It Waits at the Lodge Passes 1,000 Hours of Watch Time on YouTube

My solo found-footage horror film It Waits at the Lodge recently crossed a milestone: 1,000 hours of watch time on YouTube since its release on December 15, 2025.

For those unfamiliar with the project, It Waits at the Lodge is a 40-minute horror film that I filmed and edited entirely myself. The story follows a man staying alone at a quiet lodge who begins to experience strange disturbances—subtle at first, but gradually escalating into something much more disturbing.

Creating the film was an interesting creative experiment for me. Most people know my work through my books, particularly the Between Dark and Light series, but I’ve always enjoyed exploring storytelling in different formats. Found-footage horror seemed like the perfect format for a small, one-person production.

What’s been especially fun since releasing the film is seeing people discover it and share their reactions in the comments. Some viewers have found it unsettling, some have had questions about what exactly is happening, and others have shared their own interpretations of the story.

Reaching 1,000 hours of watch time means that audiences have collectively spent more than 41 full days watching the film, which is a pretty cool milestone for an independent project.

If you’d like to watch It Waits at the Lodge, you can check it out here:

https://youtu.be/cISCaaHyL6I

Second Festival Selection for OMG, You’re, Like, Totally Haunted!

I’m excited to share that my 4.5-minute found-footage comedy short, OMG, You’re, Like, Totally Haunted!, has been officially selected by the Austin Micro Film Festival!

The festival screens at Southwest Theatres Lake Creek 7 in Austin, and this marks the film’s second festival selection, following its earlier recognition at Indie Short Fest in Los Angeles.

The short follows a shy man who moves into a new apartment and begins documenting what he believes is paranormal activity — creaking doors, cold spots, faint giggles — only to discover he may be sharing the space with the ghost of a seventeen-year-old valley girl who gradually starts influencing his personality in increasingly pink and pumpkin-spice directions.

The film was shot on a $90 camera and leans into the sincerity of found-footage horror before slowly unraveling into absurd character comedy. What started as a small creative experiment has now resonated with two separate festival programming teams — which is a reminder that algorithms and curators don’t always respond to the same signals.

While the short has had modest traction online, I’m grateful to see it finding life in theatrical settings and festival programs.

You can watch OMG, You’re, Like, Totally Haunted! here: https://youtu.be/s727sbAEofo

More to come.

The One Who Watches (When the Monster Isn’t the Real Problem)

Some stories begin with fear.

Others begin with curiosity.

The One Who Watches started with a question that wouldn’t leave me alone: What if the creature in the woods isn’t evil—but isn’t safe either?

Growing up, I was fascinated by campfire legends and local myths—the kinds of stories that made the forest feel alive after dark. Sasquatch stories, in particular, always walked that uncomfortable line between wonder and dread. Something ancient. Something watching. Something that might notice you noticing it.

This story follows a twelve-year-old girl who prides herself on being logical and science-minded—and who is forced to confront the fact that some truths don’t fit neatly into data and evidence. It’s a story about friendship, responsibility, and the realization that protection can quietly turn into obsession.

Middle grade horror has always felt uniquely powerful to me. Kids in these stories aren’t shielded from fear—they face it head-on, often without fully understanding the consequences. That’s where real tension lives. Not just in what’s lurking in the woods, but in what happens after the secret is discovered.

If you enjoy eerie mysteries, unsettling folklore, and stories that trust younger readers with emotional complexity, I hope The One Who Watches finds its way to you.

Just remember—some legends are better left unseen.

The One Who Watches is currently available on Amazon for 99¢: https://tinyurl.com/5ywcc9un

 

It Waits at the Lodge — My Solo 40-Minute Found-Footage Horror Film is Now Online

Some guests never leave…

I’m excited to finally release It Waits at the Lodge, a 40-minute found-footage horror film I shot entirely solo. At a remote retreat meant for solitude and self-reflection, a man begins documenting his stay—only to capture unsettling evidence that he’s not alone, and that something—or someone—is determined to unearth what he’s buried deep inside.

This project was a personal experiment in psychological horror and isolation, blending elements of identity horror with the slow-burn tension of films like Creep, Lake Mungo, The Taking of Deborah Logan, Hell House LLC, and The Blair Witch Project. I wanted to see if I could sustain atmosphere, dread, and tension for a full 40 minutes on my own — writing, directing, performing, and filming every shot.

I’m thrilled to finally share it with you all. If you enjoy atmospheric, unsettling horror, I hope It Waits at the Lodge leaves you thinking about what lurks in the corners long after the credits roll.

Watch the full film here: https://youtu.be/cISCaaHyL6I

Genre: Found Footage | Psychological Horror | Thriller
Written, Directed, and Performed by: Chris von Halle

20K KENP This Year!

Check out my books here: https://tinyurl.com/44bf7vpj

OMG, You're, Like, Totally Haunted! Officially Selected for Indie Short Fest!

I’m thrilled to share that my comedy short film OMG, You're, Like, Totally Haunted! has been officially selected for Indie Short Fest’s December 2025 season!

This selection means the film has been recognized by the festival’s judges for its merit and is now in the pool of projects being considered for nominations and awards. Even if it doesn’t advance further, it’s an honor to have the film stand out in such a competitive festival environment.

Attached is the film’s poster, and I’m also excited to share the official Indie Short Fest laurel—a small but meaningful badge of recognition from the festival.

A huge thank you to the Indie Short Fest team for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported the film along the way. Fingers crossed as it moves forward in the competition!

Learn more about Indie Short Fest: indieshortfest.com

The Mire Witch Earns Five-Star Review from Readers' Favorite!

I’m thrilled to announce that The Mire Witch, the fifth book in my nonconnected Between Dark and Light series, has earned a five-star review from Readers' Favorite! The review highlights the book as 'gripping and atmospheric,' capturing the magic and suspense that fans of dark fantasy crave.

Whether you’re a longtime follower of the series or new to it, this story offers mystery, supernatural intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Check out the full review here, and grab your copy today!