Private Project

Ruby Keys

A rock band writes a new song while the memory of their dead bandmate haunts them.

  • Jacob Peter Smith
    Director
  • Jacob Peter Smith
    Writer
  • Jacob Peter Smith
    Producer
  • Rex Basalone
    Director of Photography
  • Connor Impson
    Composer
  • Zackery Mondin
    Key Cast
    "Lux"
  • Brayden Barfield
    Key Cast
    "Gary"
  • Emma Clay
    Key Cast
    "Shae"
  • Simonton
    Key Cast
    "Ky"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 22, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 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:
    Yes - NYFA
Director Biography - Jacob Peter Smith

Jacob Peter Smith is a director/screenwriter from Lexington, KY, currently working on a Master's of Fine Arts in screenwriting at NYFA in Los Angeles. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, double majoring in Film/Television and Economics. His senior thesis film, My Hero Resolved, won an Award of Excellence from the BEA Student Festival of Media Arts in 2023 and won a Best Writing student Emmy from the NATAS Ohio Valley Chapter College Student Production Awards in 2022.

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Director Statement

Ruby Keys is a story about guilt and how it haunts people like a ghost. My approach to telling this story was to create a radical tone shift in a seemingly light hearted film where the vibe suddenly becomes very dark. I wanted to convey how triggering internal feelings can pull a person out of a sunny mood and create a cage of despair. My biggest influence is Mike Flanagan and his brand of very character driven horror.