Jimmi Simpson Pushes Indie Horror ‘SLAY’ to $23K Crowdfund
Westworld actor’s slasher dramedy seeks support to release behind-the-scenes sizzle reel
Image: Instagram
Crowdfunding Push To $23k
Jimmi Simpson has turned to fans to power the next stage of his indie horror dramedy SLAY. In an Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DKsxMEASBZY/), the Westworld and Black Mirror alum wrote, “If we hit $23K by this Wednesday we’ll release the SLAY SIZZLE 🔥🔪.” The short “sizzle” reel will give backers a behind-the-scenes look at the film already wrapped and waiting for an audience.
Meet The Team Behind Slay
SLAY is co-written by Simpson and director Kyra Gardner, whose horror dramedy follows seven high-school seniors whose weekend backstabbing turns literal. The cast features Zoey Luna, Aya Cash, Shawnee Smith and Malina Weissman, each tagged in Simpson’s post to highlight the ensemble’s diverse talent. Simpson’s career spans TV hits such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, House of Cards and Westworld, and SLAY marks his first major indie producing credit.
In The Edit Bay
On May 12, Simpson teased progress in another Instagram share (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ2iQQGO8vu/), writing that SLAY “is in the edit bay and already looking disturbingly awesome.” He thanked composer duo Delaney Harter-Rosenthal and Matt Composure, SFX artist Tony Gardner and editor Chris Lorusso, noting many team members worked below cost to bring the project in on schedule.
Behind The Screams At Monsterpalooza
SLAY’s crew offered an exclusive look at the film at Monsterpalooza, where Gardner and Simpson joined host Zoran Gvojic on the Flesh & Blood & Bone podcast panel (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7ap7AJl14/). They discussed practical effects by Tony Gardner, mask maker B. Christensen and strategies for surviving independent filmmaking’s “spine-chilling pitfalls.” An audience of genre fans got a first glimpse at concept art and early footage during the June 1 panel in Pasadena’s Theatre Exhibit Hall C.
Why $23k Matters
The crowdfunding goal covers festival submission fees, marketing design and legal clearance for music and locations. Simpson’s call to action reminds followers that the film is “already in the can,” so every dollar goes straight to distribution—online portals, physical screenings and promotional materials to reach horror lovers worldwide.
What’s Next For Slay
If the campaign hits $23K by Wednesday, Simpson and Gardner will release the sizzle reel on social channels and update backers on festival premieres. They plan to submit to genre festivals in Toronto, Tribeca and Sitges later this year, aiming for a fall 2024 screening run. Backers will receive exclusive updates, digital art from SFX tests and early access to stream SLAY once it secures a distributor.
SLAY represents a new chapter for Simpson, who graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and built his résumé with quirky and dramatic turns alike. Now, he’s using social media to rally support for a project that blends teen drama with horror thrills—and giving fans a real stake in its success.
From crowd-driven fundraising to festival strategies, SLAY’s journey underscores the challenges and creativity behind independent genre filmmaking. With the sizzle reel on the horizon, supporters have one week to help unlock the next step—and step into the world of SLAY.
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