The story series centers on David, a closeted young preacher in the rural South during the early 1980s. His life is upended when his secret lover is found dead, leading to his excommunication from the church. David finds himself in a profound crisis of faith, unsure of where God is trying to lead him, or if he is even there.

In the midst of chaos, David receives a call from someone named Polly, claiming to be the wife of his long-estranged father. David learns that his father has passed away and, in the process, left him the deed to a nightclub in Miami. Polly wants to buy the club off of David, but David sees the opportunity as a sign from God to begin a new life elsewhere. What David doesn't know is that he is inserting himself into a dangerous new world he doesn't quite understand. Will this new life path be his salvation, or his undoing?

The Man of God short film is a satirical dark comedy that will serve as a proof of concept for a television series pitch. Visually and tonally the show will share similarities with series like Barry, The Righteous Gemstones, the first season of True Detective, and films such as Scorsese's Silence and DePalma's Scarface.

Growing up in the South is a unique experience. Family, identity, and religion are ultimately what come to define you in the eyes of many. Often, you are expected to do “what you’re supposed to do”, stay in line, and keep your head low. Taking the safe route is often encouraged, because God forbid you fail and bring shame to your family's name. But there is no group of people I have come to know more who dream of better lives—living outside of the expectations set for them—than Southerners. Playing with these ideals, and the structures of family, identity, and religion are ultimately what lead me to write Man of God. 

Man of God is a deeply personal story to me, so it was essential to build a team uniquely suited to tell it. Our cast and crew bring together a wide array of experiences relating directly to our story: southerners from diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with religious upbringings (whether still active or not), and people who’ve navigated dysfunctional families their whole lives. This melting pot of perspectives allows us to authentically explore the nuanced themes of faith, sexuality, family, and self-discovery that define this story.

In light of the recent election results, this narrative feels essential now more than ever. In 2024, issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, spirituality, and the cultural complexities of the South remain at the forefront of national conversations. Man of God doesn’t just add to these discussions—it challenges preconceived notions and bridges divides. By addressing these topics through the lens of a deeply human story, we aim to foster greater empathy and understanding at a time when it’s most needed.

This project stands apart because it dares to explore themes that are rarely tackled together. Discussions of sexuality and spirituality are often viewed as mutually exclusive, especially in the South, where non-traditional identities can still feel unsafe and spirituality can stir up polarizing emotions. With Man of God, we will delve into the tension and harmony between these forces, illuminating how they coexist in real life and offering a nuanced perspective rarely seen in mainstream media.

For our audience, this is more than a story—it’s a mirror. If you’re a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community, if you come from an off-kilter family, if you’ve ever wrestled with your faith or felt like your life had a greater purpose than how you’re currently living, or if you’re just a supporter of independent voices in filmmaking, this project will speak to you. Man of God is a story for anyone who has ever questioned where they belong or sought redemption in an unexpected place. We’re thrilled to share it with you, not just as entertainment, but as an invitation to reflect, connect, and grow.

Our Cast

Jon Hook is a writer, director, and actor from Charleston, South Carolina, based in Los Angeles since 2018. He launched his career in the Assistant Directors Department, contributing to HBO series like Barry, Succession, Our Flag Means Death, and Hacks, alongside projects for Netflix, Amazon, ABC/Disney, and others. With over 20 years of acting experience, Jon has a diverse portfolio of film and stage credits, showcasing his versatility and passion for storytelling across media.

Eleanore Pienta is an award-winning screen and stage actor, comedian, dancer and filmmaker.  Weaving in and out of the independent film world, Pienta has carved out a niche for herself by portraying uncompromising and complex characters. Filmmaker Magazine called her role as Mona in SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY: “…one of the most original, indelible, infuriating and truly felt movie characters in some time, a sister to Loden’s WANDA and Rowlands’ A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE…”

Pienta’s directorial debut, ADA, premiered at the New York Film Festival.  Eleanore graces the NYC stages with her solo work and can be seen performing with collaborators Sunita Mani and Tallie Medel as Cocoon Central Dance Team, and together created the cult-classic SNOWY BING BONGS ACROSS THE NORTH STAR COMBAT ZONE. 

Man of God is currently in pre-production, and we are eager to bring this proof of concept short film to life. Over the past year, we’ve refined the script, cast our lead actors, and built a skilled and passionate crew. With the funds raised through this campaign, we’ll secure key resources such as locations, equipment, catering, and, most importantly, fair compensation for the incredible team helping us realize this project. Beyond covering production costs, this campaign is an opportunity to connect with independent filmmaking enthusiasts and supporters who believe in the potential of stories like this to leave a lasting impact.

This short film is the first step in a larger vision. Once complete, we plan to submit it to film festivals, where it will act as a springboard to pitch the full Man of God series. This proof of concept is designed to captivate audiences, introduce them to the world and themes we’re exploring, and demonstrate the potential for deeper storytelling in a serialized format. While the short itself only scratches the surface, it will be a tool to secure interest and funding for a pilot or, ideally, a full series order.

In addition to festival submissions, we plan to host private screenings for our supporters—including family, friends, and investors—to showcase the results of their generosity. For those unable to attend in person, we’ll provide private digital screeners. This will allow everyone involved to feel connected to the project and invested in its journey.

If we’re fortunate enough to exceed our $25,000 goal, the extra funds will further elevate the project. At $30,000, we’ll have greater flexibility to secure resources comfortably and handle unforeseen circumstances without compromising quality. Additional funds will enhance production design, creating a more immersive world, and allow us to pay our crew closer to standard industry rates, recognizing the immense value of their work. Every extra dollar will go directly toward improving the film and creating a stronger proof of concept for the series.

Ultimately, Man of God is more than a story—it’s an experience that invites audiences to reflect on complex and deeply human questions about identity, faith, and purpose. This short is just the beginning of what we hope will become a series that resonates with viewers on a profound level. With your support, we can bring this vision to life, connecting with audiences today while laying the foundation for the future of Man of God.

The budget for Man of God is thoughtfully allocated to support each phase of production, ensuring a high-quality film while maintaining financial responsibility. Every line item has been carefully planned to bring our vision to life—from securing experienced talent and essential equipment to covering crucial aspects like insurance, location fees, and post-production. We’ve also included a contingency fund to manage any unforeseen expenses, allowing us to stay on schedule and deliver a polished final product. This budget reflects our commitment to crafting a meaningful, professional short film that captivates and resonates with audiences.

• Legal / Insurance ($2,000): Essential coverage to protect our production, cast, and crew, ensuring a safe and compliant shoot.
• Cast & Crew ($9,300): The heart of our project, covering fair wages for the talented professionals bringing Man of God to life.
• Equipment Rentals ($4,500): High-quality gear to capture the story with cinematic precision and style.
• Location Fees ($3,900): Securing visually striking settings to create the perfect atmosphere for our film set in the 1980s.
• Production Design ($1,000): Crafting authentic, immersive environments to enhance the world of the story set in the Deep South.
• Wardrobe & Makeup ($600): Detailed character styling to bring our vision to life on screen.
• Catering & Craft Services ($800): Providing meals and snacks to keep our hardworking crew energized and focused.
• Post-Production ($1,700): Editing, sound, and finishing touches to deliver a polished, professional final product.
• Contingency ($1,190): A safety net for unforeseen expenses, ensuring our production stays on track.

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Image References, In Order:

Rap Sh!t - Season 1 - Episode 8

Dallas Buyers Club

Anora

Scarface

Silence

Yellowstone -Season 4 - Episode 2 

Challengers

John Wick