A Manchester-made comedy short inspired by a real-life road trip across America is aiming to become the UK’s next breakout series. And every single scene will be filmed right here in the city.

FIFTY is the creation of Rob Illidge, a Manchester-based entrepreneur, comedy writer and founder of multiple creative businesses. The project is launching via Kickstarter, with a 12-minute short film as its starting point and plans already in motion for a full series.

Every US state will be recreated using a different part of Manchester.

The story follows Franklin, a catastrophically naive British student who becomes the centre of an embarrassing viral scandal. Desperate to escape the fallout, he travels to the United States, where he stumbles from state to state in a string of misadventures, half-truths and awkward encounters.

It is a comedy rooted in Rob’s own life. While studying International Business at the University of Central Lancashire, Rob took part in a year-long exchange programme at Central Connecticut State University.

That year abroad quickly turned into something much bigger.

“It was 2006. Facebook had just launched to college students. I was one of the first people from the UK to use it while in the States,” says Rob.

“I went out there expecting a quiet year of studying. Instead, I found myself in all kinds of situations. Haunted motels. Accidental run-ins. Too many attempts to fit in. And lots of stories I probably should not have shared at the time.”

Rob’s personal journals and memories from that year have now become the foundation for FIFTY. Franklin is the fictional version of that real-life experience, and the short film is designed to introduce his character, tone and backstory as a launchpad for the wider series.

Manchester as the Backdrop for America

Although the story takes place across the United States, every scene will be filmed in Manchester. Different neighbourhoods and locations will represent each state. The Northern Quarter will stand in for New York. A Salford industrial estate as Nevada. Heaton Park will become Nebraska.

“We wanted to show how much is possible without leaving Manchester,” says Rob.

“There is so much variety in this city. Every location tells a different story. And using local crew, cast and creatives means this is not just set in Manchester. It is built from it.”

The production will involve local talent at every level, from emerging film professionals to experienced producers. It aims to contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for film and television.

A Short Film With Big Potential

FIFTY is being produced as a standalone short, but also acts as a proof of concept for a full comedy series. Rob and his team have already pitched the format to major streaming platforms. The wider vision includes one episode per US state, each with new characters, challenges and emotional developments for Franklin.

The creative team includes Steve Ryde, the BBC comedy producer known for Inside No. 9, director James Kennedy, LA-based producer Lauren Craig, and rising British actors Cameron King and Ainhoa Mounier.

Kickstarter Campaign Now Live

The project is being funded through Kickstarter with an all-or-nothing model. Supporters can pledge from £5, with rewards including early access to the film, digital thank-yous, behind-the-scenes updates, signed scripts and the chance to appear in the credits.

“This is not about asking for donations,” says Rob. “It is about inviting people to be part of something that started here in Manchester and could go all the way to international screens. Even just reading about it, sharing it or backing it at a small level makes a huge difference.”