Screamify, based in Nashville, TN, has signed a development deal with writer/director David Keane to produce and distribute his next feature film. The project, currently untitled, is planned as a creature feature set on the Jersey Shore, where a mysterious sea creature terrorizes the beachside town of Wildwood, New Jersey. This marks one of Screamify’s first ventures into original content production, aligning with the platform’s mission to champion independent horror filmmakers. In addition to backing the feature itself, Screamify will produce a behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the making of the film, offering fans an inside look at the creation of a low-budget indie horror movie from start to finish.
A Sea Creature Terrorizing the Jersey
Shore Keane’s new film will bring terror to the New Jersey beachfront, as an unknown aquatic monster emerges from the depths to prey on unwary shore townsfolk. Set in the popular resort town of Wildwood, NJ, the film infuses a classic summertime setting with supernatural horror. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the concept promises a blend of regional folklore and creature-feature thrills. Screamify executives were drawn to this premise and Keane’s creative vision after seeing his previous work, aiming to deliver practical effects-driven monster mayhem to their streaming audience. The simultaneous production of a making-of documentary underscores Screamify’s support for indie creators and gives horror fans a transparent view of the filmmaking process.
Director David Keane & Creative Team Assembled David Keane is an emerging voice in indie horror, known for his 2023 short film Dirty Jersey, a practical-effects-driven horror story reimagining the Jersey Devil legend. Keane’s gritty creature work and grassroots success helped put him on the map, demonstrating his talent for regional monster lore and practical gore. This new deal gives Keane his first feature-length directing opportunity under the Screamify banner.
To bring the sea creature opus to life, Screamify and Keane have assembled a talented indie horror team:
● Cinematography – Brian Keenan, previously collaborating with Keane on Dirty Jersey and recently serving as cinematographer for Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025), will provide atmospheric scares to the film’s visual style.
● Creature Design – Matthew Millard, known for blockbuster genre films like Venom, Ready Player One, Rampage, and Godzilla vs. Kong, will contribute formidable creature concepts despite the indie scale.
● Special Makeup Effects – Rich Hill, award-winning makeup effects artist recognized for his work on the indie horror Hideout (2021), and who collaborated with Keane on Dirty Jersey, will deliver practical gore effects.
● This assembled team, combining emerging talent with industry veterans, positions the untitled Wildwood sea-creature film to punch above its weight creatively. Keane’s hands-on style and love of practical effects promise imaginative creature design and visceral scares. Screamify’s backing reflects the platform’s goal of elevating independent productions with professional-quality talent.
Screamify’s Mission to Empower Indie Horror
The development deal with Keane illustrates Screamify’s broader mission: supporting independent horror creators and bringing fresh horror content directly to fans. Launched in late 2024, Screamify dedicates itself exclusively to independent horror films and series, bypassing the traditional Hollywood system. The platform prides itself on curating indie horror gems and fostering new projects that might otherwise struggle for studio backing.
Screamify’s commitment includes funding original productions, directing subscriber support straight into indie horror projects and acquisitions. Producing original films and companion documentaries demonstrates active reinvestment in the indie horror ecosystem.
With Keane’s creature feature now in development, Screamify continues to champion indie horror from concept to screen, exemplifying how independent creators can flourish when provided with freedom and support.
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