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Here's an example of a Star Vehicle Short Film
FOR ACTORS WHO ARE DONE WAITING
Star in a Short Film Made Custom for You
Get reel footage, a finished short film, and a calling-card project built around the kind of role you want to be known for.
YOUR DREAM ROLE MIGHT NOT BE COMING THROUGH A BREAKDOWN
Don't spend thousands on a reel people may only watch for 10 seconds.
Produce a film instead.
WHAT WE CREATE
A Custom Short Film Built Around You
Just Us Studio develops a short film around your casting goals, your strengths, your essence, and the kind of role you want to be known for.
This is not a generic reel scene.
This is your calling card.
A story worth watching. A performance worth remembering. A project that opens doors.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCTION PATH
SOLO STAR VEHICLE
Starting at
$7500
Best for an actor who wants a focused short film built primarily around them.
- Custom concept development
- Original short script
- Pre-production planning
- 1 shoot day
- 1 primary location
- Small supporting cast
- Edited 4–7 minute short film
- Selected reel/social clips
- Lead actor AND producer-level credit
- Final film submitted to IMDb
BEST VALUE FOR TWO ACTORS
TWO-HANDER STAR VEHICLE
Starting at
$12,000
Best for two actors who want to share the investment and build a strong dramatic, comedic, or genre piece around their dynamic.
Includes everything in the Solo Star Vehicle, plus:
- Two lead roles
- Shared production cost
- Relationship-driven story arc
- More room for contrast, conflict, and emotional range
- Selected reel/social clips for both actors
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
THIS IS FOR YOU IF...
- You know your current reel doesn't show the full version of you.
- You want a lead role, not another supporting clip.
- You are ready to create instead of waiting for permission.
- You want footage that feels cinematic, personal, and specific.
- You are looking for a collaborative filmmaking process, not a quick content shoot
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF...
- You only need a quick self-tape scene.
- You want the cheapest possible footage.
- You expect a short film to guarantee representation, bookings, or festival wins.
- You do not want to collaborate.
- You are not ready to take creative ownership of your career.
about us
a studio built on love.
Just Us Studio was born in the living room of our first apartment. Back then it was just us, some umbrella lights, and big dreams. Today, we create original films focused on authenticity and storytelling.
- Brittany has worked as a professional writer since 2016. She brings the Gilmore Girls, Dawson's Creek, and Friends energy to the relationship. Her experience as an actor helps her write compelling characters with warmth and whimsy.
- Stephen has worked as a professional actor, writer, and director since 2017. He's the Gladiator, Aliens, Silence of the Lambs side of the Just Us Studio coin. As a US Navy Veteran, he brings a grounded, worldly perspective to every project.
- Together we balance creativity and strategy—the Yin and Yang of storytelling.
FAQs
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.
Yes. The benefit of producing a film is that you get a completed film AND you can clip out scenes for your reel.
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.
All supporting roles will be cast professionally, which helps to ensure that your film achieves the best possible outcome. To bring in a friend, have them submit to the casting call or consider the Two-Hander Star Vehicle.
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.
The shoot location depends on each individual story, but all films will be shot in NYC.
Just 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.
Submit an application and we will then set up a call to discuss the details of your project.
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. IMDb is a third-party platform with its own approval process, but we build and credit each Star Vehicle Short Film with IMDb submission in mind.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Zach Tuttle
Filmmaker
"I knew I had something special but [my script] wasn't "there" yet. Stephen helped me through scenes that were not working, gave honest thoughts on certain aspects, and more. Give him a shout if you need script help."
Monique Lopez
Filmmaker
"I was worried my writing would come across confusing, but Stephen was able to ask the right questions that helped me make strong changes in my script. He never for a moment made me feel like I was being judged and he made everything a conversation, allowing me to feel comfortable throwing different ideas at him."
Brendan Jesus
Film Critic
"Stephen Lamar Lewis provides a standout physical performance, though revealing how would be a bit too spoilery."
About Stephen
With a BA in Theatre and an AA in Studio Art, I've spent my entire life creating. Well, except for a brief 6 year stint in the Navy where I learned to operate a nuclear reactor...
My approach as a filmmaker is to find what's possible. I love thinking outside of the box and finding creative solutions for "problems". I've also edited my own short films, so I now try to think like an editor on set, saving time in post.
In the indie world, I'm known for my collaborative spirit and a few notable wins, including:
- Best Picture & Best Story: Organization of Independent Filmmakers 2025
- Best Director: Organization of Independent Filmmakers 2023 & 2025
- Best Performer: 48-Hour Film Project NYC 2025
- Best Picture & Best Original Story: Orlando Independent Filmmakers 2022
PROOF THAT SHORT FILMS CREATE MOMENTUM
Our work has screened, won, and been recognized across indie film communities.
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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