South Jersey filmmaker, Michael Conroy, is turning local folklore and familiar suburban landscapes into the stuff of nightmares with In the Shadows of the Trees, a handcrafted horror feature now seeking crowdfunding support.

Written, directed, and shot by Conroy himself, the project follows a man who returns to his hometown only to discover that children have gone missing — and a mysterious figure from local legend may be watching from the woods. What begins as a social media stunt unravels into a disturbing portrait of a community with dark secrets.

In the Shadows of the Trees - Seed and Spark

The film draws on the unique geography of South Jersey’s suburbs, where woods, marshes, and quiet neighborhoods coexist in uneasy harmony. The filmmaker aims to use these real environments to evoke dread and atmosphere, transforming the ordinary into something unsettlingly alive.

Inspired by micro-budget landmarks such as The Killer of Sheep and Wanda, the project emphasizes creativity over cost. The filmmaker has moved away from the Hollywood system to pursue true independent production, using available resources to achieve cinematic depth and authenticity.

In the Shadows of the Trees - Teaser

 

In the Shadows of the Trees - Trailer 2

The campaign seeks $5,000 to unite a small team and begin production, with shooting planned for spring. Supporters can learn more, view past work including the short Queen of Prey, and contribute to the project through the official Seed and Spark page.