"There's an uncomfortable symbiosis between film critic and filmmaker, a contentious push and pull that's existed from the dawn of the art form. They need each other to survive, but they're destined to be at odds: one ostensibly for the people, and the other infamously above it all. Critics are oft-painted as implacable snobs, punching down on the populace and those brave enough to put themselves out there creatively."
"Stuckmann carved out a niche as a reputable, beloved vlogger in the early days of YouTube, and he's spent the past decade cementing his status as one of the most popular film critics on the platform. His feature debut, Shelby Oaks, came to life partially thanks to that platform: with over $1 million in backing from fans and supporters, and the support of horror vets like Mike Flanagan and Aaron B. Koontz, Stuckmann finally had the tools to realize a long-gestating dream."
"For the fans who'd followed him from the beginning, Stuckmann's ascension feels like a form of vicarious wish fulfillment. Doubters, meanwhile, are no doubt curious to see if a critic from YouTube's first class can really give as good as they get. His debut straddles the line between indie and elevated horror; it'll likely please his supporters, but bringing everyone on board with the vision is easier said than done."
Film critics and filmmakers share an uneasy symbiosis, needing each other while remaining at odds. Chris Stuckmann built a devoted following as an early YouTube vlogger and decade-long film critic, translating that platform into over $1 million in fan funding and industry support to produce his feature debut, Shelby Oaks. The project attracted backing from horror figures such as Mike Flanagan and Aaron B. Koontz, giving Stuckmann resources to realize a long-gestating dream. Shelby Oaks opens with a documentary-style mystery about the ill-fated YouTube group the Paranormal Paranoids, blending indie and elevated horror sensibilities that will likely satisfy fans but not silence skeptics.
Read at Inverse
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