Camelot By Proxy
Dallas, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
The story follows Jacob “J.R.” Rosenberg, the governor of Texas, who has arranged a clandestine conversation with an inmate on death row, Jalesa Hawkins, as the decision to grant her clemency looms.
Camelot By Proxy
Dallas, Texas | Film Short
Drama, Thriller
1 Campaigns | Texas, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,505 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
61 supporters | followers
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The story follows Jacob “J.R.” Rosenberg, the governor of Texas, who has arranged a clandestine conversation with an inmate on death row, Jalesa Hawkins, as the decision to grant her clemency looms.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
 (Landscape)).jpeg)
Camelot By Proxy is a 15 Minute Dramatic Thriller set in Dallas, Texas, following Jacob “J.R.” Rosenberg, the governor of Texas, who has arranged a clandestine conversation with Jalesa Hawkins, an inmate on death row, as the decision to grant her clemency looms.
On the eve of the execution, J.R.’s decision is uncertain, although he is expected to maintain a “tough on crime” policy that would restore his reputation and possibly re-election. J.R.’s pregnant wife, Sasha Rosenberg, urges him to execute the prisoner, for fear of forfeiting their status and jeopardizing the birth of their son. J.R. remains torn, before leaving the house for the secret meeting.
Upon arriving at the prison, J.R. is immediately struck by the abhorrent living conditions, which weigh on the enormity of his decision. Jalesa, a mother who refuses to speak with her only son in an attempt to protect him from the controversy, ensures J.R. that she has accepted her death, and has grown accustomed to the isolation and difficulty she has faced. As they continue to speak, J.R. is faced with the moral dilemma of whether to grant her clemency or execute her for the future of his family and legacy.
Characters
Jacob "J.R." Rosenberg is the governor of Texas grappling with the decision to grant clemency to Jalesa Hawkins, an inmate on death row, potentially costing him his reputation and putting the future of his family in jeopardy. The pressure from J.R.’s advisors and his pregnant wife, Sasha Rosenberg, to adopt a “tough on crime” stance, crush his desire to spare Jalesa’s life. Despite the combative nature of their conversation, he sympathizes with Jalesa’s feelings of isolation, although his feelings of aloneness stem from having no one to confide in but himself. He often feels the need to “save” those around him, whether it be for the greater good, or to cope with his own sense of inadequacy, and his decision regarding execution becomes the defining moment of his governance, and determines the future of his legacy.
Jalesa Hawkins is the 52 year old inmate on death row, preparing to partake in a sit down conversation with the governor of Texas. Through her incarceration, Jalesa has refused to speak with her only son, attempting to protect him from the controversy surrounding her life. She has spent her incarceration in poor living conditions and total isolation, resorting to books and the reality she has created in her mind, becoming a sort of sage within the prison. Although she begins to understand J.R., she still bears disdain for the nature of his altruism, and laments the system that strips her of her own agency. Jalesa is not saintly, she is a woman who made a terrible decision and is forced to spend the rest of her life paying for it, her only solace is the hope that her son will be able to live a life independent of her legacy.
Sasha Rosenberg is J.R.’s wife, currently expecting her first child. Married at a young age, Sasha was immediately thrust into a life of politics and has become enamored with the machinations of power ever since. Fearful for the future, J.R.’s advisors use Sasha as a mouthpiece to sway J.R.’s decision in favor of execution. When she is questioned about her race in the context of the execution of a black woman, she rejects the idea of clemency for the sake of solidarity. Having endured endless scrutiny over her marriage to a white man in power, she recognizes that “playing the game” and falling in line is the only way for her to survive the harsh realities of the political system.
Eva Romero is the corrections officer responsible for supervising Jalesa. Over a twenty year period, Romero has developed an almost a maternal relationship with her, and is fiercely protective over her well being. Romero has grown jaded by the “realities of the system” and the constant pressure to appear respectful and obsequious even in the face of life and death. Initially apprehensive to speak candidly with J.R., she begins to speak with conviction and positions herself as the leading advocate for Jalesa's life as the execution grows nearer and the stakes of J.R.'s decision become more pertinent.
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Impact
This story depicts the governor of Texas, struggling to remain virtuous against the backdrop of rigid conformity, and an inmate on death row, unable to separate her internal makeup from her public persona. By pitting these two isolated characters on opposite ends of the spectrum of power, we are able to examine the concept of identity on a grand scale and dissect it through the lens of a decision to save or end a life.
Tone & Theme
This film is a ghost story, depicting characters who are forced to reconcile with their persona’s despite brimming with doubt and human complexity. The camera acts as a voyeur, invoking the paranoia of public pressure and a removed objectivity, suggesting the inexorable futility of their actions in a system that continues to perpetuate power over morality. Set on the eve of an execution, the film is reminiscent of a thriller, as the ticking clock forces each character to make decisions that will constitute their legacies. This film is also imbued with a strong sense of melancholy, illustrating
the way in which desperation factors into making immoral decisions, thus perpetuating the cyclical nature of power. All of the characters in this story are alone whether it be through total isolation, or the feeling of aloneness that comes with artificial relationships. This story is a look behind the curtain of people in positions of power and vice-versa, in an attempt to understand the chemical makeup of these individuals.
We plan to achieve the aforementioned sense of melancholy and ghostly optics through expressionistic Black & White photography. The texture of the piece should feel palpable through the use of film grain, shadows, exaggerated compositions and bursts of harsh light, creating an atmosphere inhabited by phantoms who are forced to look inward and contemplate their own morality.
Budget & Timeline
The film is currently undergoing pre-production, set for 4 days of production in the last weekend of May 2026.
Directors Statement
What compels me about Camelot By Proxy above all else, are two characters, who would never meet under ordinary circumstances, forced to sit across from each other and reconcile with their checkered moral histories and face the fact that they are both alone.
The film was born out of the desire to paint individuals we typically generalize as “cruel” or “evil” in a more humane light, and explore the morally gray ethics that factor into the decision to end a life. Not only is the film personal to me through the interior lives of the characters, but also takes place in my hometown: Dallas, Texas. Setting the film here was a deliberate choice as Texas has the highest execution rate in the country, a statistic that has forced me to reconcile with the amorality of the state I’ve grown up in all my life.
— Jake Abraham
The team of filmmakers behind Camelot By Proxy would be extremely grateful to receive your contribution, big or small. Anything and everything counts, and allows us to bring this story to life.
Unable to pledge? You can still help by sharing this project with friends, family, neighbors, etc.
*At this link*
seedandspark.com/fund/camelot-by-proxy
You can also track our progress by following the project on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/camelotbyproxyfilm/
IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35451784/
or our Website
https://www.jakeabrahamfilm.com/camelot-by-proxy
See you at the movies!
.jpeg)
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,000
The faces that will bring the film to life.
Crew
Costs $7,000
The people who make the film.
Lodging & Travel
Costs $800
Essential to Accommodate Cast.
Locations
Costs $2,000
The key to immersing viewers in the film.
Equipment
Costs $1,600
Maintains the reality of the world.
Craft
Costs $900
Feeding Cast & Crew is essential.
Art
Costs $200
Makes locations feel lived in.
Costumes
Costs $500
Dressing the characters.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR — JAKE ABRAHAM
Jake is an American writer, director and editor based in Austin, TX. With an interest in literature, American and international cinema, Jake strives to combine strong prose with the expressionist, cinematic scope of filmmaking. With a passion for telling personal, character driven stories, Jake is committed to translating not only unique images but unique ideas to screen. After graduating from Allen High School in 2021, Jake immediately embarked on directing the short film Best Played Loud. Since the completion of the the film in 2022, Jake has been working to create more emotionally driven, compelling films in the coming years, namely his first professionally produced short entitled Daddy War Bucks, a SAG Micro Budget dramatic film, nominated for “Best Texas Short Film” at the Waco Independent Film Festival and the South Texas International Film Festival. With the release of Daddy War Bucks, Jake also created his production company Mausoleum Films, committed to producing original, character driven films that resonate with audiences. In June of 2024, Jake attended the acclaimed Lee Strasberg Film and Theater Institute in New York City, and his Screenplay for “Ode to Joy” was accepted into the Rickshaw Film Foundation, a South Asian Film production program. Jake plans to begin production on his new short Camelot By Proxy in 2026.
PRODUCER — BLAINE STRICKLIN
Blaine Stricklin is a producer based in Dallas, TX, who works professionally in commercial film while dedicating every available moment to making movies. Since childhood, film has been his passion and inspiration. He spent countless hours with his nose to the television screen, memorizing every word, rewinding, and watching again. His motivation as a producer is to assist anyone interested in filmmaking by helping them practice and perfect their craft. Blaine believes that everyone on set is a storyteller, from writers to production assistants—each person has a story to tell. Crystal Minds is a collaboration of friends and strangers who share a love of film and empower one another to step into the roles they’ve chosen for themselves.
ACTOR "J.R." — KERRY MALLOY
A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Kerry joined SAG-AFTRA shortly after completing his degree. Known for bringing heart, depth, conviction, and a pinch of quirk to his roles, he is frequently called for major projects. On stage, he has performed at Williamstown Theater Festival, BAM, and New York Theater Workshop. Outside of acting, Kerry conducts arts workshops in NYC foster care housing and juvenile diversionary programs through Naked Angels theater company. You can see Kerry Malloy in supporting roles in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio, or on Netflix's House of Cards. He has guest-starred on CBS's Bull, NBC's Law and Order: Organized Crime, Marvel's Daredevil, Baz Luhrmann's The Get Down, NBC's Blue Bloods, and has a recurring role as Paul Santino on Netflix's Manifest. role as Paul Santino on Netflix's Manifest.
ACTOR "Romero" — MAGGIE POMALES
Maggie Pomales is a native bilingual New Yorker with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Spanish, a foundation that enhances her versatility, communication, and understanding of diverse perspectives within her craft. Maggie has continuously invested in her growth as an artist, training as a member of the Sherrill Actors Studio and participating in a range of respected workshops. Her studies include work with Lily Bankston, Beth Sepko, The Artist’s Playground (improv), Del Shores, Wendy Pennington, and Kevin Howard—each experience contributing to her ability to navigate both dramatic and comedic material with nuance and confidence. Her body of work includes a variety of independent films created by emerging writers and directors in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where she has built a reputation for delivering sincere and compelling performances. Her credits include The Mourning Of (directed by Merced Elizondo), L.I.F.E. Anthologies, Project Z, Burn the Boats, Marrow, and Sincerely Mazie, among others, reflecting her ongoing collaboration within a vibrant creative community. Beyond her acting career, Maggie’s warmth and charisma extend into her work as a red-carpet host and wedding officiant, where her natural ability to connect with people shines. Whether she is on screen, on stage, or engaging with audiences in live settings, Maggie Pomales continues to bring heart, authenticity, and a genuine passion for storytelling to everything she does.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY — MATTHEW LYNN
For his entire life, Matt's focus has been on creating worlds that inspire the imagination. Through film he learned that this gift can not only bring his ideas to life, but also change the world. It is this unique perspective that has propelled him to tell stories on a larger scale. His work has been played at SXSW (2023 Audience Choice Winner), Cannes, Tribeca, TIFF, Frameline, Outfest and more while also receiving both Gotham and Queerty award nominations. After attending the American Film Institute Conservatory's MFA program, Matthew traveled around the world with projects including feature films, documentaries, music videos, series, national commercials and has created original shows for Discovery Networks, Q-Digital and Dekkoo. He has also served as the cinematographer for work with QC Entertainment, NEON, Cadillac, Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Lush Cosmetics, Caitlyn Jenner, and The Tannenbuam Group. His calm, confident leadership skills bring a unique perspective to his work.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Camelot By Proxy is a 15 Minute Dramatic Thriller set in Dallas, Texas, following Jacob “J.R.” Rosenberg, the governor of Texas, who has arranged a clandestine conversation with Jalesa Hawkins, an inmate on death row, as the decision to grant her clemency looms.
On the eve of the execution, J.R.’s decision is uncertain, although he is expected to maintain a “tough on crime” policy that would restore his reputation and possibly re-election. J.R.’s pregnant wife, Sasha Rosenberg, urges him to execute the prisoner, for fear of forfeiting their status and jeopardizing the birth of their son. J.R. remains torn, before leaving the house for the secret meeting.
Upon arriving at the prison, J.R. is immediately struck by the abhorrent living conditions, which weigh on the enormity of his decision. Jalesa, a mother who refuses to speak with her only son in an attempt to protect him from the controversy, ensures J.R. that she has accepted her death, and has grown accustomed to the isolation and difficulty she has faced. As they continue to speak, J.R. is faced with the moral dilemma of whether to grant her clemency or execute her for the future of his family and legacy.
Characters
Jacob "J.R." Rosenberg is the governor of Texas grappling with the decision to grant clemency to Jalesa Hawkins, an inmate on death row, potentially costing him his reputation and putting the future of his family in jeopardy. The pressure from J.R.’s advisors and his pregnant wife, Sasha Rosenberg, to adopt a “tough on crime” stance, crush his desire to spare Jalesa’s life. Despite the combative nature of their conversation, he sympathizes with Jalesa’s feelings of isolation, although his feelings of aloneness stem from having no one to confide in but himself. He often feels the need to “save” those around him, whether it be for the greater good, or to cope with his own sense of inadequacy, and his decision regarding execution becomes the defining moment of his governance, and determines the future of his legacy.
Jalesa Hawkins is the 52 year old inmate on death row, preparing to partake in a sit down conversation with the governor of Texas. Through her incarceration, Jalesa has refused to speak with her only son, attempting to protect him from the controversy surrounding her life. She has spent her incarceration in poor living conditions and total isolation, resorting to books and the reality she has created in her mind, becoming a sort of sage within the prison. Although she begins to understand J.R., she still bears disdain for the nature of his altruism, and laments the system that strips her of her own agency. Jalesa is not saintly, she is a woman who made a terrible decision and is forced to spend the rest of her life paying for it, her only solace is the hope that her son will be able to live a life independent of her legacy.
Sasha Rosenberg is J.R.’s wife, currently expecting her first child. Married at a young age, Sasha was immediately thrust into a life of politics and has become enamored with the machinations of power ever since. Fearful for the future, J.R.’s advisors use Sasha as a mouthpiece to sway J.R.’s decision in favor of execution. When she is questioned about her race in the context of the execution of a black woman, she rejects the idea of clemency for the sake of solidarity. Having endured endless scrutiny over her marriage to a white man in power, she recognizes that “playing the game” and falling in line is the only way for her to survive the harsh realities of the political system.
Eva Romero is the corrections officer responsible for supervising Jalesa. Over a twenty year period, Romero has developed an almost a maternal relationship with her, and is fiercely protective over her well being. Romero has grown jaded by the “realities of the system” and the constant pressure to appear respectful and obsequious even in the face of life and death. Initially apprehensive to speak candidly with J.R., she begins to speak with conviction and positions herself as the leading advocate for Jalesa's life as the execution grows nearer and the stakes of J.R.'s decision become more pertinent.
Impact
This story depicts the governor of Texas, struggling to remain virtuous against the backdrop of rigid conformity, and an inmate on death row, unable to separate her internal makeup from her public persona. By pitting these two isolated characters on opposite ends of the spectrum of power, we are able to examine the concept of identity on a grand scale and dissect it through the lens of a decision to save or end a life.
Tone & Theme
This film is a ghost story, depicting characters who are forced to reconcile with their persona’s despite brimming with doubt and human complexity. The camera acts as a voyeur, invoking the paranoia of public pressure and a removed objectivity, suggesting the inexorable futility of their actions in a system that continues to perpetuate power over morality. Set on the eve of an execution, the film is reminiscent of a thriller, as the ticking clock forces each character to make decisions that will constitute their legacies. This film is also imbued with a strong sense of melancholy, illustrating
the way in which desperation factors into making immoral decisions, thus perpetuating the cyclical nature of power. All of the characters in this story are alone whether it be through total isolation, or the feeling of aloneness that comes with artificial relationships. This story is a look behind the curtain of people in positions of power and vice-versa, in an attempt to understand the chemical makeup of these individuals.
We plan to achieve the aforementioned sense of melancholy and ghostly optics through expressionistic Black & White photography. The texture of the piece should feel palpable through the use of film grain, shadows, exaggerated compositions and bursts of harsh light, creating an atmosphere inhabited by phantoms who are forced to look inward and contemplate their own morality.
Budget & Timeline
The film is currently undergoing pre-production, set for 4 days of production in the last weekend of May 2026.
Directors Statement
What compels me about Camelot By Proxy above all else, are two characters, who would never meet under ordinary circumstances, forced to sit across from each other and reconcile with their checkered moral histories and face the fact that they are both alone.
The film was born out of the desire to paint individuals we typically generalize as “cruel” or “evil” in a more humane light, and explore the morally gray ethics that factor into the decision to end a life. Not only is the film personal to me through the interior lives of the characters, but also takes place in my hometown: Dallas, Texas. Setting the film here was a deliberate choice as Texas has the highest execution rate in the country, a statistic that has forced me to reconcile with the amorality of the state I’ve grown up in all my life.
— Jake Abraham
The team of filmmakers behind Camelot By Proxy would be extremely grateful to receive your contribution, big or small. Anything and everything counts, and allows us to bring this story to life.
Unable to pledge? You can still help by sharing this project with friends, family, neighbors, etc.
*At this link*
seedandspark.com/fund/camelot-by-proxy
You can also track our progress by following the project on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/camelotbyproxyfilm/
IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35451784/
or our Website
https://www.jakeabrahamfilm.com/camelot-by-proxy
See you at the movies!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Cast
Costs $2,000
The faces that will bring the film to life.
Crew
Costs $7,000
The people who make the film.
Lodging & Travel
Costs $800
Essential to Accommodate Cast.
Locations
Costs $2,000
The key to immersing viewers in the film.
Equipment
Costs $1,600
Maintains the reality of the world.
Craft
Costs $900
Feeding Cast & Crew is essential.
Art
Costs $200
Makes locations feel lived in.
Costumes
Costs $500
Dressing the characters.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
WRITER/DIRECTOR — JAKE ABRAHAM
Jake is an American writer, director and editor based in Austin, TX. With an interest in literature, American and international cinema, Jake strives to combine strong prose with the expressionist, cinematic scope of filmmaking. With a passion for telling personal, character driven stories, Jake is committed to translating not only unique images but unique ideas to screen. After graduating from Allen High School in 2021, Jake immediately embarked on directing the short film Best Played Loud. Since the completion of the the film in 2022, Jake has been working to create more emotionally driven, compelling films in the coming years, namely his first professionally produced short entitled Daddy War Bucks, a SAG Micro Budget dramatic film, nominated for “Best Texas Short Film” at the Waco Independent Film Festival and the South Texas International Film Festival. With the release of Daddy War Bucks, Jake also created his production company Mausoleum Films, committed to producing original, character driven films that resonate with audiences. In June of 2024, Jake attended the acclaimed Lee Strasberg Film and Theater Institute in New York City, and his Screenplay for “Ode to Joy” was accepted into the Rickshaw Film Foundation, a South Asian Film production program. Jake plans to begin production on his new short Camelot By Proxy in 2026.
PRODUCER — BLAINE STRICKLIN
Blaine Stricklin is a producer based in Dallas, TX, who works professionally in commercial film while dedicating every available moment to making movies. Since childhood, film has been his passion and inspiration. He spent countless hours with his nose to the television screen, memorizing every word, rewinding, and watching again. His motivation as a producer is to assist anyone interested in filmmaking by helping them practice and perfect their craft. Blaine believes that everyone on set is a storyteller, from writers to production assistants—each person has a story to tell. Crystal Minds is a collaboration of friends and strangers who share a love of film and empower one another to step into the roles they’ve chosen for themselves.
ACTOR "J.R." — KERRY MALLOY
A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Kerry joined SAG-AFTRA shortly after completing his degree. Known for bringing heart, depth, conviction, and a pinch of quirk to his roles, he is frequently called for major projects. On stage, he has performed at Williamstown Theater Festival, BAM, and New York Theater Workshop. Outside of acting, Kerry conducts arts workshops in NYC foster care housing and juvenile diversionary programs through Naked Angels theater company. You can see Kerry Malloy in supporting roles in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street with Leonardo DiCaprio, or on Netflix's House of Cards. He has guest-starred on CBS's Bull, NBC's Law and Order: Organized Crime, Marvel's Daredevil, Baz Luhrmann's The Get Down, NBC's Blue Bloods, and has a recurring role as Paul Santino on Netflix's Manifest. role as Paul Santino on Netflix's Manifest.
ACTOR "Romero" — MAGGIE POMALES
Maggie Pomales is a native bilingual New Yorker with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Spanish, a foundation that enhances her versatility, communication, and understanding of diverse perspectives within her craft. Maggie has continuously invested in her growth as an artist, training as a member of the Sherrill Actors Studio and participating in a range of respected workshops. Her studies include work with Lily Bankston, Beth Sepko, The Artist’s Playground (improv), Del Shores, Wendy Pennington, and Kevin Howard—each experience contributing to her ability to navigate both dramatic and comedic material with nuance and confidence. Her body of work includes a variety of independent films created by emerging writers and directors in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where she has built a reputation for delivering sincere and compelling performances. Her credits include The Mourning Of (directed by Merced Elizondo), L.I.F.E. Anthologies, Project Z, Burn the Boats, Marrow, and Sincerely Mazie, among others, reflecting her ongoing collaboration within a vibrant creative community. Beyond her acting career, Maggie’s warmth and charisma extend into her work as a red-carpet host and wedding officiant, where her natural ability to connect with people shines. Whether she is on screen, on stage, or engaging with audiences in live settings, Maggie Pomales continues to bring heart, authenticity, and a genuine passion for storytelling to everything she does.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY — MATTHEW LYNN
For his entire life, Matt's focus has been on creating worlds that inspire the imagination. Through film he learned that this gift can not only bring his ideas to life, but also change the world. It is this unique perspective that has propelled him to tell stories on a larger scale. His work has been played at SXSW (2023 Audience Choice Winner), Cannes, Tribeca, TIFF, Frameline, Outfest and more while also receiving both Gotham and Queerty award nominations. After attending the American Film Institute Conservatory's MFA program, Matthew traveled around the world with projects including feature films, documentaries, music videos, series, national commercials and has created original shows for Discovery Networks, Q-Digital and Dekkoo. He has also served as the cinematographer for work with QC Entertainment, NEON, Cadillac, Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Lush Cosmetics, Caitlyn Jenner, and The Tannenbuam Group. His calm, confident leadership skills bring a unique perspective to his work.