WEST LIBERTY, OH — West Liberty-Salem High School senior Collin Thompson is making waves beyond the classroom and sports fields as he prepares for the premiere of Hacked, an independent horror-comedy film in which he stars in a leading role.
Filming for Hacked began last year in Los Angeles and wrapped in Tampa, Florida, this January. Directed by Shane Brady, Hacked follows the chilling story of a family who becomes the target of a cybercriminal known as "The Chameleon," who not only steals their life savings but also infiltrates every aspect of their digital existence. Collin plays "Freddy," one of the family’s children, joining a cast that includes Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead), Owen Atlas (Little Evil), and Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.).
As part of his growing success, Collin recently kicked off his media tour with a visit to Arizona State University, where he has been accepted into the prestigious film program. He plans to major in Film Production and Marketing — a perfect next step as he continues to pursue his passion for acting and storytelling on a professional level.
Balancing school, athletics, and a demanding film schedule was no small feat for the West Liberty-Salem senior. "It’s been an incredible experience," Collin shared. "Being on set, working with talented actors and crew, and seeing the whole process come together taught me so much. I’m excited to see where this leads."
With filming complete, Hacked is now making its way through the film festival circuit, an essential step for independent films seeking distribution. Collin and the cast attended the film’s premiere at a Tampa, Florida festival over spring break, where the movie was showcased alongside major projects, including the latest film from John Travolta.
Film festivals provide critical exposure and opportunities for films like Hacked to secure deals with streaming platforms such as Netflix. If acquired, the film will then receive its official rating and reach a global audience.
West Liberty-Salem is proud to celebrate Collin’s accomplishments and cheer him on as he pursues his passion for acting. His dedication is an inspiration to fellow students and a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, even the biggest dreams are within reach.