When a block of clay turns into a nightmare, you know you’re in Bryan Lewandowski’s world. The Little Rock native has crafted a monster movie that’s as thoughtful as it is chilling. His new short film, “The Clayman,” follows a struggling artist whose latest creation comes to life and begins to stalk him, blurring the line between imagination and obsession.

Mixing practical effects, AI, and a hefty dose of creative problem-solving, “The Clayman” is a story about art, fear and the haunting gap between what we dream up and what we actually make. The short film recently played at The Dark Matter Film Festival in LA and premiered on Crypt TV on October 3rd. You can watch the film here.

We sat down with him to talk about bringing "The Clayman" to life, his DIY approach to filmmaking, and how stories like this can take shape right here in the heartland.

1. What inspired you to create "The Clayman"?


"The Clayman" was inspired by the tension every artist feels between intention and outcome. I wanted to explore what happens when our creations reflect aspects of ourselves we don’t want to face, and how art can almost turn against its creator. It’s a story about self-doubt, control, and the messy, revealing nature of the creative process.

2. What was the biggest challenge of making this film on a micro budget?


The biggest challenge was achieving a cinematic, terrifying monster without the resources of a big studio. Every decision from practical effects to post-production had to be driven by creativity rather than money. It meant long nights problem-solving, stretching every tool I had, and constantly adapting to get the vision across.

3. How did you combine practical effects, AI, and CGI to bring the monster to life?


We used practical makeup and clay models for tactile, close-up shots, while AI-assisted tools and CGI enhanced movement, scale, and atmosphere. Combining these methods allowed us to achieve a level of realism and menace that wouldn’t have been possible on a micro budget alone, blending hands-on craft with modern technology.

4. What does the story of "The Clayman" say about the creative process?


At its core, it’s a reflection on the gap between intention and result. The film shows that the act of creating can be uncomfortable, revealing, and even haunting when your work exposes flaws you didn’t anticipate. It’s about persistence, honesty in art, and the courage to keep refining despite self-doubt.

5. How did your time in Arkansas shape your journey as a filmmaker?


I grew up just outside of Little Rock in Arkansas and spent countless hours playing in my backyard. Before I even had a video camera, I would use toys to create scenes, filming them in my head and editing the memories later. It taught me that my imagination was my best tool and a truly limitless resource.

6. How has the Arkansas film community supported or influenced your work?

It’s been great getting back into the Arkansas film scene. We recently connected with the Arkansas Cinema Society, and they were so kind and generous in reaching out and giving me a platform to talk about indie filmmaking and promoting “The Clayman,” which premiered on Crypt TV on October 3rd! I love being part of this vibrant community, and the support for indie filmmakers here is truly amazing!

7. What do you hope audiences take away from watching this short?


I hope audiences walk away thinking about the duality of creation, how art can be both beautiful and unsettling, a reflection of our own flaws and fears. More broadly, I hope it inspires anyone who creates to embrace the messy, revealing parts of the journey and keep striving for authenticity.

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