Hollywood horror flick comes to Northeast Ohio

There's a haunting energy over the Mansfield Reformatory, in Richland County Ohio, that local filmmakers are trying to bring to the big screen.

Their shooting a horror-suspense film called "The Dead Matter."

Filmmakers Ed Douglas and Gary Jones are trying to capture the vibe and hoping moviegoers will get the same chills the crew is getting.

Since early August they've been shooting around the historic and abandoned Mansfield Reformatory -- which once housed some of the states most hardened criminals on death row.

"This is definitely the most creepy location I've ever been to in my whole life, the history here you can just feel it in the air," said Douglas as he looked around the dilapidated west cell block.

Ed first shot the film 10-years ago after graduating from John Carroll University. Chris Robichaud is one of the original actors.

"When we did it then it was just 2000-dollars, bunch of college students, John Carroll University getting together over the span of six months trying to make a movie. But now you look around and see the scope of this film," said Robichaud.

Today the movie has a budget in the millions complete with makeup artists, Hollywood actors, zombies and a famous backdrop that gives the movie an affordable, home based flavor. "To get this look would cost a lot more money so were really excited because this has given us something we couldn't afford," said Jones.

And the plot, well, it's a cryptic as the unexplainable happenings on set.

"There's lots of tricks. I won't give away any more than that but it's a very tricky negotiation of this cult and danger," said actor Jason Carter.

This nightmare type movie is a dream come true for Gary and Ed.

"I have to stay focused in the moment so I try not to get too far ahead but every once in a while I catch my mind going to the premiere and seeing it on the big screen," said Douglas.

Whatever happens -- Ed and Gary hope they spark your imagination into the mysteries of the night.

The crew will finish shooting next week.

The movie is set to be released around Halloween next year.

It will likely get a PG-13 rating.

To learn more about the film, the actors, the production company or the Mansfield Reformatory, click below.