Filmmaker Matt Zane has confirmed that his unauthorized documentary focusing on late Static-X frontman Wayne Static and Wayne‘s wife Tera Wray will move forward as a self-funded project, following the collapse of its recent crowdfunding campaign.
The campaign encountered immediate resistance when the estates of both Wayne Static and Tera Wray publicly objected to the project less than 24 hours before its launch. A cease-and-desist letter was issued the following day, sparking widespread backlash from fans and contributing to the campaign’s failure to meet its funding goals.
Despite this, Zane insists the documentary will be completed. “I’m sure the estates and everyone over in the current Static-X camp thought that if they could prevent my funding, that would be the end of it,” Zane said. “I’m here to tell you I’ll move forward regardless and will self-fund this project to ensure that it’s made.”
Zane has rejected accusations that the project is a “cash grab,” noting that self-financing places all financial risk on him with little chance of profit. He maintains that his motivation is personal, citing his long-standing friendship and professional relationship with both Wayne and Tera.
“Wayne and Tera asked me to make this. They were my friends,” Zane explained. “They wanted their truth and their story out there, and they trusted me with all of their video projects. I won’t let them down.”
The families of Wayne Static and Tera Wray have taken a firm stance against the film, stating they “strenuously object” to any unauthorized documentaries or biographies and warning that any attempt to use unapproved footage or likenesses would be met with legal action. They have instead pointed to the forthcoming, estate-approved documentary Evil Disco – The Rise, Fall, And Regeneration Of Static-X, which is currently in development.
Zane argues that his film serves a different purpose. “I personally think both movies can exist,” he said. “Evil Disco is more about the band — past and present. My movie is about Wayne and Tera.”
He also questioned why his project has been targeted when other unauthorized documentaries about Wayne Static exist online without apparent legal consequences.
“If you go to YouTube right now you’ll see multiple unauthorized documentaries about Wayne Static with hundreds of thousands of views,” Zane said. “None of them were threatened with legal action. I haven’t even started production yet.”
While acknowledging the family’s concerns, Zane remains defiant, saying he is prepared to pursue the project even if it results in legal action. He has confirmed that any unreleased Wayne Static music will not be used without estate approval, though he revealed the existence of several unreleased solo tracks recorded by Wayne in 2013.
As tensions continue to escalate, the situation appears far from resolved. Whether settled privately or in court, Zane insists his documentary will be completed — setting up a high-profile dispute between a filmmaker claiming to honor his late friends’ wishes and the estates determined to control Wayne Static‘s legacy.
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