How To Support This York-Born Actor's Feature Film
York-born writer and actor Jessica Cusick is shooting a new independent rom-com across the region this spring
Jess is an actress and digital strategist with a background in acting and foreign languages, having spent several years living and working abroad. ‘I’ve always been drawn to communication and storytelling that transcends barriers,’ she tells us.
She started out in community theatre and after-school clubs from around the age of 13, and her first on-screen experience was a music video for BBC Radio 1 Introducing winners Faux Pas in 2016. ‘Writing came a little later,’ she tells us. ‘I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, whether that was making up stories as a child or journaling, but more recently I’ve started developing that into screenwriting as a way to create the kind of work I want to see on screen.
‘I'm very fortunate to come from a creative family. My mum was an actress and my dad is a musician. My grandparents were always singing and making up stories with us grandchildren. Every Christmas my nanna would take myself, my siblings and my cousins to see our local pantomime and I remember feeling electric watching the actors on stage. I never imagined doing anything else.’
Jess has had plenty of career highlights. ‘I love that every role you play you get to learn new skills,’ she says.’ The “I Hate Dancing” Faux Pas music video was really exciting because that was my first professional credit and I got to experience an escapist water tank, which was definitely an experience! I've worked with professional kick-boxers for martial arts films, worn corsets so tight I couldn't sit down, and playing boules with Elle Fanning was surreal. I would have to say the highlight for me so far has been bringing my first project Between the Lines to life, and the incredible cast and crew that have been working alongside me.’
Between the Lines is a romance that explores connection, identity, and what it means to be seen. ‘Having spent over a decade in the industry, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of typecasting and the pressure to fit into predefined roles, particularly for women, but for men as well,’ she says. ‘This project is a response to that. It’s about creating characters who are valued for their emotional depth and complexity, rather than surface-level expectations. At its core, it’s a story about authenticity, and the courage it takes to step beyond the roles we’re given.’
Between the Lines tells the story of Ava Conway, a quietly formidable writer who lands her first studio commission after a breakout short film. But her uncompromising voice is quickly labelled a problem, and she’s told to soften her work or risk losing the opportunity. Reid Harper, a former teen star whose career is faltering, agrees to take on a romantic lead role on the condition he helps shape the script. Forced to co-write a film neither fully believes in, Ava and Reid clash over tone, power, and truth, until the collaboration turns into chemistry that neither of them expected or can fully control.
The project is being produced by Northern production company Alora’s Productions, and the team are currently crowdfunding a proof-of-concept short film which will be shot in the region this May as the first step toward developing the feature. ‘We hope to use this as an opportunity to raise funds for the feature-length film shooting later in 2026/2027,’ says Jess. ‘As a Northern creative, it was important to me to keep the project rooted in this region. There’s so much talent, character and beauty here, and I wanted to create opportunities that reflect that, both on and off screen. The local businesses and communities have been nothing but supportive, and it's a place I'm proud to call home.’
Jess says viewers can expect a romance that feels real. ‘There’s comfort and familiarity in Between the Lines but with grit and depth that makes the characters feel tangible,’ she adds. ‘It's not about cliche, over the top, Hollywood gestures – but a connection that lives in the unspoken moments, the quiet glances and the freedom that comes with allowing yourself to be seen fully.
‘I hope Between the Lines resonates with people who feel like they’ve been put into boxes, whether in their personal lives or professionally. It’s a romance at heart, so I want audiences to feel that sense of connection and warmth, but also to leave with the reminder that you don’t have to wait for permission to tell your story. Much like the character of Ava, Between the Lines came because I wanted to use my voice in a way that I was proud of, to create a story that connects, and that allows audiences not only to fall in love with the characters and their story, but their own, messy bits and all!’
