Cleo & Zion
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
Cleo is self-destructive. Zion has a need for control. When a petty crime and a charged reunion with an ex throw their road trip into chaos, Zion finally admits the truth—their mother is dying. Forced to confront their childhood, Cleo and Zion realize all roads will always lead back to each other.
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,555 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
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Cleo is self-destructive. Zion has a need for control. When a petty crime and a charged reunion with an ex throw their road trip into chaos, Zion finally admits the truth—their mother is dying. Forced to confront their childhood, Cleo and Zion realize all roads will always lead back to each other.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While on a road trip to visit their estranged mother, two divided sisters realize they’re more alike than different.
STRETCH GOALS
$8,500 raised means: we'll be able to offer our team more respectable day rates as they are all working for below average and some for FREE - out of passion for the project and its message.
$13,000 raised means: we'll be able to have contingency funds in place should anything go wrong. Plus, have funds for post-production and festival submission fees.
WHY THIS FILM
Cleo & Zion is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth framed by three archetypes of womanhood:
ACT I) The Maiden
ACT II) The Wild
ACT III) The Wise
It also explores complex family dynamics shaped by race and abandonment, showcasing how two people growing up in the same household can have completely unique lived experiences.
It’s a story about forgiveness, grief, sisterhood, and the complicated love we carry for people.
SYNOPSIS
Cleo & Zion follows two sisters—Cleo, a reckless free spirit, and Zion, a responsible caretaker. Their journey is raw and unfiltered, influenced by the wounds of their upbringing and the choices they've made for survival.
This gripping road trip drama begins with Cleo committing a petty crime. On the run and trying to regain control of the situation, Zion reaches out to her high school ex-boyfriend, Lewis. Just as things seem to be back on track, a tense encounter with his roommate, Dee, leaves them stranded.
On their own again and with tensions boiling over, Zion finally admits the truth to Cleo—this isn’t just a visit to their estranged and alcoholic mother; she’s dying.
Forced to confront their childhood, Cleo confesses guilt for holding Zion back. Meanwhile, Zion finds peace in envisioning a better future. As they drive forward, Cleo and Zion realize all roads will always lead back to each other.
CAST
Jeanette Schock is Cleo - Jeanette is best known for her role in S.W.A.T. on CBS.
Jordyn Rolling is Zion - Jordyn is best known for her roles in FBI on CBS, Sinister Surgeon on TUBI, and Get Rich or Die Trying on Lifetime.
Jordan L. Jones is Lewis - Jordan is best known for his role as “Jazz” in the Peacock original series Bel-Air.
Tatyana "Guchi" Komaguchi is Dee - Guchi has been named a Laugh Factory “Fresh Face” and as a Finalist in the ABFF Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival’s “Breakout Comedian Of The Year.”
STYLE
Voyeuristic with long lens and hand-held POV shots, over-the-shoulder framing, close-ups, and camera movement.
Lighting design changes from act to act, with color influencing the mood and tone of each scene.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lighting Package
Costs $4,900
While our director of photography has his own camera, we will need to rent lighting equipment and lenses.
Locations
Costs $1,500
Our locations will transport you into the world of Cleo & Zion.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
"As a mixed-ethnicity writer, actor, producer, and director, born and raised in Utah to a military family, my experience growing up in a Mormon community that lacked diversity is woven into all of my original works. I aim to tell stories that showcase complex characters from blended backgrounds, who prove resilience is aspirational."
- Jordyn Rolling, Writer/Director
Jordyn Rolling is a producer at NBCUniversal in Los Angeles, where she develops and executes digital content ranging from feature-length documentaries (The Greatest Year in Pop Culture) to talk shows (RE!CAP). After playing NCAA Division I soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University and Sacramento State, Jordyn earned her master's degree in multimedia journalism from New York University. While living in Brooklyn for six years, Jordyn was blessed to have a successful career as a writer, host, and producer for Al Roker Entertainment, BET, VICE, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. She also produced short documentaries for Mic.com. Cleo & Zion serves as Jordyn's narrative directorial debut.
Jeanette Schock is a German-American creative whose career began in theater before transitioning full-time into film and television in 2019. She is the writer and producer of the film Sided and works as a creative director and story developer for short-form narratives. Known for her emotionally resonant stories and strong visual style, she also contributed the story for Blink Twice, performed by Shaboozey. Jeanette is currently continuing her studies to further her passion for writing and deepen her voice as a storyteller.
Lance Gross is an American actor, producer, model, and photographer best known for his role as Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, a performance that earned him four NAACP Image Awards. Born in Oakland and raised in Las Vegas, he studied theater at Howard University and trained at The Ivanna Chubbuck Studio and the Tasha Smith Acting Studio. He began his career modeling for Karl Kani and appearing in music videos before breaking into acting in 2006. His film and TV credits include Meet the Browns, Our Family Wedding, Temptation, Crisis, Sleepy Hollow, and Our Kind of People. A passionate photographer, he created the digital series I Turned My Camera On. He married stylist Rebecca Jefferson in 2015, and they have two children.
Nicole Russell-Wharton is a bestselling author, award-winning storyteller and lead advocate for mental health and the well-being of children. She serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Precious Dreams Foundation, the non-profit empowering youth in foster care and homeless shelters to self-comfort and prepare for brighter futures. She is also CEO of Pitch House Productions and Restorative Commons, her consulting agencies dedicated to educating corporations on best practices for serving vulnerable populations and sharing community narratives. Russell uses her non-profit and creative tools to serve and advocate for youth through every aspect of her career. In addition to her latest book release Breaking Generational Silence, Nicole has recently dived into tv and film, producing news and impactful stories for media outlets such as ComplexNews.
William Rouse is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer dedicated to bridging cultures, perspectives, and ideas through his visuals. With over a decade of experience, he has shot national campaigns for major brands such as H&M, Forever 21, and Google. His narrative work spans feature films and multiple award-winning short films. In the unscripted space, William is best known for his cinematography on Showtime’s Boys in Blue, which was considered for Emmy nominations for Best Documentary Series and Best Cinematography. He has since served as Director of Photography on premium documentary projects for Hulu, National Geographic, and Netflix, continuing to bring compelling stories to life with his signature visual style.
Chantel Simpson is a director and producer based in New York. She's produced visual stories from Accra to Atlanta, and her repertoire spans documentaries, branded content, ads, news + digital media, and photo campaigns. A Drastic Tale, a short documentary Chantel directed and produced, will have its World Premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
Jerah Milligan is an award winning producer and actor known for Netflix's Astronomy Club, Wild N’ Out, Black Mirror, and Chicago P.D.
Alyssa Hudson is the makeup department head for the Peacock series Bel-Air.
Rawan Hage has a talent for crafting characters through costume shaped by her experience as an actor, director, and creative director.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
While on a road trip to visit their estranged mother, two divided sisters realize they’re more alike than different.
STRETCH GOALS
$8,500 raised means: we'll be able to offer our team more respectable day rates as they are all working for below average and some for FREE - out of passion for the project and its message.
$13,000 raised means: we'll be able to have contingency funds in place should anything go wrong. Plus, have funds for post-production and festival submission fees.
WHY THIS FILM
Cleo & Zion is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth framed by three archetypes of womanhood:
ACT I) The Maiden
ACT II) The Wild
ACT III) The Wise
It also explores complex family dynamics shaped by race and abandonment, showcasing how two people growing up in the same household can have completely unique lived experiences.
It’s a story about forgiveness, grief, sisterhood, and the complicated love we carry for people.
SYNOPSIS
Cleo & Zion follows two sisters—Cleo, a reckless free spirit, and Zion, a responsible caretaker. Their journey is raw and unfiltered, influenced by the wounds of their upbringing and the choices they've made for survival.
This gripping road trip drama begins with Cleo committing a petty crime. On the run and trying to regain control of the situation, Zion reaches out to her high school ex-boyfriend, Lewis. Just as things seem to be back on track, a tense encounter with his roommate, Dee, leaves them stranded.
On their own again and with tensions boiling over, Zion finally admits the truth to Cleo—this isn’t just a visit to their estranged and alcoholic mother; she’s dying.
Forced to confront their childhood, Cleo confesses guilt for holding Zion back. Meanwhile, Zion finds peace in envisioning a better future. As they drive forward, Cleo and Zion realize all roads will always lead back to each other.
CAST
Jeanette Schock is Cleo - Jeanette is best known for her role in S.W.A.T. on CBS.
Jordyn Rolling is Zion - Jordyn is best known for her roles in FBI on CBS, Sinister Surgeon on TUBI, and Get Rich or Die Trying on Lifetime.
Jordan L. Jones is Lewis - Jordan is best known for his role as “Jazz” in the Peacock original series Bel-Air.
Tatyana "Guchi" Komaguchi is Dee - Guchi has been named a Laugh Factory “Fresh Face” and as a Finalist in the ABFF Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival’s “Breakout Comedian Of The Year.”
STYLE
Voyeuristic with long lens and hand-held POV shots, over-the-shoulder framing, close-ups, and camera movement.
Lighting design changes from act to act, with color influencing the mood and tone of each scene.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lighting Package
Costs $4,900
While our director of photography has his own camera, we will need to rent lighting equipment and lenses.
Locations
Costs $1,500
Our locations will transport you into the world of Cleo & Zion.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
"As a mixed-ethnicity writer, actor, producer, and director, born and raised in Utah to a military family, my experience growing up in a Mormon community that lacked diversity is woven into all of my original works. I aim to tell stories that showcase complex characters from blended backgrounds, who prove resilience is aspirational."
- Jordyn Rolling, Writer/Director
Jordyn Rolling is a producer at NBCUniversal in Los Angeles, where she develops and executes digital content ranging from feature-length documentaries (The Greatest Year in Pop Culture) to talk shows (RE!CAP). After playing NCAA Division I soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University and Sacramento State, Jordyn earned her master's degree in multimedia journalism from New York University. While living in Brooklyn for six years, Jordyn was blessed to have a successful career as a writer, host, and producer for Al Roker Entertainment, BET, VICE, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. She also produced short documentaries for Mic.com. Cleo & Zion serves as Jordyn's narrative directorial debut.
Jeanette Schock is a German-American creative whose career began in theater before transitioning full-time into film and television in 2019. She is the writer and producer of the film Sided and works as a creative director and story developer for short-form narratives. Known for her emotionally resonant stories and strong visual style, she also contributed the story for Blink Twice, performed by Shaboozey. Jeanette is currently continuing her studies to further her passion for writing and deepen her voice as a storyteller.
Lance Gross is an American actor, producer, model, and photographer best known for his role as Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, a performance that earned him four NAACP Image Awards. Born in Oakland and raised in Las Vegas, he studied theater at Howard University and trained at The Ivanna Chubbuck Studio and the Tasha Smith Acting Studio. He began his career modeling for Karl Kani and appearing in music videos before breaking into acting in 2006. His film and TV credits include Meet the Browns, Our Family Wedding, Temptation, Crisis, Sleepy Hollow, and Our Kind of People. A passionate photographer, he created the digital series I Turned My Camera On. He married stylist Rebecca Jefferson in 2015, and they have two children.
Nicole Russell-Wharton is a bestselling author, award-winning storyteller and lead advocate for mental health and the well-being of children. She serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Precious Dreams Foundation, the non-profit empowering youth in foster care and homeless shelters to self-comfort and prepare for brighter futures. She is also CEO of Pitch House Productions and Restorative Commons, her consulting agencies dedicated to educating corporations on best practices for serving vulnerable populations and sharing community narratives. Russell uses her non-profit and creative tools to serve and advocate for youth through every aspect of her career. In addition to her latest book release Breaking Generational Silence, Nicole has recently dived into tv and film, producing news and impactful stories for media outlets such as ComplexNews.
William Rouse is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer dedicated to bridging cultures, perspectives, and ideas through his visuals. With over a decade of experience, he has shot national campaigns for major brands such as H&M, Forever 21, and Google. His narrative work spans feature films and multiple award-winning short films. In the unscripted space, William is best known for his cinematography on Showtime’s Boys in Blue, which was considered for Emmy nominations for Best Documentary Series and Best Cinematography. He has since served as Director of Photography on premium documentary projects for Hulu, National Geographic, and Netflix, continuing to bring compelling stories to life with his signature visual style.
Chantel Simpson is a director and producer based in New York. She's produced visual stories from Accra to Atlanta, and her repertoire spans documentaries, branded content, ads, news + digital media, and photo campaigns. A Drastic Tale, a short documentary Chantel directed and produced, will have its World Premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
Jerah Milligan is an award winning producer and actor known for Netflix's Astronomy Club, Wild N’ Out, Black Mirror, and Chicago P.D.
Alyssa Hudson is the makeup department head for the Peacock series Bel-Air.
Rawan Hage has a talent for crafting characters through costume shaped by her experience as an actor, director, and creative director.