Director Mitchell Altieri is reteaming with actor Tiffany Shepis for yet another terrifying collaboration, this time in the form of a found footage movie. Paraquin Pictures has announced the beginning of production of The Case Study of Walter Briggs, a new film from Altieri and producer Jeffrey Allard, the latest in a long line of horror projects the two have brought to life.
With Altieri directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jacquelin D. Hayner, The Case Study of Walter Briggs stars Shepis alongside Robert Donavan and Sadie Scheufler. The film’s synopsis is as follows:
The Case Study of Walter Briggs follows a nursing student assigned to document an elderly dementia patient whose rare moments of clarity begin to suggest unsettling recollections tied to an infamous serial killer. As her investigation intensifies, so does her obsession, drawing her closer to a truth that may put her in danger.
“This is my first foray into found-footage filmmaking, and it’s a completely different beast,” says Shepis. “I used to think this style might be easier, but the reality is quite the opposite—limited camera angles often mean limited coverage. That puts a premium on performance; you have to get it right from the very first take, because it might be the only one you have. Now, if I could just figure out how to sneak in my signature glamour lighting…”
Shepis serves as producer alongside Allard, Alex Newberry, and Ricardo J. Santos. Additional casting is set to be announced at a later date further into production, but this marks the fourth collaboration between Shepis, Allard, and Altieri, who previously collaborated on films like The Violent Kind, The Night Watchmen, and Star Light.
“Bringing love—and film-making—back to Northern California feels like a homecoming,” says Altieri. “This is where we shot The Hamiltons and The Violent Kind, and now it’s the backdrop for The Case of Walter Briggs. There’s an incredible depth of locations and talent here. Working with Tiffany Shepis and Jeff Allard, I’ve developed a creative shorthand that makes even the most challenging projects feel seamless.”
“The Case of Walter Briggs is an ambitious found-footage horror thriller that also plays like a dark drama, which is a combination that really drew me in,” says Allard. “Our crew here in Petaluma has been incredible so far, bringing dedication and creativity to every aspect of the production. Tiffany Shepis always delivers, and working with Mitch again is always a great time. This marks our seventh film together, and each one has been vastly different from the last—yet all have found their own kind of success. When I first read the script and saw the vision for the cast, I knew Walter Briggs would be something special.”
No release date has been announced for The Case Study of Walter Briggs. Stay tuned to FANGORIA for more updates.
