Private Project

None Of It's Real

Creston McKim’s backyard in the middle of the Mojave Desert contains his portal to an entire world of adventure: his green screen, which he uses to film homemade action movies.

  • Jonathan Levy
    Director
  • Jonathan Levy
    Producer
  • Creston McKim
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Andrey Zaritisky
    Cinematographer
  • Jonathan Levy
    Writer
  • Asa Fox
    Color Correction
  • Dmitry Kroupsky
    Sound Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 5, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jonathan Levy

Growing up in North Carolina, Jonathan's fascination with filmmaking took root at age 12 when he began creating Twin Peaks fan fiction in his backyard with friends. This early passion project paved the way for a lifelong obsession with making films.

After moving to New York, Jonathan quickly became involved with The Collective NY, where his short plays, including Camping Out, were produced to great reviews. As an actor and performer, he had a stint on America's Got Talent and appeared in Delocated and Abel Ferrara's Mulberry Street. Behind the camera, Jonathan developed his voice and a penchant for psychological thrillers through his filmmaking endeavors.

Today, Jonathan resides in Los Angeles, where he directs, writes, produces, hikes, plays drums in a band, and continues creating.

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Director Statement

For nearly a decade, I've been connected to North Edwards, CA, a small, off-the-beaten-path community tucked away in the Mojave Desert. What began as an Airbnb stay with the "unofficial mayor" evolved into a kinship with the town and its residents, many of whom reflect the realities of those living on society's fringes.

One such resident is Creston McKim. After a failed attempt to break into Hollywood and a dangerous police intervention during a guerrilla shoot, Creston retreated to the desert, building a massive green screen in his backyard. In this quiet isolation, he continues making films on his own terms, free from the pressures of Hollywood's gatekeepers.

Creston’s story reflects a larger theme—the struggle between creative independence and an industry dominated by commercialism. In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and blockbuster formulas, Creston embodies the spirit of DIY filmmaking. His journey also mirrors North Edwards, a town left behind by economic shifts but where a quiet, determined creativity still thrives. Against the backdrop of a forgotten community, Creston's persistence in chasing his dream is both a personal triumph and a reflection of the enduring power of independent creativity.

This isn’t just about one man—it’s about resilience, the pursuit of art beyond commercial constraints, and how forgotten places can still nurture bold dreams.