Jason M

My name is Jason, and I’m a young filmmaker and actor in Ottawa. I’m writing, directing, producing, and starring in a short film called “My Loss, Not Yours” — a powerful youth-led local drama about loss, depression, and what it looks like when the “happiest” person in the room is actually drowning. What is this film about? This film is based on my true experiences. A true story which is the following: At school, I’m the kid everyone knows. The one with the seemingly perfect life, always smiling, never shy. It felt like charisma, or maybe just my siblings, that made me a familiar face around my city. Whether it was making new friends, building connections, being out and about, helping in the community, volunteering, or just the work I put in, I was known. But with this visibility came a gnawing fear: the fear of becoming someone's burden, of shattering the image that everyone loved of me. Only my mother truly saw the real me, and now she’s gone. Her illness was a long, agonizing period, easily the worst of my life. Yet, every single day, I put on the mask, went to school, and pretended everything was fine. During this time, may rumours of me started, I also my closest friend, and it became an unbearable weight, a constant struggle. Losing someone is devastating, but losing the one person who was your anchor and the only one who truly saw you is a whole different level of heartbreak. So this is what this film that I am currently working on is about. It delves into deception, societal pressure, grief, and isolation, and I aim to highlight the silent suffering that can exist behind a seemingly perfect exterior. If this project seems like one you want to support, maybe because you relate to it, or you know somebody that does, please do. Help me bring this vision to life. A vision whose narrative underscores the critical issues of adolescent mental health and the devastating consequences of not addressing underlying pain. I’ve been in the industry for a while now and have gained experience on both sides. I am represented by a talent agent and do have an industry professional manager. Some of my credits include Disney and Nintendo. Learn a bit more on my emerging career below. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm18111775/ There is a group of young and talented people who are behind this project. I may be one of the principal faces behind this, but this wouldn’t be possible without my group. A group who is hoping that other creatives out there can give them a chance. What a lot of people do not know is that I have went through many mental issues, like the majority of teens out there and powerful people behind this project. What we all have in common is that these experiences have shaped who we are today, but not everyone gets the chance to make it through like we did. Let’s shed light on mental health, something that is important for individuals of every age. Let’s make this happen. Let’s contribute! This is a youth-led Ottawa production, made with teens and local artists, and we’re building a real film set experience for young people who rarely get the chance to be part of something like this. Don’t fret! We have ample of familial and professional adults for contracts and liability, but the creative work and leadership of this project is coming from youth — and that’s exactly why we need community support to bring it from script to screen. From pre-production to production to post-production. Which leads us to why we’re fundraising. Why is filmmaking expensive? https://filmlocal.com/filmmaking/why-do-movies-cost-so-much-to-make/#:~:text=Production%20costs:%20sets%2C%20costumes%2C,while%20big%20productions%20pay%20$315%2C000. Why we’re fundraising… Well, making a film costs more than most people think — even a short film — because it takes professional equipment, skilled crew, safe locations, cast protection (especially when working with a cast mainly comprised of minors) and proper post-production to reach a true “festival-ready” quality. A common budget range for independent films is between $1 million and $10 million, but we believe we can make this work low-budget. Our goal is to shoot this film professionally in Ottawa with a small crew, including a Director of Photography, a sound mixer, and an editor, and to complete it with proper post-production so it can be submitted to festivals and possibly be nominated for or win an Oscar (Academy Award). Our associates… We are very early in production, and so far we’ve been in contact with Phantom Productions for production support, and we’re building a tight team to make sure the quality matches the story. Find out more on Phantom Productions below. https://phantomproductions.com/ What will your donation pay for? Your support will go directly toward the real costs of production, including: Pre-Production • location scouting and permits • production insurance and required paperwork • casting/audition logistics • rehearsal and scheduling materials Production (3-Day Shoot) • professional camera + lighting equipment • professional sound recording (the #1 thing you can’t fix later) • location costs (home + school access) • meals/craft services for cast and crew • transportation and moving equipment Post-Production • editing • sound cleanup + mix (making dialogue clear and cinematic) • color correction (final “movie look”) • music/post elements (as needed) • festival deliverables + exports and some others expenses like permit applications, permit fees, G&E + gaffer + grip + swing, camera and gear rentals and personnel, sound, AC, various cast expenses, SFX make up + prosthetics, PA's, props, kid talent, wardrobe/merch shirts, merch artwork, wardrobe, van PA / pick up / drop off, film, studio insurance, barber, crafty / meals, and producing and directing, etc. We’ll also set aside a small contingency for unexpected costs (because on a film set, something always comes up). Why does this matter to Canada and youth around the world? We feel this is more than a short film — it’s an opportunity. We’re building something that symbolizes the capital of Canada. Ottawa talent. Canadian art. We’re building something that represents the youth around the world. We want to show what can happen when our people come together and back creatives. Your contribution helps: • create a real set experience for teens • support local artists and crew • tell a story that can genuinely help people • bring more film culture and opportunity to Ottawa Auditions / Youth opportunities: Yes, we plan to open auditions for teens and young actors. If you have a child (or know a teen) who would love to audition, you’ll be able to apply as of February 14th, 2026. The casting/audition form will be linked. You can find audition info and updates directly from this page, and then directly to your inbox if you contribute. You can also find it at https://www.tiktok.com/@mylossnotyours We advise you follow these pages to stay updated on production! Transparency and updates We’ll post updates at all times throughout the entire journey — pre-production, casting, filming days, and post-production — so you’ll always know where the project is at and what your donation is helping to build. Donors will also be credited for the film as part of our supporter list (unless you prefer to stay anonymous). Have questions? If you have any questions about the project, sponsorship options, or how donations will be used, please feel free to email: Contact: [email redacted] Thank you! Please remember: Whether you donate $1 or $100, it means the world. You’re helping a live-action youth-led Canadian drama film get made the right way — with professional sound, professional visuals, and a message that matters. Thank you for believing in MLNY. Let’s bring this story to life. — Jason-Kelian Mayele TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_jasonmayele Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonmayele A project in cooperation with Phantom Productions.