First-Names Films has wrapped shooting and released the first look image from Mean Spirited, the found-footage horror-comedy film which will launch on the festival circuit in 2022.

The genre pic, directed by Jeff Ryan (Mass Hysteria, Youthmin), stars Michelle Veintimilla (Gotham, ABC’s Big Sky and The Baker and the Beauty), Neville Archambault (13 Camera, The Block Island Sound), Will Madden (Beast Beast), Daniel Rashid (Beast Beast), Will Martin (Youthmin), Maria DeCotis (Euphonia), and Charlie Pollock (The Good Wife), in addition to Ryan, who acts in the feature while also sharing writing credits with Joe Adams. The film was shot in the Poconos Mountains and lensed by cinematographer Kenneth Wales (The Beta Test).

Madden leads the cast as Andy, an up-and-coming Vlogger whose attempts to reconnect with his estranged friend, Bryce (Ryan) fall apart while a demonic presence begins tormenting the vacationing group.

“There’s no better way to spend your October than filming a movie in the Poconos Mountains amidst abandoned hotels, ice-cold waterfalls, and haunted mansions,” said Ryan on the experience. “Filming on location has its challenges, but the bond our cast and crew felt throughout production is evident on screen, and I’m thrilled to share their work with the world”.

“I’m not superstitious,” he continued, “but one night after filming some spooky scenes, my door opened and closed throughout the night, my shower smelled like sulfur, and birds flew into our windows during breakfast. After rescuing the injured bird back to health, the haunting of Mean Spirited stopped.”