The Tour
A late-night house tour spirals into chaos for an unsuspecting Landlord.
Project type: Fiction Short
Project status: Development
Writer/Director: Nick Kostelnak
Producer: Justin Grohowski
Executive Producer: John Kostelnak
Email: jkostel92@gmail.com
Website: katalyst-films.com
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Logline
An impromptu late-night house tour for an unsuspecting landlord spirals into chaos and terror. What starts as a seemingly innocent showing with a mysterious woman takes a sinister turn.
Synopsis
Lured by an open house sign late at night, a Woman working the night shift stumbles into a deteriorating home, inquiring about its rent. The aging Landlord, reluctantly showing her around, hides his desperation behind promises of the neighborhood’s rising demand. Unbeknownst to him, former tenants have already infiltrated the property, performing a Satanic ritual in the basement that places a curse on him.
As the tour unfolds, eerie disturbances plague the house — a clogged sink, a sudden power outage, and ominous footsteps from upstairs. When the Landlord investigates, he discovers a blood-soaked sink and, even worse, a mysterious Creature lurking in the shadows.
Initially perceiving the Woman as an ordinary prospective tenant, the Landlord is unaware of the sinister truth beneath her facade. As his mounting dread intensifies, he uncovers the horrifying revelation that the Woman is the Creature, a shapeshifter in disguise. By the time he pieces it together, it’s already too late.
Meet the Filmmakers
Nick Kostelnak – Writer/Director
Nick Kostelnak is an award-winning director, writer, and producer based in New York City. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Nick studied film at The University of Toledo before moving to New York to pursue his passion for filmmaking. In addition to his creative work, he serves as a consultant for NEON and has previously worked as Post Production Manager for IFC Films, RLJE Films, and Shudder.
Nick’s directorial debut, Stay Awhile, showcases his unique storytelling ability and garnered critical acclaim, winning the “Best Concept Award” at the Northeast Film Festival and the “Best Ghost Story” award at ScareFest Weekend, one of the largest horror conventions in the United States.
Currently, Nick is producing a feature film titled Ave U, starring Lillo Brancato, Mickey Rourke, La La Anthony, and Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini.
John Kostelnak – Executive Producer
John Kostelnak is a New York City-based award-winning producer known for his work on the short film Stay Awhile. He also works at a major global investment firm as an investment funds attorney, where he leverages his expertise in law and finance.
John received his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
Justin Grohowski – Producer
Justin Grohowski is an award-winning producer and creative partner for Katalyst Films. He is based in Northern New Jersey. Outside of his creative endeavors, Justin works as a Manager for Media Prep & Delivery at AMC Networks, working alongside other vital areas such as post production, QC, and distribution. He has worked across content on AMC, AMC+, BBCA, Sundance, IFC, and Shudder, to see content through on linear and streaming channels. Some recent highlights include work on all Walking Dead universe content, Interview with the Vampire, and Mayfair Witches.
Justin’s first work in the creative space came with Stay Awhile, which has seen great success across the horror film festival circuit.
Justin has great desire in pursuing his own creative visions in the future as well through Katalyst Films in the form of writing and also making his directorial debut sometime in the near future.
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Contact
For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.