Bring Grandboy(s) To The Screen

An old man; a bold plan. 

Grandboy(s) is a dramedy following Jerry Taylor on his quest to maintain his autonomy. 

Logline:

Jerry Taylor, an abrasive elderly veteran, wants to maintain his last stretch of dignity and autonomy. When he discovers his roommate and younger brother, Theodore, is planning on moving into a senior living community he commences a prideful campaign to prove he can live on his own. 

Synopsis: 

85 year old Jerry Taylor lives with his roommate and younger brother, Theodore, in a symbiotic relationship of sorts. While Theodore is endearingly naive and lacking in perceptiveness, Jerry is a protective force. Where Jerry’s charm and eloquence fall short, Theodore steps in to provide warmth and support.

All is well - or so it seems - until Theodore proposes their move into a senior living community. Convinced Theodore is readying to pack up and leave, Jerry embarks on an self-righteous quest to prove that he can do it all on his own. Determined to protect his dignity and maintain his autonomy at any cost, Jerry’s actions blur the line between genuine self-determination and self-inflicted harm.

In a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of aging and brotherhood, Jerry must confront his own insecurities and the lengths he will go to maintain control. As tensions rise, will Jerry ultimately meet the revelation that overcoming ego leads to real connection or will his campaign to safeguard his pride lead to irrevocable consequences?

WHY THIS FILM? 

Directors statement

Grandboy(s) is a love letter to my release of control. Much like our protagonist, Jerry Taylor, I have spent much of my life fighting for control. Even in situations that were entirely out of my hands.  

As I slowly approach my mid-twenties I sit with a plethora of questions and fears about what life will look like as I continue to age. Only fully having control of my own life for a handful of years, I can’t imagine going back to not having control. This forms the groundwork of Grandboy(s). What does life look like for someone who has had control, wants to maintain control, but cannot hold on to control. For some things would be just fine, and for others, things could be, well, be fatal.

Through GRANDBOY(s) I aim to explore a contrasting set of perspectives, particularly how an individuals yearning for autonomy and connection can collide with their own stubbornness and ego, thus keeping those desires an arms reach away. This film offers insights into the internal battle between our desires vs our behaviors in pursuing them.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MILWAUKEE Senior Thesis Film. 

GRANDBOY(s) is a story I believe deserves to be seen.

This film is my senior thesis  for the Film BFA at UWM. This project is the culmination of everything I’ve learned over the last four years—every class, every critique, and every moment of growth that shaped how I tell stories. It represents not only where I am as a filmmaker, but where I’m ready to go next.

I’m making this film because it matters to me, and I believe it will matter to audiences. 

I have set my sights on creating a piece that feels real, grounded, and intentional—something that reflects the voice I’ve been developing as a filmmaker. But to do that, I need support. The reality is that thesis films require more than creativity—they require production resources, equipment, space, and time to execute the vision correctly. With financial and institutional support, I can keep the project on track, protect the quality of the work, and fully realize what I’m aiming to say through this film.

MEET THE CAST: 

JERRY TAYLOR:

*Abrasive aging veteran hidebound on maintaining control. LEAD

Character Arc

Once the bold and revered Captain of the Mosquito Company, 6th Battalion, Jerry Taylor has long tasted the intoxicating waters of power and respect. He’s navigated life with the resolute belief that being unlikable is acceptable as long as he commands respect. Now, in his twilight years, removed from the structured world of the military, Jerry finds himself as little more than a bossy civilian without the authoritative perch from which he once preached.

In this new reality, Jerry redirects his domineering attitude toward his roommate and younger brother, Theodore. With much of his identity tied to his role as an authority figure, Jerry grapples with the daunting question: Who is he if he is not in charge? And can he truly live independently at this stage of his life?

In response to these unsettling questions, Jerry resorts to manipulation to maintain control, battling the creeping feelings of belittlement and insignificance that threaten his self-worth. Jerry's journey is one of confronting his fears of disconnection and recognizing that vulnerability is integral to fostering deeper relationships.

Theodore Taylor:

*Leisurely elder ready to bask in the freedom of his twilight years. LEAD

Character Description:

Theodore "Theo" Taylor has navigated life's challenges with remarkable resilience and grace. Now, in his twilight years, he seeks to savor each moment, embracing the simple pleasures that define his peaceful existence.

Theo embodies the spirit of tranquility, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of smooth jazz in the background. Picture him lounging with an ice-cold beer in hand, engrossed in a classic Western playing on TV—these moments encapsulate his idea of paradise. With a warm smile and an easy laugh, he possesses a laid-back charm that effortlessly draws others in, creating a sense of comfort wherever he goes.

However, Theo's welcoming nature can sometimes attract unwanted attention. Without the built-in defense of his older brother, Jerry, he often finds himself vulnerable and prone to being taken advantage of. While Jerry's protective instincts have shaped much of his life, Theo sometimes feels trapped within this dynamic. Jerry's bossiness and insistence on having things his way create an unspoken tension, turning protection into a source of frustration.

ARTISTIC APPROACH: