ZEKE: A SHORT FILM
Written & Directed by: Kerry Coddett
logline
Zeke is a dark satire about a trusted barbershop owner who betrays a loyal client, forcing him to confront the culture of silence that permeates their Brooklyn community.
Growing up, my Caribbean grandmother often said, "Laugh and cry live in the same house." It was usually a warning—if I was playing too recklessly, she'd remind me that consequences were just around the corner.
As I grew older and found myself using humor to navigate trauma, I realized how true her words were: laughter and sorrow are two sides of the same coin. I've faced a lot—grief, abuse, assault—and no matter how serious, I always found a way to laugh. Humor became my way to survive, a language to address life’s harshest moments.
In this short film, I take on sexual assault—one of society's most taboo topics—with the same dark humor that has helped me and my family cope through difficult times. If sexual assault is going to persist as a societal issue, then as
A Note From the Director / Writer
a storyteller, I’m eager to approach the conversation in a way that hasn’t been done before.
By leaning into the absurd and using humor to confront a serious subject, I hope this film sparks conversation in our community, encouraging empathy and compassion for abuse victims, especially among men and skeptics.
With Zeke, I plan to tackle sexual assault head-on. Pun intended.
Kerry Coddett
THE CHARACTERS
zeke
Early 40s
Barber, The Boss. The kind of guy who likes to quote himself. Zeke runs the barbershop with effortless charm, always ready with a witty comeback and a big smile. But don’t be fooled—behind the charm, there’s something darker lurking, and his smooth exterior might just be a front for something more dangerous.
Portrayed By: Hassan Johnson
Hassan Johnson is an actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Roland "Wee-Bey" Brice on HBO's The Wire, where he played a fiercely loyal member of Avon Barksdale's crew. Johnson has showcased his versatility with notable roles in Entourage, Staten Island Summer, and as Drew in Showtime's Flatbush Misdemeanors. His recent work includes a role in Hulu's This Fool. Throughout his career, Hassan has been recognized for blending intensity with wit, creating some of television's most memorable characters.
THE CHARACTERS
DOM
30s
Barber, the only woman in the shop and the Queen of Unpopular Opinions. Dom thrives in a space dominated by men, never backing down from a debate. Sharp, tough, and always ready with a quick comeback, she keeps the barbershop on its toes with her brutally honest takes.
Sam Jay is an Emmy-nominated American comedian, writer, and actor best known for her work as a writer on Saturday Night Live, her Netflix comedy special 3 in the Morning, and as the co-creator and co-star of the HBO series Pause with Sam Jay and Peacock's Bust Down. She is also recognized for her role in the Netflix film You People. Her comedy specials, including Sam Jay: 3 in the Morning and Sam Jay: Salute Me or Shoot Me, highlight her unique voice and perspective in comedy.
Portrayed By: Sam Jay
THE CHARACTERS
VIC
Early 30s
Client, Good Guy. Down to earth and easygoing, but don’t sleep on him. Vic’s the type of guy who stays loyal and keeps his head down, but there’s a quiet storm brewing underneath. Once a trusted regular, a deep betrayal has shifted something in him, and now he’s not afraid to stand up for himself when the lines are crossed.
Stephen Cofield is an actor known for his roles in Terrifier 3, The Other Two, and Harlem, with television credits spanning major networks and streaming platforms such as NBC, SyFy, Prime Video, Paramount+, HBO Max, and Netflix, covering both drama and comedy. His filmography includes independent short and feature films that have been showcased at prestigious film festivals like Sundance, UrbanWorld, Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, Rhode Island International, and the Festival International du Film Panafricain in Cannes, France. In addition to his work in film and television, Stephen has appeared in commercial campaigns for major brands like Spectrum Business and Target.
Portrayed By: Stephen Cofield
THE CHARACTERS
KEISHA
30s
Vic’s Wife, Solution-Oriented. Not the one or the two. Keisha is sharp, focused, and not here for the nonsense. She supports Vic through thick and thin but isn’t afraid to call him out when needed. The voice of reason in a chaotic world, she holds things down with grace and strength.
Portrayed By: Kerry Coddett
Kerry Coddett is a Caribbean-American writer, actress, stand-up comedian, and co-founder of Grandma’s Haus. She most recently served as a Co-Producer, writing on a new drama for Apple TV. She’s also a graduate of the WGA Showrunner Training program and served as a Co-Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Head Writer on HBO’s Yvonne Orji: A Whole Me. Before that, she wrote on both seasons of Flatbush Misdemeanors on Showtime and appeared as a recurring guest star in season one. On screen, Kerry has appeared in Hulu's Ramy, Showtime’s Desus and Mero, and Pause w/Sam Jay on HBO.
THE CHARACTERS
A$AP TWELVyY
A$AP Twelvyy is a dynamic rapper and cultural influencer known for his music and presence in fashion. A key member of the iconic A$AP Mob, Twelvyy's debut album, 12, received critical acclaim for its gritty and authentic depiction of New York City life, establishing him as a powerful voice in hip-hop. Beyond his music career, Twelvyy's influence extends to fashion and lifestyle, with collaborations with major brands and designers and features in prominent campaigns such as VLONE, Puma, and Foot Locker.
GUEST APPEARANCE
THE CHARACTERS
SARAH COOPER
GUEST APPEARANCE
SARAH COOPER is the author of How to Be Successful without Hurting Men's Feelings and 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, and star of Netflix comedy special, Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine directed by Natasha Lyonne. In 2020, she went viral lip synching Donald Trump and appeared on Ellen, Late Night With Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The View, among others. Her memoir, Foolish: Tales of Assimilation, Determination, and Humiliation, was released October 3, 2023 from Dutton Books and she can be seen in Jerry Seinfeld’s directorial debut, Unfrosted: The Pop-tart Story. Sarah lives in Brooklyn with her puppers and is working on a forthcoming medieval fantasy comedy. In the interim, you can read her writings on sarahcpr.substack.com.
Produced by Kerry Coddett and Krystal Payne of Grandma’s Haus
Grandma’s Haus is not just a production company; it’s a legacy built on the belief that anything is possible. Founded by two sisters, Krystal and Kerry, the company embodies their grandmother Eileen’s boundless encouragement and unwavering support for chasing dreams.
For over two decades, these sisters have been producing content that entertains, inspires, and leaves audiences craving more. Grandma’s Haus is a testament to the power of laughter, creativity, and the belief that dreams are meant to be pursued relentlessly.
KRYSTAL PAYNE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Krystal Payne is an executive producer who specializes in developing and producing comedic content for TV, film, digital and live performances. Most recently, she had a development deal with Warner Bros for a half-hour scripted comedy and she has co-executive produced a stand-up tv special for Comedy Central, alongside Bill Burr and Pete Davidson. Prior to founding Grandma’s Haus, Krystal managed comedic talent who have appeared on networks including Netflix, Hulu, Showtime, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, Starz, HBO, FOX, Bravo,VH1, and truTV. Krystal proudly serves on the board of the Associates division ofHollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS), a networking organization dedicated to the ongoing success of the television business. Prior to embarking on a career in artist management, Krystal worked as a marketing executive for more than 10 years. She developed marketing strategies and executed major advertising campaigns for Fortune 500companies includingAmerican Express, HSBC, Verizon and Pfizer.
Olga Vázquez
Director of photography
Olga Vázquez, AEC, is a queer cinematographer born in Barcelona and based in New York City.
Her work includes Treasure Trouble starring Olivia Luccardi (The Deuce) and Matthew Shear (The Alienist), Asking For It (Fuse TV) starring Janeane Garofalo (Wet Hot American Summer) and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) and Hooked starring Catherine Curtin (Stranger Things, Insecure). She recently DP'd a two-part docu-series called Gaming Wall Street, which had its world premiere on HBO Max.
Tysha Ampadu
costume designer
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY she is the 1st daughter of 2 Ghanaian parents. Influenced by her mothers deep love for fashion and style, she found inspiration in mothers extensive closet of African garments to European pieces of 70's and 80's, she was also heavily influenced by music and film.
Her love for story telling through clothing, Ms. Ampadu naturally transitioned into costume design, from award winning short films to tv series. Her clientele includes HBO, Showtime, MSNBC, The Golf Network and Disney to name a few. As a costume designer and wardrobe stylist, Ms. Ampadu's dedication to providing the perfect look goes beyonds trends , each piece is carefully chosen to help bring character to life.
the mission
Principal Photography
Filming begins on Nov 19 and will wrap Nov 22
Begins in late November and will lock picture by mid-December
Post-production
FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS
Showing the short at festivals all over the country in 2025
world domination
2025 and beyond!
THE PROPOSITION
Whoever said “cheap things ain’t good, and good things ain’t cheap” has clearly never made an indie film. We are an independent team, committed to creating a high-quality film that reflects the immense talent of our cast and crew. Despite working with a modest budget, we aim to deliver a film that boasts high production value and is worthy of both our audience and supporters. By investing in this film, you’ll be directly contributing to an exceptional artistic endeavor that would not be possible without the help of community-driven support.
As artists, we believe in sparking the change we wish to see in the world, and as filmmakers, we want our work to start important conversations.
This film is more than just a project—it's an opportunity to tell a unique, thought-provoking story. With your support, we can transform our vision into reality, offering an unforgettable cinematic experience that will resonate long after the credits roll.
Thank you for your support in helping us bring this vision to life. Your contribution is instrumental in making this project a reality.
THE BUDGET
TOTAL BUDGET: $47,300
Cast and Crew: Aligns with the SAG-AFTRA union's minimum for a micro-budget, short film and our cast captures the heart and emotion of the story.
Our crew is the backbone, ensuring every shot, moment, and sound reflects the authenticity of the narrative.
EQUIPMENT COSTS: High-quality cameras and gear allow us to capture the visuals with the richness and detail the story deserves.
TRANSPORTATION: Moving crew and equipment between key locations efficiently so that every second of our day is spent crafting the story.
LOCATION & PERMIT FEES: Secures the spaces that become more than just backdrops—places that breathe life into Zeke’s world.
TOTAL MEALS: Nourishing our cast and crew ensures they have the energy to stay creative and focused, even during the longest days.
TOTAL POST PRODUCTION EXPENSES: Covers editing, sound design, and color grading to bring the project to completion with professional polish.
Contingency: A safety net for the unforeseen, ensuring we stay adaptable and finish strong no matter what surprises arise.
Support the Vision
Ready to jump in and be a part of something epic? Whether you’re tossing in some pocket change or going all in, every dollar gets us closer to the finish line. And we’ve got some sweet perks lined up to make sure you feel like a true part of the squad.
Check out how you can get involved (and what you’ll score):
