About
The Production
The Production
American Vampires was designed from the ground up as a highly producible independent feature.
The film leverages the natural locations of western Colorado — forests, rural properties, and small communities — to create a cinematic scale while maintaining an efficient production approach.
Principal photography took place over three weeks, followed by post-production including editing, sound design, and color finishing.
Photonic Media
American Vampires is produced by Photonic Media, a production company dedicated to creating compelling independent films while developing filmmaking talent in the American West.
The company has produced multiple feature films and documentaries in western Colorado and continues to build a network of collaborators across the region and beyond.
The Director
Hank Braxtan is a veteran of the US Army, and grew up making films in Grand Junction, CO. After his service was up at age 24, he attended CU Denver and the Colorado Film School. The next chapter took him to Los Angeles for twelve years where he produced hundreds of hours of television, directed Five feature films with distribution from Lionsgate and Fox, and produced several additional feature films distributed by companies such as Sony and A24. He has several Emmy nominations, winning three, a Telly, as well as a Clio for advertising.
Director's Statement:
“I want to make films that stay with people — stories that audiences remember and talk about long after the credits roll.
Filmmaking is both a business and a personal journey. The relationships formed along the way and the stories we tell are what truly give a film life.
With American Vampire, we set out to create something exciting, memorable, and rooted in the landscapes and communities we know best.”
— Hank Braxtan
The Filmmakers
Hank Braxtan — Writer / Director
Hank Braxtan grew up in western Colorado before spending more than a decade working in Los Angeles. Now back in his home state, he continues to create films that combine genre storytelling with the landscapes and culture of the American West.
Josh Meuwly — Producer
Producer and filmmaker Josh Meuwly has worked extensively across Colorado’s western slope, building relationships between regional talent and larger productions while helping bring feature films to the area.
Levi Kramer — Director of Photography
A western Colorado native and graduate of the CMU film program, Levi Kramer brings a cinematic visual style that transforms the natural beauty of the region into striking imagery on screen.
Eric Sigler — 1st AC
Eric Sigler served as the First Assistant Camera on American Vampires, supporting the camera department and ensuring smooth operation of the film’s visual production. His attention to detail and technical expertise helped maintain precision and efficiency throughout the shoot.
Drew Adams — Gaffer
Drew Adams worked as the Gaffer on American Vampires, leading the lighting department and helping shape the film’s visual atmosphere. His work played a key role in creating the mood and tone of the film across its many locations.
Ryan Simpson — Key Grip
Ryan Simpson worked as a Grip on American Vampires, assisting with rigging, camera support, and on-set equipment to ensure the production ran safely and efficiently. His work helped bring stability and flexibility to the film’s dynamic shooting environments.
Zach Hunt — Sound
Zach Hunt served as the Sound Recordist on American Vampires, capturing the production audio that forms the foundation of the film’s sound design. His work ensured clear dialogue and immersive sound throughout the shoot.
Aaron Seibert — Music
Composer Aaron Seibert brings years of musical experience in the Grand Valley to the film’s score, creating a soundscape that blends tension, atmosphere, and emotion.
Subscribe for updates
Subscribe to receive updates about American Vampires, including screening dates, festival announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and release news.
Be the first to know where the film appears next.
Follow American Vampires
Follow the journey of American Vampires.
Sign up for updates on screenings, events, merchandise, and ways to support independent filmmaking on Colorado’s Western Slope.