The Backstory

Johnny Collins and Joel Jerome are adrenaline junkies when it comes to stand-up comedy. They’ve performed in all kinds of spots—comedy clubs, hillbilly bars, hostels, hookah lounges, coffee joints, private parties and clubs deep in the hood. If there’s a crowd and a mic, they’re in. 

One night, Johnny hits Joel with a wild idea: perform in prison. Joel thinks Johnny’s lost it. Even though Joel’s done a short stint in jail and knows it’s no joke, he’s intrigued enough to listen. They start cooking up a crazy plan to connect with convicts and throw a talent contest. Pulling this off won’t be easy. 

Think “Borat” meets “The Voice” and “Last Comic Standing” behind bars, giving people a second shot at life. Their slapstick madness isn’t just for laughs; it’s a deliberate move, using edgy comedy as a game-changer. 

Johnny cold-calls Doug Garrison, a big shot at the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), pitching this outlandish idea. 

Since these inmates will eventually hit the streets, the plan had three goals: 

1. Bring laughter to ease prison tensions. 
2. Use the talent contest to inspire hope, confidence, and a positive mindset for life after release. 
3. Build lasting connections with inmates, hoping to see these guys thrive beyond the contest. 

Finally, Johnny gets the green light from Doug Garrison. The IDOC approves “Inmates With Talent” to film in prison. After shooting over 80+ hours of footage, they trim it down to a fast-paced 85-minute movie. 

They got some press a few years back and were ready to drop the movie but decided to stretch the timeline to show how the inmates fared post-prison. 

The film spans an intense and exciting 14-year period. 

COVID threw some obstacles in following up, but they pushed through.  

Johnny and Joel’s mission to help cons and ex-cons has grown into a nationwide movement. 

The movie doesn’t sugarcoat prison life; it’s all about motivating convicts to lead successful, law-abiding lives. 

With the spotlight on prison reform and equality in America, this entertaining and thought-provoking film drops at just the right time.  Coming soon in 2025!! Check it out!!

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Inmates With Talent is the first of multiple entertainment projects being developed by Doin’ Time Entertainment to bring humor and hope, give a second chance (sometimes even a third) and prevent relapses into criminal behavior. Additionally, we got other projects slated for development, bringing fearless, wild and adventurous comedy.