Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Pinos to life.

Logline

Two estranged friends on a disastrous camping trip must reckon with their relationship when confronted by a shape-shifting creature.

Synopsis

Cole and Max were best friends in college, going on countless camping trips. Now in their late twenties, they’ve grown apart. Max is a directionless freelance musician living off his parents’ money. Cole is a successful architect with a fiancee, Morgan, but his workaholic tendencies have left him unable to enjoy life. Max assumes that he will be the Best Man at his wedding. Desperate to reconnect, he invites Cole camping to remote Mt. Pinos. Morgan encourages the trip so Cole can tell him that he won’t break the news to him in person that he won’t be the Best Man.

The reunion is immediately strained when they encounter a string of odd characters at the campground. Searching in the dark woods for more firewood, years of resentment explode.

That’s when they’ll be faced with an ominous force, causing the two to have to fight for their friendship in a way they never have before…

Meet the Filmmakers

Seth Woodhouse — Co-Writer/Director
Seth is a writer, director and editor whose directing credits include the short films GHOST GOOSE, DOUBLE DATE, and VAN LIFE, which have been accepted into film festivals in Houston, Portland, Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. He also produced the short film SOMETIMES I IMAGINE YOUR FUNERAL, which screened in film festivals, conferences and classrooms across the world. He worked in post-production on Ethan Hawke’s THE LAST MOVIE STARS, FX’s SOCIAL STUDIES and HBO’s RINGER MUSIC BOX.

Manny Spero — Co-Writer/Max
Manny is a graduate from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts with a BFA in dramatic acting. In 2022, Manny appeared in THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. His other film acting credits include BOLT FROM THE BLUE, SAY LESS, and DOUBLE DATE. His television credits include HACKS, STATION 19, and QUANTUM LEAP.

Grayson Alamango Shapiro — Associate Producer
Grayson has over 10 years of industry experience. Most recently he was the 1st AD and Production Supervisor on the recent box office sensation OBSESSION (Focus Features, Blumhouse). He is also an award winning Casting Director, receiving the Emerging Casting Director Award for Mi Ofrenda (CBS/Paramount Global) presented by Casting Network & Cast-It.

Kevin Keppy — Undisclosed Role
Kevin Keppy is a character actor whose film credits include SMILE, Guillermo Del Toro’s CABINET OF CURIOSITIES and Disney’s THE QUEST. His theater credits include CYCLOPS BY EURIPIDES, NO EXIT and A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Cole Wells — Producer
Cole Ashlynn Wells is a development-focused producer drawn to character-driven, intimate storytelling. She collaborates closely with directors to shepherd projects from early development through post-production, with a focus on emotional clarity and cohesive, performance-driven work. She produced the feature film WALLY JACKSON AND THE PROBABILITY OF LOVE AND CAR ACCIDENTS, set for release later this year, which received notable media attention in 2025 through national press and broadcast coverage highlighting the film’s creative team.

Dustin Vaught — Producer
Dustin is a producer focused on character-driven films. His producing credits include the feature films THE FUZZIES and TIMBER LANDS with Oscar Winner Wes Studi and Golden Globe Winner Irene Bedard, with additional work in horror, drama, and documentary. Dustin also acted in Kane Parsons’ THE OLDEST VIEW in the lead role. He brings extensive experience managing productions across commercial, film, and television, with an emphasis on efficiency, collaboration, and creative integrity.

Make a donation to Pinos.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.