What Happened to Jackson
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
Think office politics are brutal? Try surviving the after-party. "What Happened to Jackson" collides relatable workplace dread with a high-stakes thriller. We're breaking traditional genre norms to deliver a gripping, wildly entertaining film—and we need your help to bring it to the screen.
What Happened to Jackson
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Comedy, Thriller
1 Campaigns | California, United States
9 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$985
Goal: $16,250 for post-production
Think office politics are brutal? Try surviving the after-party. "What Happened to Jackson" collides relatable workplace dread with a high-stakes thriller. We're breaking traditional genre norms to deliver a gripping, wildly entertaining film—and we need your help to bring it to the screen.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis: After a night of drinking, Eric leads his boys on a mission to get their inebriated friend, Jackson, home safely. One by one, his friends abandon him to decide whether Jackson makes it back in one piece, leaving everyone to wonder What Happened to Jackson?
Why me: I'm a firm believer that the best way an artist can shine is by taking their own creativity and trusting the process in making something unique! Creating any sort of project let alone a short film taught me a lot about myself. My work ethic, collaborative skills, the ability to take direction and adjust is monumental for me.
Why this: What Happened to Jackson is a unique story about something simple can lead to extreme consequences even if it relates to work relationships amongst colleagues. I am creating a funny yet chillin story about how a group of friends handle a chaotic night. This story explores the consequences of workplace dynamics, betrayal, and revenge, using dark humor and suspense to highlight how unresolved conflicts and personal grievances can spiral out of control. By following the characters through a night of chaos and escalating retaliation, the narrative encourages audiences to reflect on accountability, the impact of our actions on others, and the unpredictable outcomes of holding grudges.
Why now: I want people from all over to see this short film and learn that every action you take in life whether it's the right or wrong thing, has a reaction. In the end, this film isn't about what's right or wrong, but about the choices one makes that can lead to positive results or consequences. I want people to look at the relationship between characters and see bits of themselves in each character shown on screen. This film is about taking the good with the bad, because that's how us humans function in this world.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing
Costs $7,000
Essential for turning raw footage into a polished, professional film that captivates and engages audiences.
Marketing & Distribution
Costs $1,250
To submit my short film to film festivals which would range from $30 to $55. Marketing, festival entry, fees, and professional promotional.
Color Grade/Correction
Costs $3,000
We want the color to match the tone of this story. This fund will temp primary and secondary grades, correction, and HDR conform.
Sound Mix + Design
Costs $5,000
Sound can make or break a film. Your support will help fund dialogue cleanup, noise reduction, tone balancing, and immersive sound design.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
My team is made up of passionate creatives dedicated to bringing authentic, character-driven stories to life.
Jeffrey Ford Jr. – Eric
Jeffrey Ford Jr. is an emerging actor from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He began acting at 14 through high school theatre and stage productions such as A Christmas Carol and Almost Maine. During college, he shifted his focus to film and appeared in three Howard University short films while attending Old Dominion University, demonstrating his commitment to the craft.
After graduating, Jeffrey continued developing as an actor by enrolling in acting classes, where he also discovered a passion for writing by creating and performing his own scenes. In 2022, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career. His credits include background work in Oppenheimer, various commercials, and several independent projects.
In 2025, Jeffrey created, wrote, produced, and starred in What Happened to Jackson. As both an actor and filmmaker, he is excited to continue telling original stories.
Daks McClettie II – Jackson
Daks McClettie II stars as the titular Jackson in What Happened to Jackson? A 2022 graduate of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts, where he earned his BFA in Acting, Daks is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is now based in Los Angeles. He is thrilled to be part of this project.
John Woods III – Q
John Woods III is an actor, singer, rapper, and writer from Columbia, Maryland. A graduate of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, where he studied under Phylicia Rashad, he has appeared in Dakota, Copycat Killers, and the award-nominated short film Baltimore Barber. In 2022, he presented the Oscar nominations for Best Actor on Good Morning America.
Wylie Keele – Malcolm
Wylie Keele plays Malcolm in What Happened to Jackson. An actor with six years of experience, Wylie has appeared in Pixel, Breadwinners, and the upcoming indie film Come Home With Me, while continuing his training at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Originally from a small town in Idaho, where family is central, Wylie connected deeply with Malcolm’s loyalty and determination to protect the people he cares about. He is thrilled to be part of a project that explores friendship, loyalty, and what it means to stand by the people you love.
Irmon Hill – Daniel
Irmon Hill plays Daniel in What Happened to Jackson. He has been actively pursuing acting since 2020 and has had the opportunity to work on projects alongside Lindsey Shaw and David DeLuise. Working on this film was one of the most fun and memorable experiences he has had on set. He is excited for audiences to see the energy, passion, and heart that everyone brought to the project.
Abby Sue – Jenny
Abby Sue plays Jenny in What Happened to Jackson. An experienced actor with extensive training, Abby is passionate about fully immersing herself in every role. She was drawn to Jenny’s complexity and the questions her choices leave behind, inviting audiences to reconsider motives, intentions, and even their own judgment. Abby especially enjoys challenging material that pushes her creatively and brings compelling stories to life. When she’s not on screen, she enjoys dancing and saying yes to new adventures.
Reyven King – Chelsea
Fatima Elfakahany – Uber Driver
Los Angeles–based actor and writer Fatima Elfakahany appears in What Happened to Jackson as an Uber driver whose brief but memorable comedic scene brings a welcome touch of humor to the story. Having worked on several film projects, she is especially drawn to stories rich in emotional depth and human complexity. Beyond acting and writing, Fatima enjoys creativepursuits such as playing guitar, drawing, and studying Spanish and Arabic. In her free time, she loves reading, going to the movies, taking long walks, and volunteering with animals.
Edward Singletary Jr. – Director
Edward Singletary Jr. is an accomplished filmmaker and 25-year industry veteran making his directorial debut with What Happened to Jackson. His work as an actor includes acclaimed projects such as American Crime Story, Ratched, and most recently Spider-Noir. His production Delphinium: A Childhood Portrait of Derek Jarman was acquired by the British Film Institute for permanent preservation, reflecting his commitment to impactful, high-caliber storytelling. As the founder of Studio for Acting, Edward has spent more than a decade helping artists find their authentic voices and deliver powerful performances.
David Spates – Audio Sound
David Spates is a producer, actor, director, and writer whose career began after being discovered by his first agent while performing stand-up comedy. He quickly started landing roles in film and television, though he was often cast in dramatic parts. To keep his comedic edge sharp, David wrote four comedy screenplays and a television series. Alongside producing digital content, he has built a strong online presence, generating millions of video views across platforms such as YouTube.
Ziggy Jaz Van Koreverden – Cinematographer
Ziggy Jaz Van Koreverden is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer originally from Sydney, Australia. He studied Creative Writing and Communications at the University of Technology Sydney, bringing a strong storytelling foundation to his visual work. His projects have earned festival recognition, including a selection at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival. Ziggy is also an ASC Vision Mentee.
Eric Casalini – Editor
Eric Casalini is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer making his debut as a film editor with What Happened to Jackson. He is known for his performances in the award-winning feature To Fall in Love, the bluegrass musical Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints, and the internationally acclaimed series Sides, which he co-created and produced. With a background spanning both stage and screen, including theater work praised at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as “totally captivating,” Eric brings a strong sense of performance, pacing, and emotional storytelling to the film.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Synopsis: After a night of drinking, Eric leads his boys on a mission to get their inebriated friend, Jackson, home safely. One by one, his friends abandon him to decide whether Jackson makes it back in one piece, leaving everyone to wonder What Happened to Jackson?
Why me: I'm a firm believer that the best way an artist can shine is by taking their own creativity and trusting the process in making something unique! Creating any sort of project let alone a short film taught me a lot about myself. My work ethic, collaborative skills, the ability to take direction and adjust is monumental for me.
Why this: What Happened to Jackson is a unique story about something simple can lead to extreme consequences even if it relates to work relationships amongst colleagues. I am creating a funny yet chillin story about how a group of friends handle a chaotic night. This story explores the consequences of workplace dynamics, betrayal, and revenge, using dark humor and suspense to highlight how unresolved conflicts and personal grievances can spiral out of control. By following the characters through a night of chaos and escalating retaliation, the narrative encourages audiences to reflect on accountability, the impact of our actions on others, and the unpredictable outcomes of holding grudges.
Why now: I want people from all over to see this short film and learn that every action you take in life whether it's the right or wrong thing, has a reaction. In the end, this film isn't about what's right or wrong, but about the choices one makes that can lead to positive results or consequences. I want people to look at the relationship between characters and see bits of themselves in each character shown on screen. This film is about taking the good with the bad, because that's how us humans function in this world.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Editing
Costs $7,000
Essential for turning raw footage into a polished, professional film that captivates and engages audiences.
Marketing & Distribution
Costs $1,250
To submit my short film to film festivals which would range from $30 to $55. Marketing, festival entry, fees, and professional promotional.
Color Grade/Correction
Costs $3,000
We want the color to match the tone of this story. This fund will temp primary and secondary grades, correction, and HDR conform.
Sound Mix + Design
Costs $5,000
Sound can make or break a film. Your support will help fund dialogue cleanup, noise reduction, tone balancing, and immersive sound design.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
My team is made up of passionate creatives dedicated to bringing authentic, character-driven stories to life.
Jeffrey Ford Jr. – Eric
Jeffrey Ford Jr. is an emerging actor from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He began acting at 14 through high school theatre and stage productions such as A Christmas Carol and Almost Maine. During college, he shifted his focus to film and appeared in three Howard University short films while attending Old Dominion University, demonstrating his commitment to the craft.
After graduating, Jeffrey continued developing as an actor by enrolling in acting classes, where he also discovered a passion for writing by creating and performing his own scenes. In 2022, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career. His credits include background work in Oppenheimer, various commercials, and several independent projects.
In 2025, Jeffrey created, wrote, produced, and starred in What Happened to Jackson. As both an actor and filmmaker, he is excited to continue telling original stories.
Daks McClettie II – Jackson
Daks McClettie II stars as the titular Jackson in What Happened to Jackson? A 2022 graduate of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts, where he earned his BFA in Acting, Daks is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is now based in Los Angeles. He is thrilled to be part of this project.
John Woods III – Q
John Woods III is an actor, singer, rapper, and writer from Columbia, Maryland. A graduate of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, where he studied under Phylicia Rashad, he has appeared in Dakota, Copycat Killers, and the award-nominated short film Baltimore Barber. In 2022, he presented the Oscar nominations for Best Actor on Good Morning America.
Wylie Keele – Malcolm
Wylie Keele plays Malcolm in What Happened to Jackson. An actor with six years of experience, Wylie has appeared in Pixel, Breadwinners, and the upcoming indie film Come Home With Me, while continuing his training at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Originally from a small town in Idaho, where family is central, Wylie connected deeply with Malcolm’s loyalty and determination to protect the people he cares about. He is thrilled to be part of a project that explores friendship, loyalty, and what it means to stand by the people you love.
Irmon Hill – Daniel
Irmon Hill plays Daniel in What Happened to Jackson. He has been actively pursuing acting since 2020 and has had the opportunity to work on projects alongside Lindsey Shaw and David DeLuise. Working on this film was one of the most fun and memorable experiences he has had on set. He is excited for audiences to see the energy, passion, and heart that everyone brought to the project.
Abby Sue – Jenny
Abby Sue plays Jenny in What Happened to Jackson. An experienced actor with extensive training, Abby is passionate about fully immersing herself in every role. She was drawn to Jenny’s complexity and the questions her choices leave behind, inviting audiences to reconsider motives, intentions, and even their own judgment. Abby especially enjoys challenging material that pushes her creatively and brings compelling stories to life. When she’s not on screen, she enjoys dancing and saying yes to new adventures.
Reyven King – Chelsea
Fatima Elfakahany – Uber Driver
Los Angeles–based actor and writer Fatima Elfakahany appears in What Happened to Jackson as an Uber driver whose brief but memorable comedic scene brings a welcome touch of humor to the story. Having worked on several film projects, she is especially drawn to stories rich in emotional depth and human complexity. Beyond acting and writing, Fatima enjoys creativepursuits such as playing guitar, drawing, and studying Spanish and Arabic. In her free time, she loves reading, going to the movies, taking long walks, and volunteering with animals.
Edward Singletary Jr. – Director
Edward Singletary Jr. is an accomplished filmmaker and 25-year industry veteran making his directorial debut with What Happened to Jackson. His work as an actor includes acclaimed projects such as American Crime Story, Ratched, and most recently Spider-Noir. His production Delphinium: A Childhood Portrait of Derek Jarman was acquired by the British Film Institute for permanent preservation, reflecting his commitment to impactful, high-caliber storytelling. As the founder of Studio for Acting, Edward has spent more than a decade helping artists find their authentic voices and deliver powerful performances.
David Spates – Audio Sound
David Spates is a producer, actor, director, and writer whose career began after being discovered by his first agent while performing stand-up comedy. He quickly started landing roles in film and television, though he was often cast in dramatic parts. To keep his comedic edge sharp, David wrote four comedy screenplays and a television series. Alongside producing digital content, he has built a strong online presence, generating millions of video views across platforms such as YouTube.
Ziggy Jaz Van Koreverden – Cinematographer
Ziggy Jaz Van Koreverden is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer originally from Sydney, Australia. He studied Creative Writing and Communications at the University of Technology Sydney, bringing a strong storytelling foundation to his visual work. His projects have earned festival recognition, including a selection at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival. Ziggy is also an ASC Vision Mentee.
Eric Casalini – Editor
Eric Casalini is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer making his debut as a film editor with What Happened to Jackson. He is known for his performances in the award-winning feature To Fall in Love, the bluegrass musical Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints, and the internationally acclaimed series Sides, which he co-created and produced. With a background spanning both stage and screen, including theater work praised at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as “totally captivating,” Eric brings a strong sense of performance, pacing, and emotional storytelling to the film.