NYC Actors:
Produce Your Own Short Film with the Support of an Award-Winning Crew (so You Don't Make Any Costly Mistakes)

NYC Actors:
Produce Your Own Short Film with the Support of an Award-Winning Crew (so You Don't Make Any Costly Mistakes)

NYC Actors:
Produce Your Own Short Film with the Support of an Award-Winning Crew (so You Don't Make Any Costly Mistakes)

The Industry Has Changed

(You're not imagining things)

Breaking into film and TV has always been difficult.

But today, actors are competing in a market that has actually gotten smaller.

11% FEWER U.S. TV SHOWS

The number of U.S.-produced television shows fell about 11% in 2025 alone, the third consecutive annual decline.

24% FEWER SCRIPTED STREAMING ORDERS

Apple, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+ ordered 24% fewer scripted originals in the first half of 2025 than the year before—242 titles versus 318.

~30% DROP IN FILM + TV EMPLOYMENT

U.S. film-and-TV for actors and the many crafts involved in production was about 30% below its late 2022 peak by early 2026, according to Labor Department data reported by The Wall Street Journal.

FEWER PRODUCTIONS. FEWER ROLES. MORE COMPETITION.

The Industry Has Changed

(You're not imagining things)

Breaking into film and TV has always been difficult.

But today, actors are competing in a market that has actually gotten smaller.

11% FEWER U.S. TV SHOWS

The number of U.S.-produced television shows fell about 11% in 2025 alone, the third consecutive annual decline.

24% FEWER SCRIPTED STREAMING ORDERS

Apple, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+ ordered 24% fewer scripted originals in the first half of 2025 than the year before—242 titles versus 318.

~30% DROP IN FILM + TV EMPLOYMENT

U.S. film-and-TV for actors and the many crafts involved in production was about 30% below its late 2022 peak by early 2026, according to Labor Department data reported by The Wall Street Journal.

FEWER PRODUCTIONS. FEWER ROLES.

MORE COMPETITION.

The Industry Has Changed

(You're not imagining things)

Breaking into film and TV has always been difficult.

But today, actors are competing in a market that has actually gotten smaller.

11% FEWER U.S. TV SHOWS

The number of U.S.-produced television shows fell about 11% in 2025 alone, the third consecutive annual decline.

24% FEWER SCRIPTED STREAMING ORDERS

Apple, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+ ordered 24% fewer scripted originals in the first half of 2025 than the year before—242 titles versus 318.

~30% DROP IN FILM + TV EMPLOYMENT

U.S. film-and-TV for actors and the many crafts involved in production was about 30% below its late 2022 peak by early 2026, according to Labor Department data reported by The Wall Street Journal.

FEWER PRODUCTIONS. FEWER ROLES. MORE COMPETITION.

YOU CAN'T CONTROL HOW MANY ROLES EXIST

YOU CAN TAKE ANOTHER CLASS

GET NEW HEADSHOTS

WORK WITH AN ACTING COACH

TRY TO FIND NEW REPS (OR REPS AT ALL)

SUBMIT MORE

BUT AT SOME POINT, YOUR CAREER IS STILL DEPENDENT ON SOMEONE ELSE GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY

What if that wasn't your only option?

YOU CAN'T CONTROL HOW MANY ROLES EXIST

YOU CAN TAKE ANOTHER CLASS

GET NEW HEADSHOTS

WORK WITH AN ACTING COACH

TRY TO FIND NEW REPS (OR REPS AT ALL)

SUBMIT MORE

BUT AT SOME POINT, YOUR CAREER IS STILL DEPENDENT ON SOMEONE ELSE GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY

YOU CAN'T CONTROL HOW MANY ROLES EXIST

YOU CAN TAKE ANOTHER CLASS

GET NEW HEADSHOTS

WORK WITH AN ACTING COACH

TRY TO FIND NEW REPS (OR REPS AT ALL)

SUBMIT MORE

BUT AT SOME POINT, YOUR CAREER IS STILL DEPENDENT ON SOMEONE ELSE GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY

What if that wasn't your only option?

What if you created your own opportunity?

What if you created your own opportunity?

What if you created your own opportunity?

ACTORS HAVE DONE IT BEFORE

Hollywood didn't know what to do with

Vin Diesel

He wasn't Black enough to play Black roles and he wasn't White enough to play White roles.

So he PRODUCED A SHORT FILM called

Multi-Facial

It played at Cannes, attracting

Steven Spielberg

and landing him his breakout role in Saving Private Ryan

The rest is history.

ACTORS HAVE DONE IT BEFORE

Hollywood didn't know what to do with

Vin Diesel

He wasn't Black enough to play Black roles and he wasn't White enough to play White roles.

So he PRODUCED A SHORT FILM called

Multi-Facial

It played at Cannes, attracting

Steven Spielberg

and landing him his breakout role in Saving Private Ryan

The rest is history.

ACTORS HAVE DONE IT BEFORE

Hollywood didn't know what to do with

Vin Diesel

He wasn't Black enough to play Black roles and he wasn't White enough to play White roles.

So he PRODUCED A SHORT FILM called

Multi-Facial

It played at Cannes, attracting

Steven Spielberg

and landing him his breakout role in Saving Private Ryan

The rest is history.

And he's not the only one

Ben Affleck & Matt Damon

Wrote and produced

Good Will Hunting

Issa Rae

Wrote and produced

Awkward Black Girl

Micaela Wittman

Wrote and produced Clairvoyant, Remy & Arletta, and Perfect

SELF-PRODUCED WORK IS A PROVEN CAREER STRATEGY

And he's not the only one

Ben Affleck & Matt Damon

Wrote and produced

Good Will Hunting

Issa Rae

Wrote and produced

Awkward Black Girl

Micaela Wittman

Wrote and produced Clairvoyant, Remy & Arletta, and Perfect

SELF-PRODUCED WORK IS A PROVEN CAREER STRATEGY

And he's not the only one

Ben Affleck & Matt Damon

Wrote and produced

Good Will Hunting

Issa Rae

Wrote and produced

Awkward Black Girl

Micaela Wittman

Wrote and produced Clairvoyant, Remy & Arletta, and Perfect

SELF-PRODUCED WORK IS A PROVEN CAREER STRATEGY

That's why we developed

The Star Vehicle Short Film

An Original Short Film Built Around You

That's why we developed

The Star Vehicle Short Film

An Original Short Film Built Around You

That's why we developed

The Star Vehicle Short Film

An Original Short Film Built Around You

HOW IT WORKS

THE ROLE-FIRST DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

1.

CREATE THE ROLE

Using your casting type, your essence, your special skills, and your passion, we create the perfect character for you.

2.

WRITE THE SCRIPT

We write the story that makes that character the most compelling.

3.

PRODUCE THE FILM

We develop, prep, shoot, and finish the film.

4.

SHARE IT

You share the film online and/or submit the film to festivals

THE ROLE-FIRST DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

1.

CREATE THE ROLE

Using your casting type, your essence, your special skills, and your passion, we create the perfect character for you.

2.

WRITE THE SCRIPT

We write the story that makes that character the most compelling.

3.

PRODUCE THE FILM

We develop, prep, shoot, and finish the film.

4.

SHARE IT

You share the film online and/or submit the film to festivals

THE ROLE-FIRST DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

1.

CREATE THE ROLE

Using your casting type, your essence, your special skills, and your passion, we create the perfect character for you.

2.

WRITE THE SCRIPT

We write the story that makes that character the most compelling.

3.

PRODUCE THE FILM

We develop, prep, shoot, and finish the film.

4.

SHARE IT

You share the film online and/or submit the film to festivals

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ONE FILM. MANY BENEFITS

Short Film For Festivals

Role Designed for YOU

Experience in a Lead Role

Credit as Actor & Producer

Reel Footage for Profiles

Social Media Content

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BECOME A FILMMAKER

We handle everything:

  • Write the script

  • Find the crew

  • Cast supporting roles

  • Scout locations

  • Handle production

  • Edit and finish the film

  • Submit the film to IMDb

YOU ACT. WE HANDLE THE REST.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BECOME A FILMMAKER

We handle everything:

  • Write the script

  • Find the crew

  • Cast supporting roles

  • Scout locations

  • Handle production

  • Edit and finish the film

  • Submit the film to IMDb

  • Write the script

  • Find the crew

  • Cast supporting roles

  • Scout locations

  • Handle production

  • Edit and finish the film

  • Submit the film to IMDb

YOU ACT. WE HANDLE THE REST.

ONE FILM. MANY BENEFITS

Short Film For Festivals

Role Designed for YOU

Experience in a Lead Role

Credit as Actor & Producer

Reel Footage for Profiles

Social Media Content

ONE FILM.

MANY BENEFITS.

Short Film For Festivals

Role Designed for YOU

Experience in a Lead Role

Credit as Actor & Producer

Reel Footage for Profiles

Social Media Content

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BECOME A FILMMAKER

We handle everything:

  • Write the script

  • Find the crew

  • Cast supporting roles

  • Scout locations

  • Handle production

  • Edit and finish the film

  • Submit the film to IMDb

YOU ACT. WE HANDLE THE REST.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITY?

Star Vehicle Film productions start at:

$7,500

Most productions:

$8,500 - $12,500

Final budget depends on the story, cast, locations, shoot days, and production requirements.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITY?

Star Vehicle Film productions start at:

$7,500

Most productions:

$8,500 - $12,500

Final budget depends on the story, cast, locations, shoot days, and production requirements.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITY?

Star Vehicle Film productions start at:

$7,500

Most productions:

$8,500 - $12,500

Final budget depends on the story, cast, locations, shoot days, and production requirements.

Martin Scorsese

Steven Spielberg

and Spike Lee

all say

"Anyone with a smart phone can make a movie."

so...

WHY NOT SHOOT YOUR OWN FILM?

Martin Scorsese

Steven Spielberg

and Spike Lee

all say

"Anyone with a smart phone can make a movie."

so...

WHY NOT SHOOT YOUR OWN FILM?

Martin Scorsese

Steven Spielberg

and Spike Lee

all say

"Anyone with a smart phone can make a movie."

so...

WHY NOT SHOOT YOUR OWN FILM?

Yes, anyone can capture video with their phone.

But not many people can make a film that others actually want to watch

That takes an understanding of camera, lighting, sound, and so much more.

Each one is a discipline that people dedicate their lives to learning.

Anyone can stand on stage and deliver a Shakespeare monologue.

But it takes years of training to perform it at a professional level.

Filmmaking also requires a crew who know what they're doing with the right equipment to show up and execute their roles.

It's not something you can pull off on a whim.

The smart move is to partner with people who have already spent years perfecting their craft.

That's where we come in.

YOU BRING THE ACTOR.

WE BRING THE FILMMAKING.

Let's make a film that opens doors.

Yes, anyone can capture video with their phone.

But not many people can make a film that others actually want to watch

That takes an understanding of camera, lighting, sound, and so much more.

Each one is a discipline that people dedicate their lives to learning.

Anyone can stand on stage and deliver a Shakespeare monologue.

But it takes years of training to perform it at a professional level.

Filmmaking also requires a crew who know what they're doing with the right equipment to show up and execute their roles.

It's not something you can pull off on a whim.

The smart move is to partner with people who have already spent years perfecting their craft.

That's where we come in.

YOU BRING THE ACTOR.

WE BRING THE FILMMAKING.

Let's make a film that opens doors.

Yes, anyone can capture video with their phone.

But not many people can make a film that others actually want to watch

That takes an understanding of camera, lighting, sound, and so much more.

Each one is a discipline that people dedicate their lives to learning.

Anyone can stand on stage and deliver a Shakespeare monologue.

But it takes years of training to perform it at a professional level.

Filmmaking also requires a crew who know what they're doing with the right equipment to show up and execute their roles.

It's not something you can pull off on a whim.

The smart move is to partner with people who have already spent years perfecting their craft.

That's where we come in.

YOU BRING THE ACTOR.

WE BRING THE FILMMAKING.

Let's make a film that opens doors.

The Just Us Studio Team

MEET BRITTANY AND STEPHEN LEWIS

Stephen Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

For Stephen, story is always king. Studying formulas like those presented in Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne, Stephen has taken home Best Director, Best PictureBest Story, and Best Actor at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers and 48-Hour Film Project.

​With his roots deep in acting, Stephen understands how to help those producing their own work get a performance they're proud of. He has studied at Lee Strasberg Institute and is well versed in improv, Meisner, method, Laban, movement, and more.

However you work best, he'll be able to meet you as a director and fellow actor.

Brittany Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

Brittany is best known for her social media series, A Filmmaker Watches, where she breaks down classic TV shows like Dawson's Creek from a filmmaker's perspective. Amassing nearly 20k followers, she has conversations daily about what kind of stories people are craving to hear...which might come in handy...if she's writing a script for, say, you. ;) 

After studying screenwriting at NYFA (and devouring all the standard writing books like Save the Cat by Blake Snyder), her short films have taken home awards for Best Picture and Best Story at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers in NYC.

Brittany is also a trained actress, winning Best Actress in her debut short film. So she often writes with her "actor hat" on, understanding type and character choices long before you ever reach set.

The Just Us Studio Team

MEET BRITTANY AND STEPHEN LEWIS

Stephen Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

For Stephen, story is always king. Studying formulas like those presented in Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne, Stephen has taken home Best Director, Best PictureBest Story, and Best Actor at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers and 48-Hour Film Project.

​With his roots deep in acting, Stephen understands how to help those producing their own work get a performance they're proud of. He has studied at Lee Strasberg Institute and is well versed in improv, Meisner, method, Laban, movement, and more.

However you work best, he'll be able to meet you as a director and fellow actor.

Brittany Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

Brittany is best known for her social media series, A Filmmaker Watches, where she breaks down classic TV shows like Dawson's Creek from a filmmaker's perspective. Amassing nearly 20k followers, she has conversations daily about what kind of stories people are craving to hear...which might come in handy...if she's writing a script for, say, you. ;) 

After studying screenwriting at NYFA (and devouring all the standard writing books like Save the Cat by Blake Snyder), her short films have taken home awards for Best Picture and Best Story at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers in NYC.

Brittany is also a trained actress, winning Best Actress in her debut short film. So she often writes with her "actor hat" on, understanding type and character choices long before you ever reach set.

The Just Us Studio Team

MEET BRITTANY AND STEPHEN LEWIS

Stephen Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

For Stephen, story is always king. Studying formulas like those presented in Save the Cat by Blake Snyder and The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne, Stephen has taken home Best Director, Best PictureBest Story, and Best Actor at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers and 48-Hour Film Project.

​With his roots deep in acting, Stephen understands how to help those producing their own work get a performance they're proud of. He has studied at Lee Strasberg Institute and is well versed in improv, Meisner, method, Laban, movement, and more.

However you work best, he'll be able to meet you as a director and fellow actor.

Brittany Lewis

Actor, Writer, Director

Brittany is best known for her social media series, A Filmmaker Watches, where she breaks down classic TV shows like Dawson's Creek from a filmmaker's perspective. Amassing nearly 20k followers, she has conversations daily about what kind of stories people are craving to hear...which might come in handy...if she's writing a script for, say, you. ;) 

After studying screenwriting at NYFA (and devouring all the standard writing books like Save the Cat by Blake Snyder), her short films have taken home awards for Best Picture and Best Story at festivals like the Organization of Independent Filmmakers in NYC.

Brittany is also a trained actress, winning Best Actress in her debut short film. So she often writes with her "actor hat" on, understanding type and character choices long before you ever reach set.

HOW IT WORKS

How long is the film?

Most Star Vehicle Shorts are designed to be under 10 minutes including credits, because shorter films are often easier for festivals to program. The final runtime depends on the story, package, and agreed scope.

Do I get reel footage from it?

Yes. The benefit of producing a film is that you get a completed film AND you can clip out scenes for your reel.

Will this get me an agent or manager?


No one can guarantee representation or bookings, but a finished short film can give you stronger footage, a clearer creative identity, and a real project to share with reps, casting directors, filmmakers, and festival audiences.

Can I bring another actor?

All supporting roles will be cast professionally, which helps to ensure that your film achieves the best possible outcome.

Do you submit the film to festivals?

We may submit the film to festivals we believe are a strong fit, but we also encourage you to submit to festivals you can actually attend. The real value is not just laurels, it's being in the room, watching your work with an audience, and meeting filmmakers afterward.

Where do you shoot?

The shoot location depends on each individual story, but all films will be shot in NYC.

Do I own the film?

Yes! YouJust Us Studio remains the producer and rights holder of the completed film so we can protect the film’s quality, credits, festival strategy, and release plan. You receive broad rights to use the finished film and approved clips for your acting career, including your reel, website, social media, rep outreach, and festival submissions as outlined in the agreement.

How do I get started?

Submit an application and we will then set up a call to discuss the details of your project.

Do I get IMDb credit?

You will receive actor credit and producer-level credit in the film’s official credits, and Just Us Studio will submit the title and credits to IMDb. While we can't technically guarantee IMDb credit, we do have a 100% credit acceptance rate with all of our previous films.

How long is the film?

Most Star Vehicle Shorts are designed to be under 10 minutes including credits, because shorter films are often easier for festivals to program. The final runtime depends on the story, package, and agreed scope.

Do I get reel footage from it?

Yes. The benefit of producing a film is that you get a completed film AND you can clip out scenes for your reel.

Will this get me an agent or manager?


No one can guarantee representation or bookings, but a finished short film can give you stronger footage, a clearer creative identity, and a real project to share with reps, casting directors, filmmakers, and festival audiences.

Can I bring another actor?

All supporting roles will be cast professionally, which helps to ensure that your film achieves the best possible outcome.

Do you submit the film to festivals?

We may submit the film to festivals we believe are a strong fit, but we also encourage you to submit to festivals you can actually attend. The real value is not just laurels, it's being in the room, watching your work with an audience, and meeting filmmakers afterward.

Where do you shoot?

The shoot location depends on each individual story, but all films will be shot in NYC.

Do I own the film?

Yes! YouJust Us Studio remains the producer and rights holder of the completed film so we can protect the film’s quality, credits, festival strategy, and release plan. You receive broad rights to use the finished film and approved clips for your acting career, including your reel, website, social media, rep outreach, and festival submissions as outlined in the agreement.

How do I get started?

Submit an application and we will then set up a call to discuss the details of your project.

Do I get IMDb credit?

You will receive actor credit and producer-level credit in the film’s official credits, and Just Us Studio will submit the title and credits to IMDb. While we can't technically guarantee IMDb credit, we do have a 100% credit acceptance rate with all of our previous films.

How long is the film?

Most Star Vehicle Shorts are designed to be under 10 minutes including credits, because shorter films are often easier for festivals to program. The final runtime depends on the story, package, and agreed scope.

Do I get reel footage from it?

Yes. The benefit of producing a film is that you get a completed film AND you can clip out scenes for your reel.

Will this get me an agent or manager?


No one can guarantee representation or bookings, but a finished short film can give you stronger footage, a clearer creative identity, and a real project to share with reps, casting directors, filmmakers, and festival audiences.

Can I bring another actor?

All supporting roles will be cast professionally, which helps to ensure that your film achieves the best possible outcome.

Do you submit the film to festivals?

We may submit the film to festivals we believe are a strong fit, but we also encourage you to submit to festivals you can actually attend. The real value is not just laurels, it's being in the room, watching your work with an audience, and meeting filmmakers afterward.

Where do you shoot?

The shoot location depends on each individual story, but all films will be shot in NYC.

Do I own the film?

Yes! YouJust Us Studio remains the producer and rights holder of the completed film so we can protect the film’s quality, credits, festival strategy, and release plan. You receive broad rights to use the finished film and approved clips for your acting career, including your reel, website, social media, rep outreach, and festival submissions as outlined in the agreement.

How do I get started?

Submit an application and we will then set up a call to discuss the details of your project.

Do I get IMDb credit?

You will receive actor credit and producer-level credit in the film’s official credits, and Just Us Studio will submit the title and credits to IMDb. While we can't technically guarantee IMDb credit, we do have a 100% credit acceptance rate with all of our previous films.

READY TO CREATE THE ROLE YOURSELF?

If your reel doesn't show the actor you know you are, let’s build a film around that version of you.


​You'll leave with footage, a completed short film, and a real project designed to create visibility, conversation, and momentum for your acting career.

READY TO CREATE THE ROLE YOURSELF?

If your reel doesn't show the actor you know you are, let’s build a film around that version of you.


​You'll leave with footage, a completed short film, and a real project designed to create visibility, conversation, and momentum for your acting career.

READY TO CREATE THE ROLE YOURSELF?

If your reel doesn't show the actor you know you are, let’s build a film around that version of you.


​You'll leave with footage, a completed short film, and a real project designed to create visibility, conversation, and momentum for your acting career.

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