Charlie Ruckus, 28, of Finksburg, is making a living scaring audiences with his independent horror flicks.

And he's looking for donations to help continue making his film dreams -- or, nightmares -- come true.

Through a nonprofit that actually allows for tax-deductible donations, Ruckus is raising money to promote his film, "Trilogy of Blood," at two film festivals, as well as raise capital to buy equipment and shoot a feature film, "South Mountain," and a 30-minute film, "Landslides and Sandcastles."

"We're truly independent," Ruckus said. "A lot of these independent films you see have multi-million dollar stars, big movie studios behind them, union support and more."

Ruckus' goal is $1,000 to use to buy tables at two film festivals to promote the film and get the attention of fans and distributors.

So far, $150 has been raised, he said.

His company, Ruckus Productions, is in the midst of a donation drive that's being featured this month on www.indiegogo.com, a website that helps artists raise money for their work.

Ruckus' work is being supported by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)-3 nonprofit that provides a means for independent artists to raise money -- and allows donors to collect a tax deduction, according to the organization's website.

Artists involved in the process raise money on their own, then turn the donations over to Fractured Atlas. The organization then gives the money back to the artist -- minus a 6 percent fee kept by the charity, according to the Better Business Bureau.

The 12-year-old Fractured Atlas, based in New York, also provides access to health and liability insurance to artists, as well as online courses and access to small grants.

Ruckus -- whose real last name is Pittinger -- is a 2000 Westminster High School graduate who has kept Carroll County in the focus of his lens since 2003.

He has shot short films around the county, has helped organize the Indie Horror Film Fest at the Carroll Arts Center and the annual Zombie Walk that benefits Carroll County Food Sunday food bank.

"Trilogy of Blood" is also a Carroll County product, having been shot at The Greens housing development near Westminster. Ruckus said he often partners with local businesses and residents.

"There's a lot of great people here and locations," he said, noting that the company shot this month at Legends Cafe on Route 140. "There's a lot of business that help us out, too."

"Trilogy of Blood" is an official selection for the sixth annual Fright Night Film Fest, in Louisville, Ky., which begins July 30, as well as the Horrorfind Weekend Film Fest, in Gettysburg, Pa., Sept. 29.

"We successfully raised the money to produce ("Trilogy of Blood") in 2008, and are now doing another round of fundraisers to support the film as it makes its way through the film festivals," Ruckus said.

He hopes to enter "Trilogy" in the Sundance Film Festival, which would be huge for Ruckus.

"We're one step under being a real movie maker," he said, laughing. "We're self taught and learning from all of our mistakes and going from there."

After the festivals, Ruckus said he will turn his attention to finding investors and soliciting donations for his next projects -- "South Mountain" and "Landslides and Sandcastles"

"South Mountain" is about two brothers hiking in South Mountain, Pa., on a mission from God. The brothers, Enoch and John, are influenced by dark forces and have to survive -- mind, body and spirit.

"This is more of a psychological thriller/mystery," he said, describing the film as "stripped down" compared to his horror films that are filled with makeup and special effects.

"Landslides and Sandcastles" focuses on a recovering heroin addict who is trying to rebuild his life, but who slips back into his habits after attending his mother's funeral.

Ruckus' online fundraiser lasts until July 31, then he said he will start another campaign to continue to help fund his movie festival promotion and pre-production funding for his new films.

Raising money to raise a Ruckus

Information about Ruckus Productions' film projects can be found at www.indiegogo.com/ruckusproductions and www.ruckusproductions.com. The company is accepting donations made out to Fractured Atlas -- with "Trilogy of Blood" written on the memo space. They may be mailed to Ruckus Productions, 1830 Hanniford Drive, Finksburg, MD 21048. Donations are tax-deductable through Fractured Atlas.

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