DIRECTOR STATEMENT
The Clayman is a horror story about what happens when our creations reflect something we don’t want to see in ourselves. As an artist, I’ve often felt that tension, pouring emotion into a piece, thinking it’s great, only to step back later and see how far it is from being honest or complete. That gap between intention and outcome can be haunting.

This film is about that very process. It explores how art can turn on its creator, especially when we chase perfection over truth. We used practical effects, AI, and CGI to bring the monster to life on a micro budget, solving problems through creativity rather than resources. Every frame was a test of patience and belief in the vision.

At its core, The Clayman is about control, self doubt, and how the creative journey is often messier and more revealing than we expect. My hope is that it resonates with anyone who has ever made something and later seen the cracks in it, only to keep going, striving to get closer to something real.

DIRECTOR BIO
Bryan Lewandowski is an independent filmmaker based in Pittsburg, Kansas, known for his inventive approach to low-budget filmmaking and his ability to blend emotional storytelling with striking visuals. His latest short film The Clayman is a horror piece that combines practical effects, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to bring a terrifying creature to life on screen.

Described as “an elevated B monster horror movie,” The Clayman tells the story of a troubled artist whose creation, a clay-sculpted monster, takes on a life of its own. The film premiered to a full house at Brick + Mortar Social House and has been praised for its eerie atmosphere and technically ambitious visuals, achieved through meticulous post-production work and creative problem solving.

Lewandowski is the founder of Genuine Pictures, a production company that specializes in both narrative filmmaking and commissioned work like weddings and mma fights. He studied film at Los Angeles City College in Hollywood, CA before returning to his hometown to develop his voice as a filmmaker.

With a hands-on, do-it-yourself ethic, Lewandowski pushes the limits of what is possible on micro-budgets by combining practical makeup, AI-assisted tools, and CGI techniques. He credits his fiancée Brittany for supporting his journey and keeping him grounded through the ups and downs of the creative process.

Driven by passion and persistence, Bryan Lewandowski continues to create bold, visually compelling stories that resonate with audiences and prove that a powerful vision can overcome even the tightest constraints.