Help Us Bring "The Audition" to Life!
Hi, I'm Jonathon Davis, a filmmaker born and raised right here in Detroit. For too long, the stories of African Americans in film have been constrained by stereotypes. My passion is to break those molds, crafting suspenseful, horror, and thrilling narratives with authentic Black leads.
You may be familiar with my work from my debut feature film, "Stoned," available on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video. started my journey making short films on YouTube and honed my skills at Specs Howard School of Digital Media, where I learned the basics of filming, editing, and lighting. I then worked on a variety of indie films as a Production Assistant, Key Grip, and sound mixer. All of this experience has led me here, and now, I'm incredibly excited to bring my second feature to the screen: "The Audition."
About "The Audition"
"The Audition" is a satirical psychological thriller that peels back the curtain on the brutal realities that Black women face in trying to make it in the cutthroat film industry.
The Story
We follow Sky, a struggling actress desperate for her big break. She lands an audition for a lead role with a critically acclaimed—but dangerously unhinged—director. What begins as a competitive casting call quickly escalates into a fight for survival, as the director forces Sky and her fellow actresses to battle it out… literally. Only one can leave with the lead role and their life.
This film is more than just a thriller; it's a sharp, relevant commentary on ambition, exploitation, and the fight for recognition in a system often stacked against those who deserve it most.
Why This Film Matters
My goal is to create powerful, stereotype-defying stories that resonate with audiences and spark important conversations. "The Audition" provides a unique lens through which to explore the pressures and prejudices faced by Black women in entertainment, all wrapped in a thrilling, suspenseful package.
Our Talented Team
I'm incredibly proud of the dedicated cast and crew who are ready to bring "The Audition" to life:
The Cast:
Sky: Priya Eileen (Broken Image)
Michelle: Kendall Hall (Black Olive, My Crazy Seven)
Sasha: Aniya Lovelace (The Buyer's Paradox, Apartment 108)
Dee: Siddy Morgan (Bad Day, Missing)
Yvette: Andra Alexis (Swallow: The Kiss of Death, Karma)
Shonda: Cece-Ella Mitchell (Awakened)
Hilary: Ashley Key (A Record In Time, King's Betrayal)
Melinda: Zakiyyah Gray (Depart From It, What Lies Within)
Taylor: Symona Martin
Ava: Montrice George (Chicago P.D., Familiar Strangers)
Terrence Everett: Malachi Lee (A Night To Forget, Affliction)
Dominique Jackson: Elizabeth Foxx (McGraw Ave, The Serial Cheater)
Key Crew:
Make-up/Special Effects Artist: Bria "Slim" Miller. Slim is a true artist, turning visions into reality—from stunning hair and makeup to the most realistic gore and guts! With 20+ films and series to her name and work featured in LA Fashion Week, she's essential for "The Audition."
Accolades & Recognition
The screenplay for "The Audition" has already garnered significant attention and awards, a testament to its compelling story and potential impact:
Best Young Screenwriter (under 30y), Chicago Script Award
Semifinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards - Diversity Initiative IX
Semifinalist, Filmmatic Horror Screenplay Awards Season 9
Official Selection, New York Script Awards
Official Selection, The Flight Deck Film Festival
Our Production Timeline
We have a clear roadmap to bring "The Audition" from script to screen:
August - January: Pre-Production (Pre-Visual Shoot, Rehearsals)
February: Final Rehearsals
March - April: Filming Begins
April - May: Post-production (Editing, Scoring, Sound Design, Color Grading) & Prep Festival Cut
Late 2026: Finalize & Premiere Film
How Your Donation Helps
Our goal is to raise $30,000 to bring this story to life. Making an independent feature film is a monumental undertaking, and every dollar makes a critical difference. Your generous donations will directly ensure:
- Fair Compensation: Paying our talented cast and crew for their hard work and dedication.
- Exceptional Locations: Securing incredible shooting locations that bring our story to life.
- Top-Tier Equipment: Renting high-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment to achieve the highest cinematic quality.
- Festival Submissions: Covering the costs of submitting "The Audition" to prestigious film festivals worldwide, giving our film the platform it deserves.
Donation Perks
We truly appreciate every contribution, no matter the size!
Any Donation: A special "Thank You" credit in the film.
- $50+: A digital download of the official "The Audition" poster.
- $100+: An exclusive PDF of the screenplay signed by me.
More perks will be announced in the coming months!
Follow Our Journey!
Stay updated on our progress and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content by following us:
Thank you for considering supporting "The Audition." With your help, we can create a powerful, entertaining, and much-needed film that pushes boundaries and champions diverse voices in cinema.
More updates coming soon!
Please consider donating today and help us bring 'The Audition' to the screen!
Organizer
Jonathon Davis
Organizer
Detroit, MI