Teenager Dragon Ellis, aged 14, is pursuing his aspiration to become a movie producer by creating brief, suspenseful horror films.
In the bustling halls of Lloyd High School, a remarkable young talent is making waves. Dragan Ellis, a sophomore, is not just any ordinary student; he's a budding filmmaker with a passion for horror and a determination that defies his age.
Diagnosed with scoliosis recently, Dragan wears a back brace for 16 hours a day. However, this setback has not deterred him from pursuing his dreams. His latest project, a horror short film titled Shiverr, is set to be released on his YouTube Channel, Nightmare Productions, in late 2025 or early 2026.
Dragan's family, who are all trained actors with acting classes under their belts, will star in the film. The Ellis family shares a love for horror films, except for Dragan's mother, who prefers a more heartwarming narrative.
Shiverr, with a running time of 10-15 minutes, is a labour of love for Dragan. He has honed his skills in filmmaking and writing through websites and hit-and-miss instruction. The project will cost approximately $200, with the funds mainly allocated for audio equipment.
If Shiverr receives a positive response, Dragan plans to create a feature-length film. His ultimate goal is to become a film director and build a dedicated fan base.
Bracing for a 14-year-old with scoliosis typically lasts until skeletal maturity—usually 1 to 3 years—during which consistent brace wear aims to halt curve progression rather than immediately correct it. For Dragan, this means he may have to wear his brace for at least a year, maybe two.
Despite the challenges, Dragan remains optimistic. He acknowledges that camera angles and bending down have become more difficult with the brace, but he's determined to overcome these hurdles.
After the release of Shiverr, Dragan's mother wants him to make a documentary about his grandma who is battling cancer. This project will provide a poignant contrast to his horror films, showcasing Dragan's versatility as a filmmaker.
Dragan's journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination. Despite the physical challenges he faces, he continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, one project at a time.
- In the heart of Northern Kentucky, Lloyd High School echoes with the ambition of a promising young filmmaker, Dragan Ellis.
- Despite being diagnosed with scoliosis and wearing a back brace for extensive hours, Dragan's zeal for horror filmmaking remains undeterred.
- The Ellis family, all seasoned actors, will lend their talents to Dragan's upcoming horror short film, Shiverr.
- Dragan's mother, however, prefers a different genre, expressing a fondness for heartwarming narratives.
- Shiverr, a labor of love with a running time of 10-15 minutes, showcases Dragan's honed filmmaking and writing skills, primarily funded by a modest budget of $200 allocated for audio equipment.
- If Shiverr is met with positive reception, Dragan aims to create a full-length feature film, aspiring to carve a niche for himself as a Film Director.
- Bracing for a scoliosis patient typically lasts for 1 to 3 years, during which consistent brace wear aims to halts curve progression rather than an immediate correction.
- Demonstrating resilience, Dragan plans to create a documentary about his grandmother's courageous battle with cancer, providing a poignant contrast to his horror films and showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.
