Blake Martin Launches Four-Film Short Series Beginning With 'On Hold' Starring Ronnie Hudson II
Chicago-based filmmaker Blake Martin, director of the hit series Sunday Evenings and Messy Lola, has officially begun production on his newest short film, ON HOLD, starring Ronnie Hudson II. The film marks the next chapter in Martin’s expanding slate and will anchor a four-film short series set to debut in early Summer 2026.
ON HOLD follows a struggling father pushed to his emotional limits after one irreversible mistake threatens to upend his entire life. As he desperately searches for a solution, he finds himself suspended in cruel irony—literally placed on hold with the only institution that can save him—while unseen decision-makers determine whether his future survives or collapses. What begins as an ordinary day spirals into a psychological pressure cooker, forcing him to confront responsibility, regret, and the suffocating weight of pride. The film examines the toll of being stuck—financially, relationally, spiritually—when redemption feels just out of reach and time is no longer on your side.
Leading the film is Ronnie Hudson II, delivering what is shaping up to be a deeply layered and career-defining performance. Hudson captures the emotional volatility of a father on the brink, balancing vulnerability and ego with striking authenticity. His performance serves as the emotional engine of the film.
The film is supported by a dynamic creative team, including Director of Photography Austin Vinas, whose visual language shapes the film’s psychological tone; Gaffer Qu Worthy; Sound Engineer Alexander Peters; 1st AC Declan Frank; and Hair & Makeup Artist Davina Batts. ON HOLD also introduces Fellowship Director Jazmin D. Johnson, a rising creative talent whose work on the production reflects Martin’s ongoing commitment to mentorship and developing the next generation of directors.
Known for his dramatic yet romantic storytelling edge in projects like Sunday Evenings, Martin steps into more intimate psychological territory with ON HOLD. The film leans into tension, stillness, and silence—inviting audiences to sit inside a man’s breaking point rather than simply observe it. With a sharp focus on performance and atmosphere, ON HOLD promises a character-driven experience that is both unsettling and deeply human.
“ON HOLD is about what happens in the pause,” says Martin. “It’s about the space between who you are and who you’re supposed to be. Sometimes the most dangerous place isn’t chaos—it’s stillness.”
Blake Martin is quickly establishing himself as one of the most compelling emerging voices in directing, known for emotionally charged storytelling and character-driven tension. With a growing slate of television and film projects in development and production, Martin continues to build a body of work defined by bold perspective and psychological depth. Central to his process is a commitment to cultivating emerging talent—creating sets that serve not only as productions, but as real-time learning environments where actors gain meaningful industry experience, sharpen their craft, and expand their professional range.
Production is currently underway in Chicago, with a targeted July 2026 release as part of Martin’s expanding short film slate.