A creepy custodian.

Moody music.

A soap opera scenario too close for comfort.

"The Janitor" is a story of suspense packed into just less than nine minutes, and it was filmed right here in North Idaho.

"We landed on the idea of doing a suspense project, like a horror film," said Shane Tyler, co-founder of new production company Project Prism. "I love the idea of building up an idea for the audience and have it all come crashing down at the end."

Tyler, 26, of Coeur d'Alene, and Project Prism partner/good friend Austin Meyers, 25, of Spokane, released "The Janitor," their first short film, on YouTube in August. It follows the story of protagonist Matt (played by Tyler) as he lets his imagination and paranoia get the best of him during what seems to be a normal work day in his basement office in downtown Coeur d'Alene. In at least one scene, buildings on Front Avenue across from McEuen Park can be seen in the background.

As of Friday, the film was up to nearly 300 views.

"The most fun part is always the end result, when you hit the 'public' button and you're able to say, 'I made this,'" Tyler said. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone's like, 'Wow, how did you even make this?'"

So just how DID they make "The Janitor?"

"With $15 and a single camera," Tyler said.

But considering the more than 50 hours that went into editing and production, the use of the downtown studio they rent and the time and talent donated by actors Lexie Curson, Michael Dwyer and Kristin Killingsworth, Meyers estimates the cost would have been closer to, say, $300.

"We sourced things pretty well," Meyers said. "We used our own assets and surroundings."

Meyers, who plays the titular janitor, created the foreboding, original score for the film.

"I loved hearing the music go pretty well," he said. "It was a very good feeling, and being able to share that was excellent."

Meyers said acting in "The Janitor" was an "absolute blast — I love acting."

"It was a character I tried to make come alive as much as possible, even lower my voice," he said. "I really got into the character, got into his mindset. I try to feel like the person I'm portraying."

The Project Prism team is just starting out and plans to take on more film and creative projects in the future.

See "The Janitor" at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFh2b5Zzb2w