General Hospital star Rory Gibson, who portrays Michael Corinthos, is in his first full-length feature film, How Jessica Died. Interestingly, the film actually wrapped production in 2016. The independent psychological thriller, written and directed by Emmy-nominated Rich Nathanson, takes a chilling look at trust, control, and survival — and it’s backed by one of the most creative crowdfunding campaigns Hollywood has seen. However, Gibson is not involved in the film’s crowdfunding efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Rory Gibson stars in How Jessica Died, his first full-length feature film.
- The psychological thriller follows a woman who joins a desert commune in search of safety.
- The film’s Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign offers one-of-a-kind rewards, including private lunches with A-list industry figures.
- Director Rich Nathanson calls the project a “twisty, Twilight Zone–ish cautionary tale.”
- The film’s high-caliber talent contributes behind the scenes, including Teaspoon VFX and sound mixing in Dolby Atmos.
A Thriller With a Twist
In How Jessica Died, Mel McComb stars as Jessica, a woman crippled by anxiety who isolates herself from the world — until she meets Billy, played by Gibson. He introduces her to The Grounds, a secluded, walled-in compound in the desert where twelve people live in supposed harmony. “Being in a place with just 12 other people you can trust is better than being in a world with billions you can’t,” Jessica believes — until the peace begins to unravel.
Writer/director Rich Nathanson describes the movie as “a twisty, Twilight Zone-ish psychological thriller and disturbing cautionary tale.” The project marks Nathanson’s first time directing a feature, though his writing career includes work for Sony, MGM, Showtime, Disney, Nickelodeon, and Discovery.
Hollywood-Backed Crowdfunding
Beyond the storyline, what’s capturing attention is the film’s innovative 5-star crowdfunding campaign through Seed & Spark. Supporters can score exclusive experiences — not just merchandise or shoutouts, but in-person lunches with some of the entertainment industry’s most creative minds.
Among the rewards: lunch with The Big Bang Theory creator Bill Prady, magician and entertainer Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller), The Simpsons writer/producer Michael Price, SpongeBob SquarePants head writer Steven Banks, and Hellraiser screenwriter Peter Atkins. Additional opportunities include connecting with Black Panther VFX supervisor Todd Sheridan Perry and Detroit Rock City director Adam Rifkin, who’s currently directing Toad starring James Franco and Tiffany Haddish.
Nathanson called the campaign’s collaboration “a little crazy — but maybe it was meant to be,” explaining that once he reached out to one contact, the idea snowballed as industry friends eagerly joined in to support the project.
Big-Screen Quality Meets Indie Passion
The film’s visual work is led by Mark David as Director of Photography and Teaspoon VFX, whose credits include Black Panther, Doctor Strange, and For All Mankind. Sound design and mixing will be handled by Paul Michael in Dolby Atmos, ensuring a theatrical-quality finish.
Gibson is known for his emotional range and intensity on General Hospital. In this film, the actor is in leading-man territory in a suspenseful story about control, safety, and trust — and what happens when all three collapse.
