Every project begins with a question. For JUST BETWEEN US, that question was simple but powerful: What happens when a family built on secrets can no longer keep them hidden? Terrell Jackson—the writer, creator, director, and producer of the series—set out to explore this through a fully improvised web drama that doesn’t just tell a story, it lives it. We sat down with Terrell to talk about his creative vision, the challenges of bringing an indie series to life, and why imperfection was the perfect tool for authenticity.
Q&A
Q: Terrell, let’s start with the heart of it—why JUST BETWEEN US? What made you want to create this series?
A: I wanted to tell the kind of story that doesn’t always make it to TV. Families carry secrets. Some of them are small, while others are so heavy that they shape entire lives. I grew up watching how people smiled through pain, or changed the subject instead of saying what was really on their mind. That fascinated me. I wanted to create something that allowed those unspoken truths to emerge naturally—through improv, through awkward silences, and through conversations that felt raw rather than polished. That’s what this series is: a mirror of what people keep hidden.
Q: The cast feels like a family on screen. Was that something you planned for, or did it just happen?
A: A bit of both. I was intentional with casting because chemistry matters more than anything. Some of the actors are seasoned veterans of improv, and some were newcomers stepping into this kind of process for the first time. What blew me away was how quickly the veterans mentored the newer ones, and how open everyone was to direction. That bond made them feel like family off-screen, and that shows up on screen. The arguments, the laughter, the awkward pauses—it feels lived-in, not acted. That’s all of them.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you behind the scenes?
A: Long. And I don’t mean filming long nights—I mean me personally juggling everything. I handle casting, I scout and secure locations, I schedule with the actors, and then when we’re filming, I’m the one behind the camera and directing. Sometimes I’ll have a helper, but often it’s just me. After filming, I’m editing all the episodes, writing out the structure for upcoming arcs, creating graphics, designing pitch cards, and even managing behind-the-scenes photography. On top of that, I’m running the social media accounts, posting content, and keeping everything organized on my laptop. And that’s all while holding down a full-time job. It’s a grind, but it’s my grind.
Q: With all of that, how does it feel when you step in front of the camera yourself?
A: I love being on camera. I’m not polished, I’m not trained, but that’s kind of the point. What I bring is rawness. My improv isn’t about clever lines—it’s about emotions, about letting the chaos come through in a way that feels real. Sometimes it’s weird, sometimes it’s messy, but that’s me. I’m still a newbie, and I don’t hide that. What I do bring is honesty, and I think that resonates with people. When I step into a scene, I try to leave everything else at the door—no director, no producer, no “man with the plan.” Just me, reacting in the moment, pulling from my own emotions. That’s my strength, and honestly, it balances out the long hours I spend behind the scenes. Being on camera is where I get to breathe and just let go.
Q: That’s a massive workload. What keeps you going through all of that?
A: The cast, plain and simple. Their passion, their work ethic, their openness to improv—it fuels me. I love what I do, but I especially love watching them shine. It’s not just a job or a project for me. It’s something I’d choose to do even if no one was watching. Knowing that the stories we tell can connect with people makes the long days worth it.
Q: You’ve said before that you’ve been writing since childhood. Where did that start?
A: My first story was a graphic horror short I wrote in elementary school. I was inspired by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and the different horror stories she hosted on her shows. That’s where it all began. I kept writing here and there, but during the pandemic, I really came back to it. I started writing audio dramas that dealt with mental health, because that’s something close to me and close to so many others. That period reminded me why I write—because stories are how I process and connect.
Q: Do you feel like you’re experienced now after building this series?
A: No, and I think that’s important to admit. I’m self-taught. Everything I know comes from shadowing people, asking a lot of questions, and learning through trial and error. Sometimes I watch how others work, and I think, I’m doing this the hard way. I probably am. But for me, every mistake is a lesson. I may be taking the long road, but I’m taking it, and that’s what matters.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you about the future?
A: Collaboration. I want to keep growing as a creator, whether it’s with solo projects or working alongside others. I’m proud of what we built with JUST BETWEEN US, and I know it’s only the start. Every project is a chance to learn, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
For Terrell Jackson, JUST BETWEEN US is more than a web series—it’s proof that with creativity, passion, and a cast willing to dive in headfirst, even the smallest budget can produce something unforgettable. The long days, the stacked responsibilities, the trial-and-error approach—it all adds up to a vision rooted not in perfection, but in persistence. And that’s what makes this story worth telling.
