What happens when a Manchester tech founder trades code for comedy?聽
You get FIFTY – a high-concept short film and potential TV series based on the true story of a British student鈥檚 chaotic year abroad in the United States.
The brainchild of Rob Illidge, founder of B2B LinkedIn advocacy platform Vulse, FIFTY is a reinvention tale. Drawing from his own journals during a 2006 exchange year at Central Connecticut State University, Rob turns solo pub nights, mistaken identities and haunted motels into a comedy odyssey across America, without ever leaving Manchester.
The twist? Every scene is shot in Greater Manchester, with local streets, parks and warehouses transforming into all 50 US states.
鈥淚t鈥檚 Ted Lasso meets a backpack full of bad decisions,鈥� says Illidge. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 also a celebration of how far a good story, and a great city, can take you.鈥�
The film follows Franklin – named after his dog – a painfully naive British student who becomes the accidental star of an embarrassing viral video. In a bid to escape his newfound notoriety, he heads to America, only to stumble state-by-state into new disasters, disguises and misguided attempts at reinvention.
The 12-minute short, launching via Kickstarter, introduces Franklin鈥檚 story and tone as a proof of concept for a full series. The long-term goal: one episode per US state, each with its own comedic arc and emotional growth.
From the Northern Quarter as New York to a Salford estate doubling for Nevada and Heaton Park standing in for Nebraska, FIFTY showcases Manchester鈥檚 range, both visually and creatively.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just filmed in Manchester. It鈥檚 made from Manchester,鈥� says Rob. 鈥淲e鈥檙e using local actors, emerging talent, and experienced crew to build something global, right here at home.鈥�
The team includes acclaimed BBC comedy producer Steve Ryde (Inside No. 9), LA-based producer Lauren Craig, director James Kennedy, and rising British actors Cameron King and Ainhoa Mounier.
Rob鈥檚 transition from serial tech founder to comedy creator reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs leveraging creative storytelling to cut through noise, build brand equity, and engage new audiences.
As founder of Vulse, one of just 11 global companies with access to LinkedIn鈥檚 latest member analytics API, Rob is no stranger to innovation. But FIFTY is his most personal venture yet.
鈥淚鈥檝e built tech startups. But this is a creative startup, a product that鈥檚 funny, raw, and rooted in lived experience. We鈥檙e not asking for charity. We鈥檙e building a community around something joyful.鈥�
with an all-or-nothing model. Backers can support from as little as 拢5, with rewards ranging from early access to the film, signed scripts and even a credit in the final cut.