Private Project

What to Expect When You're Not Expecting

In this queer comedy short, Spencer and his husband Elliot run into one road-block after another in their journey toward becoming Daddy's, while Spencer's best friend, London, deals with her own parenthood problems. Spencer eventually learns that all good things take time, even for such an anal retentive couple.

  • Jackson Tropp
    Director
  • Jackson Tropp
    Writer
  • Jackson Tropp
    Producer
  • James C Velasquez
    Producer
  • Ryan Tropp
    Producer
  • Jackson Tropp
    Key Cast
    "Spencer"
  • Whitney Leavitt
    Key Cast
    "London"
  • Todd A Jackson
    Key Cast
    "Elliot"
  • Peter Pasco
    Key Cast
    "Damon"
  • Mattilyn Rochester Kravitz
    Key Cast
    "Serena"
  • Tony Blass
    Key Cast
    "Hal"
  • Allie Arasi
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Comedy
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 16, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Marina Del Rey Film Festival 2024
    Sherman Oaks
    United States
    June 23, 2024
  • San Diego Short Film Festival 2024
    San Diego
    United States
    June 29, 2024
    Winner of Best Comedy, Honorable Mention: Best Actor in Support and Honorable Mention: Best First-Time Filmmaker
  • Long Beach QFilms 2024
    Long Beach
  • Cinema Diverse 2024
    Palm Springs
  • San Antonio Q Fest
    San Antonio
    October 12, 2024
  • Desert Waves
    Las Vegas
    October 12, 2024
  • San Francisco Indie Short Film Festival
    San Francisco
    October 17, 2024
  • Micheaux Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    October 26, 2024
  • Austin Short Film Festival
    Austin, Texas
    November 9, 2024
  • East Lansing Film Festival
    East Lansing, Michigan
    November 10, 2024
Director Biography - Jackson Tropp

Jackson Tropp is a versatile SAG-Aftra actor, writer, and director from Los Angeles, known for his engaging presence across television, film, and live entertainment. With a talent for bringing stories to life, whether on screen or behind the camera, Jackson has a knack for comedy, drama, and everything in between. He’s described as Dan Levy meets Alan Cumming in a campy show like The Good Place and he is a great fit for the gay best friend in a sappy comedy.

His diverse training and special skills, ranging from stand-up comedy to martial arts and dance, complement his dynamic career. He’s obtained a B.A. in Theatre Arts & Electronic media and has trained with some of the best in LA. Recent highlights include starring in the short film "Last Night" and taking a supporting role in the promising webseries, "Not Like Other Girls," and a directorial debut with "What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting," showcasing his multifaceted talent and creative ambition in the entertainment world.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

What to Expect When You're NOT Expecting is an over-the-top, zany and sappy comedy that exposes challenges to parenthood that exist for same-sex couples. Ingrained in queer history and culture is the humor that makes light of our bleak circumstances and the continuous fight against the societal injustices that stand in our way. This film showcases exactly that; the resilience of the queer community and the lighthearted and comedic way in which we often overcome our struggles.