MEDIEVAL HORROR SHORT FILM - The Cave - 2020

[@Vikn01]

Medieval horror is such an engaging genre. I wish more films were made in the genre. This is one of the best shorts I've seen. Too much of the other youtube fantasy shorts err on the side of corny fantasy full of the classic tropes. This is a refreshing exception.

[@ericwood9536]

We have felt the same. We def wanted to try and make the story feel more grounded. And we absolutely agree about the genre

[@SharkByteOfficial]

I'm gonna be completely honest. This is the best cinematography I have ever seen in a short film. This actually had me a little on edge as well. Usually not even the scariest movies immerse me like this.

[@ericwood9536]

I’ll pass your compliment onto our DP! He’s a talented guy. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahmorey6337]

Well that was absolutely terrifying. I kinda feel like whoever/whatever he killed was just the last guy she sent in there to kill the antlered thing at the end.

[@ericwood9536]

That's a good theory! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@luciditywaling]

I like that!

[@Skelecruce]

The monster looks like it's about to hunt down the "dirty bagginses". Jokes aside this is really good!

[@ericwood9536]

He was just searching for his precious and this asshole came in his cave and ruined his day lol.

[@markdelport7453]

I don't understand the internet. The top trending videos are either of people reacting tik toks,or of people reacting to memes. When it comes to an underrated masterpiece like this,it has 7K views. This was phenomenal and unique among horror shorts and I wish there was more like it. Great job!

[@ericwood9536]

Honestly, when people comment on this video with comments like you just did, it really makes it worth it. Would obviously love for more eye balls to see the project, but man, thank you for your kind words. Means the world.

[@chriscooper654]

Deceptively simple, yet very convincing. The acting and scene composition was utterly convincing; the wise woman / witch's character is fascinating, and the bond between Edwin and Marcus is evident and heartfelt. Beautiful short.

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you for the thoughtful review. Love connecting with those who resonate with the project! Thanks Chris.

[@riggs100]

Better than much of Netflix´s stuff lately

[@Morbius1963]

Tremendous screenplay and acting. Clearly underrated.

[@lilyrogers6236]

I absolutely love this film so much, the cinematography is beautiful and the plot is interesting and mysterious. The actors are amazing and their emotions are perfect!!!

[@ericwood9536]

I'm genuinely happy you enjoyed it Lily! Thanks for taking the time to watch, but also to write a comment. Means a lot.

[@Helmet_enthusiast]

This deserves so much more attention than it currently has holy sheet that was amazing

[@ericwood9536]

You flatter us! Very much appreciate your kind words.

[@chriswolf529]

This is the best fantasy short film I've seen. Truly glorious. I applaud you with high asteem.

[@ericwood9536]

Wow. Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. Means a lot.

[@tylerhatch7482]

Amazing work! Once he got in that cave, my heart was going crazy in anticipation of something bad hahaha.

[@clancranstonlc]

What a great wee movie!!!! Totally wanted more and thats something Hollywood hasn't managed in years. Great work. Thanks ✌

[@ivy2007]

Amazing short film!

[@papasango8552]

That short movie is one of the best in medieval horror genre that ive ever seen

[@tek5692]

Extremely good -- I was in the story immediately, and genuinely frightened.

[@ericwood9536]

So pleased to read that! Thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@fly_speck_cafe]

First rate! Production values through the roof.

[@ericwood9536]

High praise! Thank you!

[@TURBO.SPENCE]

This seriously deserves more views I loved it!

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Very nicely done! Great acting, very good cinematography.

[@ericwood9536]

Thanks for commenting! appreciate it.

[@barekamy7506]

This is absolutely fantastic. The acting alone is genius.

[@ericwood9536]

High praise! Thank you very much!

[@kormilaci1359]

What a wonderful true masterpiece! Excellent work in every way!

[@melissab8871]

This was brilliant!!!! I wish it had been longer!

[@ericwood9536]

Gosh that's so kind of you to say.

[@melissab8871]

Seriously, it was really good. Very talented!

[@Grimlore82]

This was a gem. Exactly how I like to run my D&D games. Damn fine no job. New subscriber here!

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you sir! Thanks for subbing!!!

[@XTraqd]

Awesome stuff! I must concur with the previous comment: the cinematography and camera work is great, and the actors did a fantastic job. Would love to see more in this vein.

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate the kind review! We are hoping to get the feature made here in the next year!

[@RobinduGarage]

Man, that’s so good. The concept idea, the writing, the lights and the acting. Loved it. I hope you’ll make it a long format one day 🙏🏻

[@davidjames2145]

The Descent....but better. Sequel please!

[@Vintageknight1]

Great short film. I enjoyed it!

[@jerrymccall4623]

what a masterpiece! wish their was more like this!

[@louise4217]

Excellent. Wow ❤

[@lindsayfinlayson6488]

What do we need to do for a part 2? I’m invested in the story 🍿!! Great work!

[@pelotdhennebont1025]

Excellent

[@JeremyRenner191]

I like the idea of mixing genres and so I really like this. The creature, I think should have been something other than Gollum but I can understand if there was budget restrictions or something like that. But I can’t really say anything because I haven’t made an incredible little short film like you have and worked with so many people.

[@ericwood9536]

Couldn’t agree more. In retrospect we realized that our description of wanting an emaciated cave dweller turned out exactly like smeagol. In the feature we hope to have more prosthetics and scarring to separate the two. Also in the feature, the creature at the end is featured more prominently and plays the larger role as the dark figure haunting our lead. Thanks for your comment. Appreciate the feedback

[@bobiboulon]

I"m so glad we can still find good shorts on youtube nowadays. The only critic I would make is that the music is, imo, too loud during the cave scenes. Otherwise, that's a damn good short.

[@ericwood9536]

Grateful for the comment and the critique. Def something we played with, with our post sound guy. We ended on having it feel chaotic and overwhelming, but your note is valid for sure. Thanks again.

[@CoralineJonesPinkPalace]

This film is absolutely phenomenal. I love it! The cinematography is like something out of Hollywood. I'd love to see more from your channel if it's like this 🎬 The acting was awesome too.

[@ericwood9536]

We’re in pre production on another short we hope to be just as quality. Thanks so much for watching and your kind words.

[@JackKrei]

Bravo, bravo! Well done, well written and well .... well everything. More please.

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you very much!

[@matthewsommerfield2299]

Dude, this is good!

[@pberrigan19]

I seriously loved this short. Great job to everyone involved! I hope there's more on the way! On a weird note though, does anyone else think that Eric Wood looked ALOT like Michael Fassbender?

[@ericwood9536]

You're too kind Patrick... For the compliment on the short and for the comparison to Fassbender. lol

[@VirtusOfTheSea]

This is my favorite depiction of Beowulf

[@tsarbucksthemighty4648]

Genuinely great work, thank you for making this!

[@emjlc3261]

Congrats...minimalistic, at the contrary of many other movies attemps here, with a lot of work behind... looking forward for a chapter two, or for something before it

[@LostAndDimCarcosa]

Awesome short film ! Love the aesthetic, the atmosphere and the music ! The twist was good 😃 Cheers from France !

[@nicklong1267]

LOVE THIS !

[@teutonischerritter6802]

Wow nice very nice :D

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you very much!

[@Rob_eight10media]

brilliant .. well done!

[@camerachronicles7]

This was SICK. Very well shot. Great story. Would love to a see a part 2 someday.

[@arthurchadwell9267]

This deserves more than 630 likes, but they only let me do it once!

[@CoralineJonesPinkPalace]

It doesn't hurt that the actor...is drop dead gorgeous either 😆📽️🎞️

[@lebell4435]

Fantastic!

[@fabzinluzt]

Awesomeee

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you for watching!!!!

[@muetmodesto7248]

The video quality is sublime, the shots with the snow and the lighting with the torch in the cave are pure happiness for my eyes The acting is cool, a bit of a shame for the end which left me dubious... Too abrupt I found But overall very good horror

[@ericwood9536]

Thanks for the comments. I agree for the short the ending is not as gratifying as the feature. Hoping to get the feature made one day at the same level of quality. When that happens I'm confident the ending will be far more gratifying.

[@eBrandingGroup]

It felt very theatrical. My favorite part was entering and in the cave. The score in the cave was awesome. You managed to keep it light and know when to hit your marks with the edit and music. The Alexa looks great, but your team really has an understanding of framing, composition, and use of shadow/negative fill. Less is always more with short films, so the scenes with less dialog worked best. The lead character was quick to bend the knee to fight the monster for his brother, which makes sense considering they are kin. I kinda wanted him to say, after I kill this monster, if you don't heal him, it will be off with your head! Then pointing the sword at her. Also, maybe it would have been cool if he didn't believe in monsters and made it known to the lady and was a bit more confident. Then after fighting the monster, his character arc is complete, with him sold on monsters and maybe a little less confident. Great job! Keep on innovating.

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate your feedback! Your suggestions were interesting. We def limited the internal story of the characters but in the feature we dive into their motivations and struggles more fully. Thanks for your praise and notes. Means a lot.

[@steadyteddy2552]

Congrats all round that was awesome, loved it, definitely should have more views

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you Thank you! appreciate your comment and your time watching the short.

[@AlexandruMusetoiu]

this is fantastic

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate that!

[@LAAFilms]

Best short I've seen in a long time. Amazing work.

[@ericwood9536]

Glowing compliment. Thank you so much for watching and commenting

[@trashlee4921]

I wish there was more content like this, you hit the nail on the wood. Great acting and production, can't wait to see more! Congratulations from south africa :)

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you thank you! Warms my heart that you enjoyed it so much. Working on getting a feature made expanding this world and story.

[@mauricecawthon1329]

Nice work keep up the craft 💪🏾

[@mauricecawthon1329]

More...

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate the support!

[@luciditywaling]

As a fan of Medieval horror, I think more attention to medieval language and perhaps accent would have helped. The connection between the "witch" and the monster was uncertain. With the antlers at the end, I did think of The Green Man.

[@ericwood9536]

Your feedback is super valid. In the feature, much more focus will be placed on dialects and the regions matching with those in the world. While not an excuse, I am no accent expert and will def be working with some experts to nail down the accents that we choose to go with in the feature.

[@luciditywaling]

@@ericwood9536 I'm getting a Beowulf vibe! I'm no expert either. I like your story-telling.

[@walterwhitaker1395]

Excellent!

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you for watching!

[@Cuentos_Oscuros]

I loved, you have an excellent directing style

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you! I sincerely appreciate the compliment

[@TheEyez187]

It was good! Had to laugh at one point though, as over in the other videos >>> at the top was 'The hunt for Gollum' . Did Edwin just kill somethings offspring!? The woman's perhaps!? I'd be like "Heal my friend, and then WE will kill it! Not abandon him with a strange woman, as well as leaving him unprotected if a monster might be hanging around! The feature could be interesting!

[@ericwood9536]

Very perceptive. I won't give any spoilers, but will say that you are def in the right neighborhood. Also, in the feature, his request to wait until the friend is healed is def made and denied by the woman. We def realized the similarity to Gollum. In the feature we plan on increasing the spend on the creature design and it should be vastly different. Loved your comments, insights, and questions!

[@maplestreetpictures7454]

Really freaking good.

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you!!!

[@sjalana1]

Perfect ending.

[@rstock07]

nice. i feel like this is happening off screen in one of joe abercrombie’s books.😮

[@zakkgilbert50]

This rules great work!!!

[@ericwood9536]

Thanks so much! Appreciate you taking some time watch and to write your kind comment.

[@jesperbruselius69]

OMG! Really really scary 😱

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you Jesper!!!

[@joepipito7431]

VERY GOOD

[@ericwood9536]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@maninthecamohat2735]

Theory time!!!! I think that creature he killed was just one of many servants that work for that horned creature at the end of the film.

[@ericwood9536]

I like the theory!

[@gabrielticzon4170]

Excellent work! Loved the suspense, the emotion, and the story. Love it! But I think you missed the Boss...

[@ericwood9536]

Lol he for sure did. We have a feature screenplay that showcases the end creature. Working on getting it made.

[@dustbunnieboo]

Was that a Wendigo at the end of the film? Scary! The vomit scene was too much for me. I actually dropped my phone when that happened. Yikes!

[@Bradley-s1f]

Love your acting! (My favorite part, personally). The cinematography is very immersive as well. What camera was this filmed with?

[@indieshortfilm]

COOL MOVIE!! 👍

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate you watching and thanks for the comment!

[@NormandyWanberg]

Bro, I just stumbled upon this. I remember y'all posting BTS photos when you were working on it. You legit triggered my gag reflex. 😂

[@ericwood9536]

lol well mission accomplished then. Glad it had an affect on you

[@jacoblawrence6580]

This is awesome! Great Job! What camera did you use? I have always wanted to make films but I can't decide what camera to get. Do you have any recommendations? The most I can spend is around $700. I am thinking about a DSLR or something along those lines. I have watched different KZbin tutorials over the past couple of years (FilmRiot, D4Darious, DSLRGuide) so I know a little bit of what I want to do. Thanks for any help you can give me. I love a majority films (especially action, adventure, horror) from anytime frame really. Love period films as well. Thanks! Keep up the awesome work!

[@ericwood9536]

Thanks Jacob!!! We used an Alexa Amira package. I'm not a camera guy so I won't attempt to try and give you a recommendation. I'm more of a writer. I'm sorry I can't give you a good recommendation, but seriously good luck!

[@jacoblawrence6580]

@@ericwood9536 That's okay. I appreciate you trying to help. I need to work on my writing too. I know that the story is more important than what camera you use. Thanks!

[@gort5583]

Nicely done, really want to know what happened!

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you! Excited to get the feature made and shed more light on the entire story.

[@GG-yp6kd]

Amazing! The most impressive part to be was the locations you chose! Every setting looked great especially the exterior and interior of the cave. Did you film at two separate caves? How were you able to find such an amazing cave to shoot in!? I’d images location scouting was a huge part of this production, great short!!

[@ericwood9536]

Hi! Yeah we shot in two different locations. The exterior was shot in a canyon in salt lake county and the interior was shot in lava tubes a couple of hours south of Salt Lake City. Yeah location was important for us in order to set a proper setting. We wanted to shoot wider on several shots to give the audience a sense of setting. We spent several days scouting. In the end we were very pleased! Thanks for your interest and the compliments!

[@ivechang6720]

Quality in all departments and excellent in so many. This is a new best in classic style, imo. Like a short story in a Marion Z Bradley curation. Cinematography, especially the lighting was top notch. Storyline, acting, editing, costumes, sound selection and make-up all have "wow" factor. Although the sound in the cave is loud, it actually matches sound interpretation for that type of situation. Only problem being if we as third party viewer would be at the same stress level? Something the entire industry needs to consider not just producers imo. Personally I would err on the perspective of a slightly less engaged team member. Which team being up to the viewer of course. As you discuss in the comments emaciated smeagol was a poor choice. Especially with there being such a kick butt "provider" on the scene. Now my favourite part is the storyline though. So who were the bad guys? Who were the good? Probably everyone was a good portion of both! The only solid baddie is the old woman striking a deal. The idea that this deal was a clean up job for one of her previous deals.... Well this was fab hope to watch more from you. Congratulations this was really excellently done!

[@ericwood9536]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for you taking the time to comment.

[@ivechang6720]

@@ericwood9536 You are welcome. Thank you for reading all that. 😂 Lol, I talk too much.

[@ericwood9536]

@@ivechang6720 Not at all.

[@ΧρυσοβαλαντηςΤασιοπουλος]

This is a good effort ! Considering the low cost of this production ! Impressive performance !!! The creature vampire should be more creepy ! Something more hibrid ?

[@ericwood9536]

Def agree on the creature note. It’s not a vampire but your note is still relevant. When we make the feature, we def plan to flush out the creatures more. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@nelsoundb-nelson5796]

Buena

[@eisenbergfilms9965]

Very, very nice! But one question: what happened to his friend?

[@ericwood9536]

The back story is that they were escaping a battle that their army had lost. Marcus (the friend) had been injured saving Edwin's life. The full feature screenplay dives deeper into Edwin's attempt to save his friend while he struggles to deal with a secret. He's in love with Marcus' wife back home in their village.

[@eisenbergfilms9965]

@@ericwood9536 I very much hope to see the full feature one day!

[@ericwood9536]

@@eisenbergfilms9965 Thank you so much for watching and for the support.

[@RWR1911]

I wasted ten minutes because, though i'm sure this took some work, you didn't start with a worthwhile story to tell.

[@ericwood9536]

Thanks for the feedback

[@obwan3588]

what gear did you use??? i really want to know!!!!

[@joeallenmartino352]

Hey, I have a great idea, I'm going to keep letting go of my sword and look at objects intensely knowing there is something in the cave

[@ericwood9536]

haha you're not wrong.

[@fritzwilhelm8258]

I didn't understand the ending. A little help here?

[@ericwood9536]

Ending is def unclear. You're not a minority on that. In the feature it will make more sense (this is just a proof of concept). ultimately, he discovers that there is something more sinister and evil that exists in the cave than she originally led him to believe.

[@trico974]

8:04 It Looks like Gollum Lol

[@ericwood9536]

def not wrong

[@mohammadtausifrafi8277]

Very good making and acting really. Can it be that he killed an unfortunate human somehow cursed or inflicted by the monster? That would make it more horrific. Also I recognize this is fantastical, but as it is medieval horror, giving him plate cuirass instead of leather armor on top of the mail shirt would be more realistic, leather armor like this is not historical, and would look cooler too. Just my personal opinion.

[@ericwood9536]

Appreciate the idea! We def plan on working with some armorers in the feature who have some experience melding historical and fantasy armor. We want the story to feel grounded and pulled out of history but as you understand, the story is fantasy. Thanks again for watching and for your comment.

[@donovanbradley1753]

Love the this short horror, one thing everyone over looks in a movie that makes not realistic is Thier teeth are too clean and none missing. hell I'm 52 and missing a few. people didn't have clean teeth back then and I know they fell out on them. unless there was a dentist in that time?

[@ericwood9536]

You're not wrong! Definitely an area we can improve upon in the future. Thanks for the note

[@erlutofholly133]

Give us more

[@ericwood9536]

Absolutely!

[@senator1295]

sent to a cave to kill a monster ...she told him who the monster is

[@maryfiaola3686]

so the brother was healed then?

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Torch, ok. But where's the sword?

[@arthurchadwell9267]

Ah, there it is!

[@machomanoncoc9185]

I want to unsubscribe, and i watch this again Im So sory for even tink about it Make more of these

[@ericwood9536]

I will! Thanks so much for watching

[@machomanoncoc9185]

@@ericwood9536 And thank you to making this

[@Bluebearymango]

Caernunnos?

[@georgeblackley6028]

I wondered where my wife disappeared to during the day.

[@Dubs22005]

7/7

[@dginc.4582]

another great short movie, but the problem is always the same the author just cant or know how to make a proper ending, and as always its left "open"...

[@jeremybrocknblue5593]

It cant end like that WTF? What about his friend and the witch?

[@chriswilliams5982]

Ok, somebody tell me what the hell happened?

[@EarthenDemon126]

I didn't quite get the ending

[@liammccbyrne4184]

you can try to be artsy and coy but why bother creating a narrative with no conclusion.

[@ericwood9536]

short was made as a proof of concept for a larger story. You're def right that there isn't a strong conclusion. Thanks for the feedback.

[@GodsmarkProductions]

hello! my name is Macey and i am the founder of Godsmark Productions. i have recently gotten into film making and directing and i have started working on a medieval style short film and would love to contact you about the behind the scenes of yours and what it was like to make this amazing film!

[@ericwood9536]

Hi Macey. Happy to answer some questions. feel free to email me at [e-mail]