ACTOR ATTACHMENTS
Alec Baldwin
Award-winning actor and producer whose decades-long career spans critically acclaimed independent films and major studio productions.
William H. Macy
Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award-winning actor, recognized as one of the most respected performers of his generation.
Additional recognizable cast members have committed to the project. Official casting announcements will be made as agreements are finalized.
LOGLINE
The Past Is Still Present
STORY
Kent State is an intimate historical drama that explores one of the most pivotal moments in modern American history through the eyes of a single family divided by circumstance.
In 1970, sixteen-year-old Will McCormack dreams of attending Kent State University despite the expectations of his working-class family. As anti-war demonstrations sweep across campus, Will is drawn into the student movement while his older brother serves in the Ohio National Guard. Their lives collide on May 4, 1970, when the Guard opens fire on unarmed students, forever altering both their family and the nation.
Fifty years later, following the death of their mother, an older Will is forced to confront the memories he has spent a lifetime trying to suppress. As he and his estranged sister uncover long-buried family secrets, they discover how one tragic day reshaped not only their own lives but generations to come.
Blending historical truth with deeply personal storytelling, Kent State examines the lasting consequences of silence, the courage required to confront the past, and the enduring importance of protecting the right to dissent. It is a powerful reminder that history is never truly behind us—it continues to shape who we are today.
WHY INVEST
Kent State offers investors the opportunity to help bring one of the most significant untold stories in modern American history to the screen. More than fifty years after the tragic events of May 4, 1970, this will be the first narrative feature film to dramatize one of the defining moments in America's struggle over free speech, civil liberties, and the relationship between citizens and government.
The project is anchored by acclaimed actors Alec Baldwin and William H. Macy and produced by veteran production executive Nic Marshall, whose extensive experience delivering films for companies including A24, Netflix, Sony, HBO, and Fox Searchlight brings exceptional production expertise to the project. Her background in production finance, budgeting, and tax incentive strategy provides investors with confidence that the film is being developed on a strong operational foundation.
Rather than simply recreating a historical event, Kent State tells an intimate, emotionally powerful family story that explores how moments of national tragedy continue to shape generations long after the headlines fade. As conversations surrounding free speech, political division, and civic responsibility remain deeply relevant today, the film is uniquely positioned to resonate with contemporary audiences while offering meaningful festival, educational, streaming, and international distribution potential.
For investors, Kent State represents the opportunity to participate in an important piece of American cinema that combines historical significance, recognizable talent, experienced leadership, and enduring cultural relevance.
TEAM
PRODUCER: Nic Marshall
Founder of NJM Films, Nic Marshall is an independent producer and production executive with more than 15 years of experience bringing acclaimed independent films from development through delivery. Formerly Executive Vice President of Production & Operations at Maven Screen Media (formerly Maven Pictures), she has overseen productions released by A24, Netflix, Sony, HBO, Fox Searchlight, IFC Films, Magnolia Pictures, and Focus Features.
A recognized expert in production finance, budgeting, tax incentive strategy, and physical production, Marshall has managed productions ranging from intimate independent features to multi-million-dollar international co-productions. Her experience building financially viable production plans and guiding projects from development through post-production provides a strong operational foundation for Kent State.
Additional key creative team members will be announced as production progresses.
KEY DETAILS
GENRE: Historical Drama
BASED ON: True Events
SETTING: Kent, Ohio and Present-Day Florida
TIME PERIODS: 1970 and Present Day
STATUS: Development
CURRENT FINANCING: Raising equity financing.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The first narrative feature film to dramatize the events surrounding the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970.
THEMES: Family, truth, justice, free speech, generational trauma, civic responsibility, and the enduring impact of history on the present.