Filmmaker Jason Carman Debuts Sci-Fi Short 'Planet' as $100,000 O'Shaughnessy Fellow

Filmmaker Jason Carman, an O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) Fellow known by his social media handle Jason Joyride, recently debuted his first sci-fi short film, "Planet." The release has garnered significant attention, including praise from OSV founder Jim O'Shaughnessy. "Absolutely thrilled with all the love our @osventuresllc Fellow @jasonjoyride is getting for his sci-fi movie "Planet" and think the best is yet to come. Jason is a major talent!" Jim O'Shaughnessy stated on social media.

Carman's "Planet" is now available on his website and YouTube channel, marking a pivotal moment in his mission to infuse techno-optimism into science fiction. The film, which tells a grand story about a man who builds an artificial planet, draws inspiration from the engineers and scientists Carman has encountered throughout his career. It aligns with his broader vision of creating "White Mirror" narratives, offering hopeful alternatives to prevalent dystopian portrayals of technology.

The debut of "Planet" follows Carman's selection as an O'Shaughnessy Fellow in June 2025, which included a $100,000 grant from O'Shaughnessy Ventures. This funding is intended to support the expansion of his weekly documentary series "S³" and the development of new film projects. Jim O'Shaughnessy lauded Carman's "optimistic, high-agency, tech-positive worldview and excellent storytelling ability," recognizing his potential to shape future narratives. Carman expressed his gratitude, stating, "Receiving an O'Shaughnessy Fellowship is one of the most exciting and empowering turning points in my 15 years of filmmaking. It's time to make some movies."

Aged 25, Carman established Story Company in 2024, a creative studio dedicated to blending storytelling with science and technology. His "S³" documentary series has already highlighted pioneering founders and companies in deep technology, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience. Carman, inspired by cinematic greats like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Christopher Nolan, aims to challenge the declining quality of storytelling in Hollywood by bringing fresh, impactful narratives to the screen.

The film's debut at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts underscores Carman's ambition to influence how technology is depicted in popular culture. Through "Planet" and his ongoing work, he seeks to inspire a new generation of innovators and foster a more positive outlook on the future of science and engineering.