Student, Employee Develops Screenplay with Spy Kid Director

While Jason Stetler's full-time gig is working as an audio-visual manager at Millersville University and plugging away at courses in pursuit of an English degree, he also moonlights as an independent filmmaker.

In the film industry, he goes by the name Jake Stetler - his pen name for projects. He won awards for his screenplays, including the short film "Calf Rope," and wrote and directed the upcoming feature-length film, "A Stray Ember," which is currently in post-production. As a longtime fan of Westerns, a subject of several of his previous projects, he's also a member of the Western Writers of America.

Stetler says the beginnings of his creative journey began when he was about 10 years old. He'd just watched the film "First Blood," which introduced audiences to the now-famous character Rambo, and he was left in awe.

Two things happened after that viewing: first, he wanted to know who wrote the story - the film is based on the book by Stetler's now-confessed favorite author, David Morrell. Morrell isn't just famous for his writing. He's best-known for his hands-on research for his thriller novels, even going so far as to become trained in firearms, hostage negotiation, assuming identities and even earning his pilot's license. Second, the movie inspired Stetler to join the military. "I realized that I loved storytelling," says Stetler. "And I wanted to jump out of perfectly good aircraft."

Just as he imagined, Stetler went on to join the armed forces and eventually became a paratrooper. It was a jump over the jungles of Panama, he says, that finally put things into perspective for him. "In the aircraft all is chaos - jumpmasters screaming commands and the howling wind - then you take a literal leap of faith," shares Stetler. "Right after the parachute snapped opened, I had an epiphany: I wanted to be a screenwriter and a filmmaker. Then on the way down, all is peaceful, nothing between you and the ground. The only sound is the parachute cloth fluttering in the breeze. I suddenly felt invigorated by my decision."

That jump - and other events - eventually led Stetler to write the story pitch that ended up earning film director Robert Rodriquez's attention. Audiences might recognize Rodriquez as the director of the "Spy Kids," "Sin City," "Alita: Battle Angel" and more. Rodriquez's label, Brass Knuckle Films, is an investable, fan-powered production label that Stetler joined as a member. Through this model, fans can invest in a slate of Rodriquez's films and take a share of their earnings.

Through Brass Knuckle Films, Rodriquez also launched the Best Idea Wins Contest last May, where the director asked his stakeholders to pitch ideas for a movie. Of the initial 2,500 applications, only Stetler's and one other concept were chosen. "I had a quiet confidence in my chances and was thrilled when I won," says Stetler. "The old adage is true: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

The narrowing down process was lengthy, and included first creating a written pitch then producing a dynamic, two-minute video. The first round took the pool of possible winners from 2,500 down to 400, and then just 23 remained. Those remaining had only 10 minutes to pitch directly to the filmmaker over Zoom. According to Stetler, "Rodriquez had notes for all 23 submissions."

"It was an adrenaline-fueled punch to the heart," shares Stetler. "And even though they said we had just 10 minutes, Robert stayed on the call with me quite a bit longer, which seemed like a good sign. He had no notes on the story for me, but he did ask me to come prepared with alternate story titles."

The script's working title is "Breach of Trust," and tells the story of a reclusive best-selling thriller author, known for his hands-on tactical research, who must fight to survive when a terror attack on his home turns out to be an elaborate heist orchestrated in part by his estranged daughter. Readers may be able to guess who the protagonist of the story is based on.

How did he advance to the next round? Strong script aside, Stetler says, "being confident but humble. I think my passion for my own project came through. My final question to him was, 'What can I do to help make Brass Knuckle Films a success?'"

Then the wait began. "I was a bit anxious. We didn't hear from him for a while." Stetler was preparing to have knee replacement surgery - the aftereffects of his years as a paratrooper and former gymnast - and jokes, "I was afraid I'd get the call while I was on my pain medications!" Finally, the company shared that there would be a Zoom meeting with investors where the winner would be announced. Fortunately, Stetler was at home recovering from surgery and got to hear the news for himself, firsthand, with his head clear.

So, what happens now? "Currently, I've signed a contract, and I can say that Brass Knuckle Films has optioned my movie idea. I will be developing the screenplay with the company and will also work directly with Robert Rodriquez," says Stetler.

Stay tuned for more announcements about the upcoming project and check out more of Stetler's previous work here: jakestetler.com

While Jason Stetler's full-time gig is working as an audio-visual manager at Millersville University and plugging away at courses in pursuit of an English degree, he also moonlights as an independent filmmaker.

In the film industry, he goes by the name Jake Stetler - his pen name for projects. He won awards for his screenplays, including the short film "Calf Rope," and wrote and directed the upcoming feature-length film, "A Stray Ember," which is currently in post-production. As a longtime fan of Westerns, a subject of several of his previous projects, he's also a member of the Western Writers of America.

Stetler says the beginnings of his creative journey began when he was about 10 years old. He'd just watched the film "First Blood," which introduced audiences to the now-famous character Rambo, and he was left in awe.

Two things happened after that viewing: first, he wanted to know who wrote the story - the film is based on the book by Stetler's now-confessed favorite author, David Morrell. Morrell isn't just famous for his writing. He's best-known for his hands-on research for his thriller novels, even going so far as to become trained in firearms, hostage negotiation, assuming identities and even earning his pilot's license. Second, the movie inspired Stetler to join the military. "I realized that I loved storytelling," says Stetler. "And I wanted to jump out of perfectly good aircraft."

Just as he imagined, Stetler went on to join the armed forces and eventually became a paratrooper. It was a jump over the jungles of Panama, he says, that finally put things into perspective for him. "In the aircraft all is chaos - jumpmasters screaming commands and the howling wind - then you take a literal leap of faith," shares Stetler. "Right after the parachute snapped opened, I had an epiphany: I wanted to be a screenwriter and a filmmaker. Then on the way down, all is peaceful, nothing between you and the ground. The only sound is the parachute cloth fluttering in the breeze. I suddenly felt invigorated by my decision."

That jump - and other events - eventually led Stetler to write the story pitch that ended up earning film director Robert Rodriquez's attention. Audiences might recognize Rodriquez as the director of the "Spy Kids," "Sin City," "Alita: Battle Angel" and more. Rodriquez's label, Brass Knuckle Films, is an investable, fan-powered production label that Stetler joined as a member. Through this model, fans can invest in a slate of Rodriquez's films and take a share of their earnings.

Through Brass Knuckle Films, Rodriquez also launched the Best Idea Wins Contest last May, where the director asked his stakeholders to pitch ideas for a movie. Of the initial 2,500 applications, only Stetler's and one other concept were chosen. "I had a quiet confidence in my chances and was thrilled when I won," says Stetler. "The old adage is true: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

The narrowing down process was lengthy, and included first creating a written pitch then producing a dynamic, two-minute video. The first round took the pool of possible winners from 2,500 down to 400, and then just 23 remained. Those remaining had only 10 minutes to pitch directly to the filmmaker over Zoom. According to Stetler, "Rodriquez had notes for all 23 submissions."

"It was an adrenaline-fueled punch to the heart," shares Stetler. "And even though they said we had just 10 minutes, Robert stayed on the call with me quite a bit longer, which seemed like a good sign. He had no notes on the story for me, but he did ask me to come prepared with alternate story titles."

The script's working title is "Breach of Trust," and tells the story of a reclusive best-selling thriller author, known for his hands-on tactical research, who must fight to survive when a terror attack on his home turns out to be an elaborate heist orchestrated in part by his estranged daughter. Readers may be able to guess who the protagonist of the story is based on.

How did he advance to the next round? Strong script aside, Stetler says, "being confident but humble. I think my passion for my own project came through. My final question to him was, 'What can I do to help make Brass Knuckle Films a success?'"

Then the wait began. "I was a bit anxious. We didn't hear from him for a while." Stetler was preparing to have knee replacement surgery - the aftereffects of his years as a paratrooper and former gymnast - and jokes, "I was afraid I'd get the call while I was on my pain medications!" Finally, the company shared that there would be a Zoom meeting with investors where the winner would be announced. Fortunately, Stetler was at home recovering from surgery and got to hear the news for himself, firsthand, with his head clear.

So, what happens now? "Currently, I've signed a contract, and I can say that Brass Knuckle Films has optioned my movie idea. I will be developing the screenplay with the company and will also work directly with Robert Rodriquez," says Stetler.

Stay tuned for more announcements about the upcoming project and check out more of Stetler's previous work here: jakestetler.com