Mitrofania Pictures Presents
A FOLK GOTHIC SUPERNATURAL THRILLER
Some treasures are better left buried.
We're building this film with a small team -- and looking for people who want to be a part of it.
ABOUT THE FILM
The Thorn Trees is a gothic supernatural thriller set in 1800s frontier America—a world shaped by folk magic, superstition, and the quiet sense that something is watching.
When her family’s farm faces foreclosure, Hannah White reluctantly joins a greedy group of rag-tag treasure seekers searching for buried gold deep in the wilderness.
But some things are buried for a reason.
In disturbing the treasure, they awaken a spirit—ancient, watchful, and bound to protect what lies beneath with chilling cruelty.
This is a tense, character-driven story, in the spirit of independent films like The Blair Witch Project, The Witch, and The Village—where atmosphere, psychology, and human choices matter just as much as what lurks in the dark.
WHY THIS PROJECT EXISTS
Film is one of the most powerful ways we have to tell stories.
And while it’s easy to think of filmmaking as something reserved for massive studios and enormous budgets, the truth is—some of the most meaningful work comes from smaller groups of people who just decide to make something together. That’s precisely what we're doing.
I’ve spent years working alongside musicians, actors, and artists here in northern Utah, and I’ve been consistently inspired by the level of talent, dedication, and heart people bring—not because they have to, but because they want to create.
This project is an invitation to bring together people of all experience levels—whether you’ve been on sets for years or have never stepped onto one—and make a movie together!
It will be fun, a little haunting, but something we can all be proud of.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Hi--I'm Jacob
I’ve been working in film and video production for about 25 years, creating everything from commercials and instructional content to story-driven projects.
I currently work as a freelance producer under Mitrofania Pictures, and over the years I’ve worn a lot of hats—writing, shooting, editing, animating, and helping guide projects from idea to completion.
I enjoy both sides of filmmaking:
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the technical craft
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and the human side of bringing people together to create something meaningful
Outside of film, I’ve spent a lot of time on stage as well—playing roles like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown, and Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies. That experience has shaped how I work with actors and approach storytelling.
But more than anything, I care about:
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telling stories that mean something
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creating a collaborative, respectful environment
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and helping people feel comfortable doing their best work
This project feels like a chance to bring all of that together.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
We’re building a team—and there are a lot of ways to be part of it.
CAST
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Actors (all experience levels welcome)
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Featured and supporting roles
CREATIVE TEAM
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Costume design (period wardrobe)
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Hair & makeup
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Set design/Props
PRODUCTION CREW
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Camera assistants
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Sound
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Lighting
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Production assistants
SUPPORT
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Locations (land, cabins, forest areas)
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Food/craft services
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Transportation help
Whether you're experienced, learning, or just curious--there's a place for you here.
A NOTE ON COMPENSATION
I want to be upfront about this.
This is a small, independent project, so most roles aren’t paid upfront. We’re building this the same way a lot of indie films get made—through collaboration, shared effort, and a willingness to create something together.
That said, I don’t like the idea of people contributing something meaningful and getting nothing if the project succeeds.
So for key roles, we’re planning to share a portion of any future revenue with the people who help bring the film to life, based on their level of involvement.
For others, this may be more about the experience—working on a set, meeting people, and being part of the process.
Either way, I want this to be a positive, respectful experience for everyone involved.
If you’re unsure where you might fit, feel free to reach out.