Poster Art by Cait Maloney
This Thursday night, October 15th, marks the 10th celebration of Jasper’s 2nd Act Film Project and indie film aficionados from across the state will be gathering once again at Harbison Theatre to screen 16 brand new films by the independent SC filmmakers selected for this year’s project. Tickets are limited but there should still be room for you!
Presented by the Jasper Project, the 2nd Act Film Project is the only film festival of its kind. After being selected through an application process to participate in the year’s project, filmmakers are given a screenplay consisting of only two-to-four lines in acts one and three of the script. The film artists are then charged with writing the second act of the script and creating the film in its entirety. Throughout the filmmaking process, filmmakers are encouraged to advise one another, share resources, and cooperate with other artists in the indie film community.
According to 2nd Act Film Project founder, Wade Sellers, “It’s amazing to think that, with the addition of this year’s films, 2nd Act and the Jasper Project will have produced a total of 116 short films over the past 10 events.” 2nd Act Film Project was founded by Sellers in 2013 and has been produced annually with the exception of during the Covid pandemic.
“The diversity in filmmaking voices, approach to the medium, and most importantly, the writing continue to impress every year,” Sellers says. “This year’s slate of films is the best group of 16 we have ever screened and is a testament to not only 2nd Act’s small part in helping grow the indie film community in South Carolina, but also to the home-grown talent that’s willing to share their stories through movies.”
While 2nd Act films were initially screened in venues like the original performance area of Tapp’s Arts Center on Main Street in Columbia, Trustus Theatre, and the market space at 701 Whaley—and typically had to include an additional screening time to accommodate audience size—in 2025 the project relocated to Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College in Irmo, which seats more than 400 people. Harbison Theatre executive director, Kristin Cobb and her team have made the Jasper Project and 2nd Act filmmakers feel right at home.
“We’re delighted to welcome the 2nd Act Film Project back to Harbison Theatre for a second year,” Cobb says. “Supporting local artists and projects like Jasper’s 2nd Act is one of the best ways to celebrate the creative spirit of our community—and to remind ourselves that you don’t have to go to Hollywood to find great storytelling. We’re excited to showcase these filmmakers, their cool ideas, and the conversations their work inspires."
Limited tickets are still available to attend the 2026 2nd Act Film Project Screening at Harbison Theatre on the campus of Midlands Technical College in Irmo. Tickets are $20 in advance and may be purchased from Harbison Theatre, the Jasper Project website, or the 2nd Act Film Project website.
Congratulations to the entire 2026 roster of Jasper 2nd Act Film Project Filmmakers!
Tom Baire - Columbia
Tom Baire began his career in broadcast television after studying radio and television production, gaining hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of television production. He later transitioned into marketing and branded video production, combining his technical background with a passion for visual storytelling. Today he serves in a leadership role at Splash Omnimedia, a full-service marketing firm in Lexington, South Carolina, where he leads video and photography production efforts. With nearly 20 years of professional experience behind the camera, Tom continues to pursue his passion for cinematic storytelling.
Jennifer Baxley - Columbia
Jennifer Baxley is owner of Severien, a boutique IT consulting firm. She is also a software instructor for both Midlands Technical College and BCBS. For her Pawmetto Lifeline music video, Jennifer won the first Palmetto Pillar award for Technology in the Arts by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. She is also the creator of Midlife and a 2nd Act Film Project alum.
Behind the scenes on Nick Clay’s film
Jason Berry - Columbia
From Columbia, SC who made the transition from the world of music to writing & directing 8 years ago. My Filmmaking roots are horror leaning, looking to provide a distinct experience to the audience through my lens.
Chris Bickel - Columbia
Christopher Bickel's origins are in the US punk and hardcore scene. Bickel describes his movies as "punk rock demo tapes." Bickel's CV includes stints as a columnist for MaximumRockNRoll magazine and Dangerous Minds. He was also singer in the punk bands In/Humanity and Guyana Punch Line, as well as the brains behind prolific avant-garde recording project Anakrid. He has produced and directed three underground feature films: THE THETA GIRL, BAD GIRLS, and PATER NOSTER AND THE MISSION OF LIGHT. He is currently in post-production on his fourth feature, CUT TO RED. His "day job" is record buyer for Papa Jazz Record Shoppe in Columbia, SC.
William Nicholas Clay - Columbia
William Nicholas Clay is an award-winning South Carolina filmmaker known for his playful storytelling and creative versatility across genres. He directed the feature film Party Hard (2020), as well as the award-winning short films The Easter Sunday Massacre and The Beautiful Confusion. He has also directed music videos for South Carolina artists, highlighting the region’s distinctive voices and talent. Through his production company, Reel Vantage Films, William continues to create entertaining, locally rooted work with a bold, imaginative spirit while championing his hometown’s vibrant artistic community.
Behind the Scenes with Jonathan Rabon and the CIU Team
Ed Connolly - Spartanburg
Ed Connolly is an actor, writer, and filmmaker based in Spartanburg, SC. After retiring from a 35-year career as a music educator, Ed began pursuing a second act in film. He recently won Best Lead Acting at the 2026 Asheville 48 Hour Film Project, and films he has written and produced have earned numerous awards and screened at festivals throughout the Southeast and beyond. Ed is represented by Aligned Stars Agency in Atlanta and continues to work in film, television, and commercial.
Mathew Lee Cothran - Cayce
Mathew Lee Cothran is a songwriter and performing artist who lives in Cayce, SC. Mathew leads the musical projects Coma Cinema and elvis depressedly, both of which have garnered a large cult following that allowed him to tour in many countries. Though music has been Mathew’s focus he has always had a passion for filmmaking, creating two album length films and many music videos to accompany his songs over the years. He has recently branched out into directing for other artists, including an upcoming video for the Philadelphia rock band Knifeplay, while continuing to write albums and perform with his band.
Brian Harmon - Columbia
Born in Lexington, SC Brian attended Wofford College before spending
several years abroad in Mexico, Switzerland, Taiwan, and New Zealand where he was variously employed as a deckhand, photographer, editor, teacher, and seasonal farm worker. Brian move back to South Carolina to pursue an MA in Media Arts at USC and continued there to receive a PhD in Rhetoric & Composition. Brian has produced dozens of short films independently and for organizations such as Historic Columbia, One Columbia, Edventure, and the Jasper Project. His films have been included in several conferences and festivals including Indie Grits and Visible Evidence. This is his second effort as part of the 2nd Act Film Project with co-writer Sam Suaudom, but this time, they are joined by Brian's 6-year old daughter Sylvia who takes co-writer, co-producer, and actor credits.
Ethan Lopez - Greenville
Ethan Lopez is a filmmaker with 4 years of experience creating original short films and YouTube content. He is passionate about creating high-quality films with creative
storytelling and is always looking for opportunities to learn more about cinematography and advance his skills. He won first place in the 2025 SC Young Filmmakers competition from the SC Film Commission.
Jessica Lyle - Columbia
Jessica Lyle is a filmmaker, writer, producer, director, and actor who began acting as a child in Los Angeles. Now based in Columbia, South Carolina, her life experiences have shaped the stories she tells and the roles she breathes life into, giving her a deep appreciation for vulnerability, resilience, humor, and connection. In 2024, she founded Film Craft — Where Storytellers Belong, a growing statewide film community connecting filmmakers to collaborate, learn, and create. Her acting credits include Christmas in Mistletoe, This Present Time, Rewrite, Awakening, Vision, and No Chance, along with commercial work for Eckrich/Smithfield Foods, Hoover, and WIS. Most recently, she wrote, produced, and directed The Gran Trap, filmed right here in Columbia.
Trevor Mawhinney - Columbia
Trevor Mawhinney is a Videographer based out of Columbia, SC. Originally from Washington state, Trevor found his passion in Video Production during his time in the Navy as a Cryptologic Technician serving in Augusta, GA. Trevor has worked with many local Companies, including The Building Industry Association, United Way, Blar Cato Pickeren Casterline, and many more. While Trevor works as a videographer, he has recently set his sights on filmmaking and is working hard to move his career in that direction.
Chris Refo - Columbia
Chris Refo is a videographer based out of Columbia, SC. Born and raised in Columbia, Chris found a passion in writing stories at a young age. This interest in storytelling grew as he did, eventually finding the same passion in filmmaking. Currently working as a Camera Specialist in retail, he is eager to push for his dreams in filmmaking. Chris dreams of creating films that are memorable for others, regardless of genre.
Jonathan Rabon (Instructor) and Students from Columbia International University
CIU 4712 is the senior film making class at Columbia International University. In the class we dive into digital media production through training in screenwriting, cinematography, and video editing to prepare students for the film and marketing industries. This is CIU’s first debut at the Second Act Film Festival. The team members this year are Josh Carlson, Katie Lawson, and Caleb McLamb. The group is facilitated by Professor Johnathan Rabon.
Jonathan Sessions - 1080c Productions at the University of South Carolina
Liz Stalker - Columbia
Liz Stalker is a screenwriter from Columbia, SC. She’s been writing for the screen since she was 13 years old, making her debut with a middle schooler written, produced, and starred horror short—but none of it has been very good until recently. She’s currently getting her MFA in Screenwriting at The University of Georgia.
Trey Weaver - Columbia
Trey Weaver is a filmmaker and actor from Columbia, SC. A recent graduate of the New York Film Academy, Trey has worked both in front of and behind the camera. His work is heavily influenced by his Southern upbringing, and he has a passion for telling authentic stories about the people and culture of the South. Now back home in South Carolina, Trey is excited to make the 2nd Act Film Project his filmmaking debut since returning and continue to build his career within the local film community.
