‘Reel’ deal

Local filmmaker seeks funding for feature film

Anyone who has ever wanted to be in the movie business now has the chance to help support a feature-length film set to begin shooting in March.

Lifelong Romulus resident Jesse McAnally, who has already completed more than 10 short films and won more than 30 awards for his work, is looking for help funding his latest project - his first feature-length  film. His campaign to help finance his latest project is now active on Kickstarter and will be available until Nov. 4, he said.  Kickstarter works by having the public pledge money toward the goal, but credit cards will only be charged once (and if) the campaign goal is reached. There are various rewards and extra add-ons "backers" can choose for different donation levels. Supporters might be able to get stickers or buttons, their name in the credits, access to behind-the-scenes photos and videos, or even receive a prop used in the film, McAnally explained.

Jesse McAnally

"A feature film is longer and more complex than the short films I have made thus far," McAnally said. "The goal is to raise at least $20,000 in order to start production this coming March." 

The film, The Daughters of the Domino, follows Nina Rose, a detective who became an overnight sensation for arresting her serial killer father, "The Domino". Years later, Nina's relationship with her combative sister Laura has never recovered. Now a new killer is in town and Laura's daughter is missing. The sisters must work together, leading to a confrontation with their past.

McAnally, who graduated from Romulus High School in 2014, earned a bachelor's degree in media arts from Wayne State University and produces promotional videos and event photography as well as his short films. He created a documentary film, Romulus and Me, in 2018. 

All McAnally's film productions to date prominently feature the City of Romulus and the historic Bird House in the community is a location in nearly every one of McAnally's film projects. His film, After Ashes, featured aspects of the historic home and was honored with the Detroit Trinity International Film Festival award for Best Short Film and the Adrian International Film Festival award for Best Student Film. His connection to the community is deep and he has a long family history in the city. His grandmother, Beverly McAnally, was the first woman ever elected to the Romulus City Council and she also served as the first woman mayor of the city from 1983 until 1995.

 To learn more about his campaign or make a donation, visit daughtersofthedomino .com or email McAnally at foscafeatures@gmail.com.