Shadow Free is a supernatural horror web-series set in the underground magical self-help community of New York City. It is the story of three former friends working to change the lives of people who are in their weakest moments. It is the story of Michael Valentine, the founder of Shadow Free, who utilizes dark magic to create perfect versions of his patients at a gruesome cost.  It is the story of Cameron Smalls, a psychology grad student who believes that people can change without Michael’s magic. And it is the story of Lauren Gray, a woman with her own agenda.

A Note From The Creators of Shadow Free:

Shadow Free started with a simple idea… What happens when you take the sometimes beneficial, sometimes destructive world of professional self help programs, and literalize the struggle for mental freedom as a horror story? The plot took shape over a series of long conversations last summer that would run late into the night. As these characters came to life, we began to write, and rewrite, and rewrite, building a world that fascinated us enough that we were ready to bring it to life.

Our casting process was intense, but our stars shone out from the others. The second we lined their pictures up against one another, it was clear that we had to get these people onboard. The calls and texts went out immediately, and we crossed our fingers that the stars (and schedules) would align. They did.

We began filming in November of 2010, pulling together our immensely talented cast and crew to bring this frightful world of magical self-perfection to life. With more than a little help from Sarah Lawrence College, Luke’s Lobster, and friends and family, we were able to find the locations we needed to do our series justice. We’ve been tremendously lucky with the talent and enthusiasm from everyone on Team Shadow Free.

And now we’re ready to bring this to the world. Shadow Free is a passion project. It has occupied every day of our lives since its inception. We are tremendously proud of what we have created, and we are unspeakably excited to share it with you.

So now it’s time to ask yourself a simple question: Would you risk losing everything that makes you the person you are today, from your quirks, your flaws, to your very sense of self… for the chance to become the person you wish you could be?

Let’s answer that question together.

Welcome to Shadow Free.

- Douglas McGinness, James Tynion IV, Brian Donegan

About The Creators:

Douglas McGinness, Creator, Director and Co-Writer: A freelance filmmaker working out of New York City, Douglas found inspiration for Shadow Free in his childhood, having grown up with a psychologist for a mother. Those years of neurotic introspection love and understanding would help form the building blocks of the series.  Douglas enjoyed recent success winning Duran Duran’s genero.tv music video competition, and is currently rolling up his sleeves to dive into more web projects. Find him on twitter at @this_is_Doug or add him on Facebook if you’re into that sort of thing.

James Tynion IV, Co-Writer: A writer of comics, film, and web content of all kinds living in New York City. James is currently co-writing the backups for the ongoing comic book, Batman, with the phenomenal Scott Snyder. James knows more about comic books than doctors know about guts or whatever. He is a pretty cool guy. You can find him on twitter at @JamesTheFourth.

Brian Donegan, Producer: Brian is a man with a plan.  An odd, lovable guy, with years of film experience, Brian helped produce Shadow Free and his film knowledge was instrumental to the production. We’re inclined to believe him. Though one time he ate grass. Seriously. You should ask him about it. It’s a weird story. Send him a private message on Facebook asking him, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.

Beata Harju, Producer, Additional Editor: Beata joined the project after realizing what delicious dinners the respective director and co-writer co-create. A lover of all aspects of filmmaking and the performing arts, Beata can be found both off- and on-screen depending on the project. She is currently an additional writer for an animation feature that is set to premiere in 2014. Say hello to her @beasbox.