Ty Bradford Launches Low-Budget Horror Film ‘Uck’ in Colorado

Ty Bradford, the creative force behind the low-budget horror film Uck, is navigating the complexities of filmmaking in Colorado. Currently in post-production, Bradford serves as the writer, director, and producer of the project, which explores themes of family and alien encounters. The film’s unique premise follows a carpet cleaner in a small town who discovers that strange spots emerging from underground are not what they seem.

Bradford, who founded OVO Films, shared insights about the filmmaking process, emphasizing the challenges faced by independent filmmakers. “Making a movie is a colossal pain in the ass,” he remarked, “but in the best way possible.” He pointed out the increasing difficulty in securing distribution deals, particularly due to the rise of streaming platforms over the past five years. “Filmmakers are delusional if they think they can make a movie and just instantly get distribution,” he added.

Experience and Challenges in Filmmaking

Having moved to Colorado for a change of pace, Bradford initially pivoted to advertising after his first feature film, Screenland Drive, which was released in 2000. His journey in the film industry began with an internship in Los Angeles, eventually leading him to collaborate with notable director Stuart Gordon. This experience included significant roles at Disney, where Bradford honed his skills in project development.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bradford experienced what he described as an “awakening.” He realized that he wanted to return to narrative filmmaking. This renewed passion led him to create several short films before embarking on Uck. The film’s budget, approximately $300,000, was made possible through a combination of investors and personal contributions, alongside state incentives from the Colorado Film Commission.

Bradford acknowledged that while Colorado offers fewer resources compared to states like New Mexico, the opportunity to work within his community made the trade-off worthwhile. “I could have gone to New Mexico and gotten 10 percent more, but being able to pull in favors and work with familiar crews was invaluable,” he explained.

Collaboration and Production Insights

The production of Uck began in April 2023, with most filming taking place in Globeville. Bradford praised the local talent pool, which included experienced actors from the Curious Theatre Company and Buntport Theater, such as Brian Landis Folkins and Sheryl McCallum. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Todd Debreceni, a renowned makeup artist known for his work on films like Die Hard 2 and Captain Phillips.

The filming process was intense yet rewarding, featuring creative set designs and a range of special effects. Bradford noted the challenges involved, including the need for a warehouse to build sets, which added a layer of complexity to the production. “We created this wonderful chaos,” he said, referring to the filming environment, which included copious amounts of fake blood and various establishing shots around Colorado.

As the film moves towards its expected completion in March 2024, Bradford plans to submit Uck to several genre festivals. He recognizes the importance of festival screenings as a strategic component of the film’s release. “Festivals are a big part of the strategy,” he affirmed, emphasizing the need for readiness as the project progresses.

In conclusion, Ty Bradford’s journey with Uck encapsulates the joys and challenges of independent filmmaking. His dedication to the craft and the support of his local community reflect the resilience required to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of film production. As he gears up for the next phase of distribution, Bradford remains optimistic about bringing his story to audiences.