Escaping Ohio
Akron, Ohio | Film Short
Romantic Comedy, Adventure
A romcom short following JJ & Sam, two 18 yr-olds facing adulthood. When it becomes clear Sam intends to leave their small town, JJ dares her to give him 24 hours to prove why Ohio – and JJ & Sam’s future together– is worth sticking around for. Starring Collin Kelly-Sordelet & Jessica Michael Davis
Escaping Ohio
Akron, Ohio | Film Short
Romantic Comedy, Adventure
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,403 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
57 supporters | followers
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A romcom short following JJ & Sam, two 18 yr-olds facing adulthood. When it becomes clear Sam intends to leave their small town, JJ dares her to give him 24 hours to prove why Ohio – and JJ & Sam’s future together– is worth sticking around for. Starring Collin Kelly-Sordelet & Jessica Michael Davis
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I am currently developing Escaping Ohio within the Sundance Institute!
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I have been defining my creative vision, refining the script, and planning production & post-production with a Sundance award-winning filmmaker, bringing you the best version of this film as possible!
SYNOPSIS:
Sam longs for an exciting life and new adventures in California. She sees how stuck the people are in her small town and wants to escape before it's too late for her, but that means leaving her best friend, JJ, behind. JJ dreams of building his life right here in their hometown, that is, until it becomes clear that Sam intends to leave. When JJ dares her to let him prove why Ohio is so great, he has 24 hours to get her to stay and tell her how he really feels.
WE'RE SUPER EXCITED TO TELL THIS STORY!
We hope audiences take away the feeling that it’s okay to put our own destiny first. Discovering what makes us happy can be difficult, but despite challenges, we should never stop searching and chasing opportunities for ourselves to thrive. No one should settle for anyone or anything, they should only accept what fulfills them.
THE TEAM
Jessica is a New York based actor & filmmaker from a small town in Akron, Ohio. She has recently graduated from an intense, two year acting conservatory and has been developing multiple projects within the Sundance Institute. Her last short, Jane, was selected for multiple film festivals and won her an award for Best Actress.
Collin is a New York based Actor from Montclair, New Jersey. Born into a theater family, Collin has worked extensively in the New York Theater scene, most notably playing JJ Carney in the Tony winning play The Ferryman. While training in the BFA program at The Juilliard School of Drama, Collin was cast in a leading role in the Broadway production of Sting's musical "The Last Ship", for which he received a Theater World Award and was nominated for a Clive Barnes Award. In film he is best known for playing Ray Cooper in the feature film "Wildling", opposite Bel Powley and Liv Tyler. His other Film/Television credits include Radium Girls, Blue Bloods, The Path, and several short films.
Audrey is a French Canadian actor & filmmaker who graduated from the Université de Montréal, Broadway Dance Center, and the Tom Todoroff Acting Conservatory, where she met and collaborated with Jessica.
Mike is a freelance DP & editor. Another Ohioan on our team, he studied Video Production at Ohio University. He has recently filmmed for Disney, Miss Universe, Billboard, & more.
YOUR SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH!
We have big plans for this film and I would love if you joined our community!
Your support helps put artists back in work who have been affected by the pandemic. Unfortunately, big productions will not be able to shoot again until 2021. Because of our small crew & cast, we are able to plan to shoot this fall. We prioritize everyones safety, and the crew have each earned a certificate in practicing Safe Sets and we will be following all the precautions.
You're supporting the future of female made films!
We will be showcasing the beauty & quirkyness of Ohio, a sight rarely seen on screen!
You'll help us go far! We will be submitting to film festivals around the world, here are some just to name a few:
- Sundance Film Festival
- Cleveland International Film Festival
- TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival
- Tribeca Film Festival
- SXSW
- HollyShorts
- Bentonville Film Festival
- Imagine This Women's International Film Festival
- YoFiFest
- Chain NYC Film Festival
& many more!
If you're local, come to a screening with us!
WHERE YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES
-
TRAVEL - $500
-
This will go to the car rental & gas to safely transport our artists to Ohio.
-
-
FILM INSURANCE & SAFETY - $600
- Prices are high due to COVID-19, we will be taking extra precautions, including insurance, masks, hand sanitizer, a non-contact forehead thermometer, & more!
-
CREW - $1,000
- Our crew is extremely talented and at their usual rate, this budget would be quadrupled, but they believe in us and this story and have offered to lower their rates just for our film!
-
PRODUCTION DESIGN - $300
- It's all in the details! Our visual aesthetic is key to making this film stand out!
-
FOOD - $600
- This money will provide 3 meals/day plus crafty for 4 days.
-
POST-PRODUCTION - $1,000
- This money will be going to a professional sound mixer, color correction & music fees!
IF WE GO OVER OUR GOAL, YOU'LL HELP US GET EVEN FURTHER!
-
THE BEST COLORIST!
- We are in talks with an INCREDIBLY talented colorist who is willing to lower their rates for us because they're excited about this film!! The aesthetic of Escaping Ohio is key to making it stand out & color correction will be one of the most important aspects.
-
COSTUME DESIGN
-
The costumes of Clueless & To All The Boys I've Loved Before were a key part to making the films stand out! If we go over our goal, we will be able to hire a costume designer to create one of a kind looks for JJ & Sam!
-
-
MARKETING
- This includes marketing matierials, press releases, etc. An important part to our film's success!
-
FILM FESTIVAL COSTS
- These add up quickly! The submission fees of the 10 listed festivals above already exceed $400!
-
CREW BONUSES!
- Just because our crew lowered their rates for us, doesn't mean they don't deserve their full pay! If we go over budget, our crew will receive a bonus! Which is needed during this difficult time for artists.
TONE
The tone of Escaping Ohio is inspired from my two favorite teen romcom's written & directed by women.
“Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before might be the best teen romance of the decade” - Vox
"Clueless Is Still the Ultimate Teen Comedy." -Rolling Stone
“To All the Boys I Loved Before is a psychic refuge from a terrible world. To immerse yourself in this world is to immerse yourself in candy-colored sweetness, in a sense of warmth and sparkle and overwhelming coziness.” -Vox
“Teenagers today love Clueless because it’s a sugary slice of cake in that dark onscreen world.” - Rolling Stone
We created Escaping Ohio during quarantine to help us get through these difficult times by working on a project we love & brings us so much joy. We're excited to bring you our own candy-colored sweetness & hope it can help you escape for a little while, too.
We are super excited to have teamed up with Besties Make Movies and Green Reel Studios!
Check out their incredible work at www.bestiesmakemovies.com and Green Reels Studios
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
TRAVEL
Costs $500
This will go to the car rental for & gas to safely transport our artists to Ohio.
INSURANCE & SAFETY
Costs $600
Due to COVID-19, we will be taking extra precautions, includ. insurance, masks, testing & more!
Share this update!
About This Team
Jessica Michael Davis
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER, ACTRESS
Jessica is a New York based actor & filmmaker from a small town in Akron, Ohio. She has recently graduated from an intense, two year acting conservatory and has been developing multiple projects within the Sundance Institute. Her last short, Jane, was selected for multiple film festivals and won her an award for Best Actress. She will be playing Sam.
Collin Kelly-Sordelet
PRODUCER, CO-WRITER, ACTOR
Collin is a New York based Actor from Montclair, New Jersey. Born into a theater family, Collin has worked extensively in the New York Theater scene, most notably playing JJ Carney in the Tony winning play The Ferryman. While training in the BFA program at The Juilliard School of Drama, Collin was cast in a leading role in the Broadway production of Sting's musical The Last Ship, for which he received a Theater World Award and was nominated for a Clive Barnes Award. In film he is best known for playing Ray Cooper in the feature film Wildling, opposite Bel Powley and Liv Tyler. His other Film/Television credits include Radium Girls, Blue Bloods, The Path, and several short films.
Audrey Thibault
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Audrey is a French Candian actor & filmmaker who graduated from the Université de Montréal, Broadway Dance Center and the Tom Todoroff Acting Conservatory, where she met and collaborated with Jessica.
Denisse Juliana Jimenez
2ND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & POST PRODUCTION PRODUCER
Denisse is a Columbian actor & filmmaker based in NYC. She studied Television & Film Production with a minor in Dramatic Arts and International Studies from St. John's University. Since graduating, she has performed in numerous theatrical productions, short films, and has written & directed her own short film. She currently works as a Producer at Forager TV. Denisse aspires to tell stories that often go unheard but are so crucial to the creation of a new narrative in today’s entertainment industry.
Mike Zorbas
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mike is a New York based freelance DP & editor from Canton, Ohio. He studied Video Production at Ohio University. He has recently filmmed for Disney, Miss Universe, Billboard, & more.
Chase McCaffery
FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA
Chase is a Tri-State based filmmaker and assistant editor from Canton, Ohio (He went to high school with our DP, Mike!) He stuided film at Full Sail University. He has recently worked for Netflix, BET, Oxygen, Lifetime, CNN, and more.
Ty Poland
SECOND ASSISTANT CAMERA, DRONE PILOT
Ty is the Co-Founder of Simply Visual Productions and a writer for the camera site, Fstoppers. An entreprenuer, drone expert, and photographer, Ty is looking to change the way we see things in our world today.
Nicole Maupin
PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER
Nicole Maupin is a production sound mixer, boom-op, director and writer from Louisville, KY
living and working in NYC. She has worked in sound on over 50 credits which span narrative
film, commercials, documentary and branded content. Her love of film and propensity for
standing all day led her to a career in sound where she has cultivated her passion over the
years. Her directorial debut “Little Comfort” is currently on the film festival circuit.
Lacey Caroline
ACTRESS
Lacey Caoline is an award-winning young actress based in Charlotte, NC. In 2019, she starred as Mariah in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Christmas Love Story and is the Kid Reporter for NASCAR and Supercross Live. Lacey has accumulated an impressive resume in a short time, which includes numerous short films, television, movies, commercials and music videos. Her leading role in television pilot Harbor Island has won her numerous awards and she is preparing to star in a feature film this Fall.
Besties Make Movies
PRODUCTION COMPANY
The Besties are badass best friends who run our own eco-friendly production company, driven by immodest, unfiltered, and provocative stories. Their films flip social scripts and represent the reality we want to live in. Their work has screened at Dances With Films, NewFest, OutFest, Twister Alley, Sene Film Festival, Soho International Film Festival, New York Television Festival, ITVfest, Cinequest Film Festival, and more.
Green Reel Studios
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Green Reel Studios, founded by Jean Perez, is a film production company based in NYC focused on creating change by diversifying the industry.
Jeffrey Weber
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Jeffrey Weber (he/him) was a professional jingle singer from 1976-83 having sung such classic jingles as “There’s nothing like the face of a kid eating a Hershey bar” and “He’s the marvelous magical Burger King.” After retiring as the Vice Chairman of York Capital Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund in 2018, Jeffrey decided to return to the entertainment industry focusing on acting and writing.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
I am currently developing Escaping Ohio within the Sundance Institute!
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I have been defining my creative vision, refining the script, and planning production & post-production with a Sundance award-winning filmmaker, bringing you the best version of this film as possible!
SYNOPSIS:
Sam longs for an exciting life and new adventures in California. She sees how stuck the people are in her small town and wants to escape before it's too late for her, but that means leaving her best friend, JJ, behind. JJ dreams of building his life right here in their hometown, that is, until it becomes clear that Sam intends to leave. When JJ dares her to let him prove why Ohio is so great, he has 24 hours to get her to stay and tell her how he really feels.
WE'RE SUPER EXCITED TO TELL THIS STORY!
We hope audiences take away the feeling that it’s okay to put our own destiny first. Discovering what makes us happy can be difficult, but despite challenges, we should never stop searching and chasing opportunities for ourselves to thrive. No one should settle for anyone or anything, they should only accept what fulfills them.
THE TEAM
Jessica is a New York based actor & filmmaker from a small town in Akron, Ohio. She has recently graduated from an intense, two year acting conservatory and has been developing multiple projects within the Sundance Institute. Her last short, Jane, was selected for multiple film festivals and won her an award for Best Actress.
Collin is a New York based Actor from Montclair, New Jersey. Born into a theater family, Collin has worked extensively in the New York Theater scene, most notably playing JJ Carney in the Tony winning play The Ferryman. While training in the BFA program at The Juilliard School of Drama, Collin was cast in a leading role in the Broadway production of Sting's musical "The Last Ship", for which he received a Theater World Award and was nominated for a Clive Barnes Award. In film he is best known for playing Ray Cooper in the feature film "Wildling", opposite Bel Powley and Liv Tyler. His other Film/Television credits include Radium Girls, Blue Bloods, The Path, and several short films.
Audrey is a French Canadian actor & filmmaker who graduated from the Université de Montréal, Broadway Dance Center, and the Tom Todoroff Acting Conservatory, where she met and collaborated with Jessica.
Mike is a freelance DP & editor. Another Ohioan on our team, he studied Video Production at Ohio University. He has recently filmmed for Disney, Miss Universe, Billboard, & more.
YOUR SUPPORT MEANS SO MUCH!
We have big plans for this film and I would love if you joined our community!
Your support helps put artists back in work who have been affected by the pandemic. Unfortunately, big productions will not be able to shoot again until 2021. Because of our small crew & cast, we are able to plan to shoot this fall. We prioritize everyones safety, and the crew have each earned a certificate in practicing Safe Sets and we will be following all the precautions.
You're supporting the future of female made films!
We will be showcasing the beauty & quirkyness of Ohio, a sight rarely seen on screen!
You'll help us go far! We will be submitting to film festivals around the world, here are some just to name a few:
- Sundance Film Festival
- Cleveland International Film Festival
- TIFF, Toronto International Film Festival
- Tribeca Film Festival
- SXSW
- HollyShorts
- Bentonville Film Festival
- Imagine This Women's International Film Festival
- YoFiFest
- Chain NYC Film Festival
& many more!
If you're local, come to a screening with us!
WHERE YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES
-
TRAVEL - $500
-
This will go to the car rental & gas to safely transport our artists to Ohio.
-
-
FILM INSURANCE & SAFETY - $600
- Prices are high due to COVID-19, we will be taking extra precautions, including insurance, masks, hand sanitizer, a non-contact forehead thermometer, & more!
-
CREW - $1,000
- Our crew is extremely talented and at their usual rate, this budget would be quadrupled, but they believe in us and this story and have offered to lower their rates just for our film!
-
PRODUCTION DESIGN - $300
- It's all in the details! Our visual aesthetic is key to making this film stand out!
-
FOOD - $600
- This money will provide 3 meals/day plus crafty for 4 days.
-
POST-PRODUCTION - $1,000
- This money will be going to a professional sound mixer, color correction & music fees!
IF WE GO OVER OUR GOAL, YOU'LL HELP US GET EVEN FURTHER!
-
THE BEST COLORIST!
- We are in talks with an INCREDIBLY talented colorist who is willing to lower their rates for us because they're excited about this film!! The aesthetic of Escaping Ohio is key to making it stand out & color correction will be one of the most important aspects.
-
COSTUME DESIGN
-
The costumes of Clueless & To All The Boys I've Loved Before were a key part to making the films stand out! If we go over our goal, we will be able to hire a costume designer to create one of a kind looks for JJ & Sam!
-
-
MARKETING
- This includes marketing matierials, press releases, etc. An important part to our film's success!
-
FILM FESTIVAL COSTS
- These add up quickly! The submission fees of the 10 listed festivals above already exceed $400!
-
CREW BONUSES!
- Just because our crew lowered their rates for us, doesn't mean they don't deserve their full pay! If we go over budget, our crew will receive a bonus! Which is needed during this difficult time for artists.
TONE
The tone of Escaping Ohio is inspired from my two favorite teen romcom's written & directed by women.
“Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before might be the best teen romance of the decade” - Vox
"Clueless Is Still the Ultimate Teen Comedy." -Rolling Stone
“To All the Boys I Loved Before is a psychic refuge from a terrible world. To immerse yourself in this world is to immerse yourself in candy-colored sweetness, in a sense of warmth and sparkle and overwhelming coziness.” -Vox
“Teenagers today love Clueless because it’s a sugary slice of cake in that dark onscreen world.” - Rolling Stone
We created Escaping Ohio during quarantine to help us get through these difficult times by working on a project we love & brings us so much joy. We're excited to bring you our own candy-colored sweetness & hope it can help you escape for a little while, too.
We are super excited to have teamed up with Besties Make Movies and Green Reel Studios!
Check out their incredible work at www.bestiesmakemovies.com and Green Reels Studios
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
TRAVEL
Costs $500
This will go to the car rental for & gas to safely transport our artists to Ohio.
INSURANCE & SAFETY
Costs $600
Due to COVID-19, we will be taking extra precautions, includ. insurance, masks, testing & more!
Share this update!
About This Team
Jessica Michael Davis
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER, ACTRESS
Jessica is a New York based actor & filmmaker from a small town in Akron, Ohio. She has recently graduated from an intense, two year acting conservatory and has been developing multiple projects within the Sundance Institute. Her last short, Jane, was selected for multiple film festivals and won her an award for Best Actress. She will be playing Sam.
Collin Kelly-Sordelet
PRODUCER, CO-WRITER, ACTOR
Collin is a New York based Actor from Montclair, New Jersey. Born into a theater family, Collin has worked extensively in the New York Theater scene, most notably playing JJ Carney in the Tony winning play The Ferryman. While training in the BFA program at The Juilliard School of Drama, Collin was cast in a leading role in the Broadway production of Sting's musical The Last Ship, for which he received a Theater World Award and was nominated for a Clive Barnes Award. In film he is best known for playing Ray Cooper in the feature film Wildling, opposite Bel Powley and Liv Tyler. His other Film/Television credits include Radium Girls, Blue Bloods, The Path, and several short films.
Audrey Thibault
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Audrey is a French Candian actor & filmmaker who graduated from the Université de Montréal, Broadway Dance Center and the Tom Todoroff Acting Conservatory, where she met and collaborated with Jessica.
Denisse Juliana Jimenez
2ND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & POST PRODUCTION PRODUCER
Denisse is a Columbian actor & filmmaker based in NYC. She studied Television & Film Production with a minor in Dramatic Arts and International Studies from St. John's University. Since graduating, she has performed in numerous theatrical productions, short films, and has written & directed her own short film. She currently works as a Producer at Forager TV. Denisse aspires to tell stories that often go unheard but are so crucial to the creation of a new narrative in today’s entertainment industry.
Mike Zorbas
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Mike is a New York based freelance DP & editor from Canton, Ohio. He studied Video Production at Ohio University. He has recently filmmed for Disney, Miss Universe, Billboard, & more.
Chase McCaffery
FIRST ASSISTANT CAMERA
Chase is a Tri-State based filmmaker and assistant editor from Canton, Ohio (He went to high school with our DP, Mike!) He stuided film at Full Sail University. He has recently worked for Netflix, BET, Oxygen, Lifetime, CNN, and more.
Ty Poland
SECOND ASSISTANT CAMERA, DRONE PILOT
Ty is the Co-Founder of Simply Visual Productions and a writer for the camera site, Fstoppers. An entreprenuer, drone expert, and photographer, Ty is looking to change the way we see things in our world today.
Nicole Maupin
PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER
Nicole Maupin is a production sound mixer, boom-op, director and writer from Louisville, KY
living and working in NYC. She has worked in sound on over 50 credits which span narrative
film, commercials, documentary and branded content. Her love of film and propensity for
standing all day led her to a career in sound where she has cultivated her passion over the
years. Her directorial debut “Little Comfort” is currently on the film festival circuit.
Lacey Caroline
ACTRESS
Lacey Caoline is an award-winning young actress based in Charlotte, NC. In 2019, she starred as Mariah in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Christmas Love Story and is the Kid Reporter for NASCAR and Supercross Live. Lacey has accumulated an impressive resume in a short time, which includes numerous short films, television, movies, commercials and music videos. Her leading role in television pilot Harbor Island has won her numerous awards and she is preparing to star in a feature film this Fall.
Besties Make Movies
PRODUCTION COMPANY
The Besties are badass best friends who run our own eco-friendly production company, driven by immodest, unfiltered, and provocative stories. Their films flip social scripts and represent the reality we want to live in. Their work has screened at Dances With Films, NewFest, OutFest, Twister Alley, Sene Film Festival, Soho International Film Festival, New York Television Festival, ITVfest, Cinequest Film Festival, and more.
Green Reel Studios
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Green Reel Studios, founded by Jean Perez, is a film production company based in NYC focused on creating change by diversifying the industry.
Jeffrey Weber
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Jeffrey Weber (he/him) was a professional jingle singer from 1976-83 having sung such classic jingles as “There’s nothing like the face of a kid eating a Hershey bar” and “He’s the marvelous magical Burger King.” After retiring as the Vice Chairman of York Capital Management, a multi-strategy hedge fund in 2018, Jeffrey decided to return to the entertainment industry focusing on acting and writing.