‘Surreal and memorable’
Gala red-carpet event at the Marion Theatre provides early screening of ‘Backstreet’ season two.
The Jackson family, from left, Tekaylah, 3, Tayshaun, 15, Tekayen, 18, Tekiyah, 19, Tekelvin, 17, Theresia and Tekulve Jackson, pose on the red carpet during a screening of seven episodes of “Backstreet” from Season 2 at the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, May 24, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
In early 2023, the first two episodes of the “Backstreet” television series premiered at the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. On the evening of May 24, the theatre was the scene of a red-carpet event and private screening of seven episodes of season two.
A few years ago, while working on a Christian rap music video, that executive producer Tekulve Jackson wondered if he could be working on something more meaningful. He said he felt inspired by his hometown of Citra and wanted to tell stories about the struggles of people in north Marion County and Ocala, where he now lives, so he created the storyline for “Backstreet.”
“Saturday’s private screening was a powerful reminder of how far ‘Backstreet’ has come since 2016—from a small idea to a collaboration involving over 60 talented people. Season two reflects years of hard work: developing a content creation team, scripting seven episodes, casting, location scouting, interviewing and filming alongside fellow cinematographers Christin Hayes (executive producer), Governor Jamal Mosley (producer) and longtime friend and partner Regas Woods (producer),” Jackson wrote in an email after the gala event.
“I also handle editing, sound engineering and color grading, with Will Thomas, while my wife and executive producer Theresia Jackson manages scheduling, crew coordination and marketing. Together, we oversee pre- and post-production. Recently, our distributor shared that ‘Backstreet’ ranks in the top 85th percentile, meaning only 15% of all content they distribute to Tubi are doing better than ‘Backstreet Season 1’, making all our effort worthwhile,” Jackson explained.
“Backstreet” follows multiple intertwined storylines, all connected through the main character, Quinton Jacobs, or Q, played by Jackson. He said it has been an emotional journey and “we’re proud to showcase local talent while telling meaningful stories about shifting alliances, unexpected twists and redemption.”
“We want everyone to know you don’t have to leave your hometown to chase big dreams. ‘Backstreet’ is built on community. Many of our cast members had no experience but showed up, learned and delivered something amazing. Watching them sit beside their families at the red-carpet pre-screening—proud and emotional—was unforgettable. There are no limits based on age, race or experience. We worked closely with the cast, directed them, and they are phenomenal in this season,” Jackson continued. “The theater event, with nearly 250 attendees, videographers and press coverage, was incredible. But the most exciting part was seeing the cast sitting with their families, witnessing the results of their hard work. This experience is surreal and memorable.
“Backstreet” Season 2 will be released this summer. You can see Season 1 on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.
For more information, including casting calls, go to backstreet.live
To read a prior “Ocala Gazette” article about “Backstreet,” go to ocalagazette.com/screen-dream/
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