If you’re wondering where to find the next generation of great filmmakers, look no further than YouTube. Running a channel involves pumping out content on a regular basis, shooting and editing your own videos (on a limited budget), and learning how to grow an audience; self-taught skills that will come in handy when it comes to making a first feature. A prime example of this is Danny and Michael Philippou, who started off making horror comedy shorts on their channel RackaRacka and went on to direct the very successful Talk To Me. And now there’s another name to add to that list: Chris Stuckmann and his debut feature Shelby Oaks.

For over a decade, Stuckmann has been reviewing movies on YouTube, raking in millions of subscribers. A couple years ago, he set out to make a movie of his own, and launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund it,...