terror que he visto.

[@MrCliffda3rd]

Escape Room 😁