Circle of Shame is a semi-autobiographical short film about dating, hookup culture, connection, and kinks. The story centers on Ben, who is rebounding from a rough breakup when he encounters Ty on the apps. Ty is seriously sexy, seemingly perfect, and somehow interested in the somewhat confident Ben. At the urging of his roommate, Pierre, Ben heads to Ty’s apartment in Manhattan with the instruction to say “yes” at every opportunity. Little does Ben know, his “yes” will be put to the test. Twists, turn-ons, and hilarity ensues when Ben learns that Ty has more up his sleeve than a casual encounter…

who’s who …

Jacob Hoffman

Jacob Hoffman is a writer and actor with nearly three decades of professional experience. Following a promising start in his self-produced Kindergarten Thanksgiving Spectacular (it’s real, it happened), Jacob began his professional career as an actor in the Chicago theatre scene at age 7 (can you even? Imagine those eyes in a teeny tiny head).

After a decade delivering award-winning performances, founding and running Chicago’s first professional youth-based theatre company, and one great story about an appearance on Oprah, Jacob moved east to study Drama at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

Upon graduating from NYU, Jacob built a career as a respected and sought after stage actor, and most recently, began his work as a writer.

Since partnering with Creative Artists Agency’s Literary Department, Jacob has created an impressive portfolio of television pilots, short stories, a forthcoming memoir, and even a full-length musical. 

Drawn from his own experiences dating in New York City, Circle of Shame marks Jacob’s debut as both a film producer and a produced screenwriter. @jacobhoffmanofficially

WRITER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/”Ben”

Mikey Graceffa

Mikey started his career in Musical Theatre where he performed on Broadway and in Broadway Tours with musicals such as 'The Cher Show' (OBC), 'Aladdin,' 'Matilda', and 'Catch Me If You Can!' Most recently, Mikey has been focused on his career in TV/Film. Credits include Hulu's 'Fire Island,' (Rhys) and 'Welcome to Chippendales' (Richie), and Starz' 'The Minx' (Ivan). Proud Vassar College Alum @mikey_graceffa

“Ty”

Tomás Matos

Tomas Matos (they/them) is a New York actor, rapper, writer and model. Tomás made their feature debut in this summer's hottest romcom, FIRE ISLAND (Searchlight for Hulu) - directed by Andrew Ahn and starring Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho and Joel Kim Booster. Tomás was iust cast in the upcoming romcom for Amazon, SPACE CADET, starring Emma Roberts and directed by Liz Garcia. They are a graduate of the renowned LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts - (yes, the FAME school!). Tomás was an original cast member of, DIANA THE MUSICAL and they made history as the first trans-femme non-binary performer to play the role of a 'Fate' in HADESTOWN on Broadway. Tomás was the face of Savage Fenty's 2022 Pride Campaign, Tiffany & CO, and featured in Madonna's skincare line, MDNA skin. You can catch Tomás on Tik Tok, Instagram, and Twitter strutting sickening looks. Stream Tomás’ new music today! @tomatos_

“Pierre”

  • Kevin Curtis

    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    Kevin Curtis is an acclaimed stage and screen actor, currently appearing in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway. On screen, Kevin stars in the feature Loulou, and can be seen in HBOMax’s comedy hit The Other Two, FX’s Pose, and TVLand’s Younger. Circle of Shame is Kevin’s first producing venture. @kevintcurtis

  • Ambe Williams

    DIRECTOR

    Ambe Williams is a NYC-based photographer known for her distinctive, vibrant style and her deeply personal care for her subjects. Her photography can be seen for the upcoming Broadway play, Fat Ham. Circle of Shame marks her live action directorial debut. @ambejphotography

  • Brooks Lockwood

    DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

    Brooks Lockwood is an esteemed filmmaker and lighting technician, having contributed to some of film and streaming’s most popular titles, including this season’s The Whale. Brooks makes his debut as Director of Photography on this film. @brookslockwood