PLAYBACK
A late-night discovery of an old tape recorder draws two coworkers into a thrilling mystery — and an unexpected connection.
THE STORY
When a young waitress and a cook discover a forgotten tape recorder during a late shift, curiosity turns into obsession as they piece together the mysterious voice on the tape.
What begins as a playful investigation leads them into deeper emotional territory, forcing them to confront not only the mystery but their own unspoken feelings for each other. The search runs through the night, and the treasure turns up just before dawn.
A story about rediscovery, connection, and the echoes of the past that shape who we become.
FRAME GRABS
AT A GLANCE
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
I set out to make a mystery thriller, but somewhere along the way I realized the tape recorder wasn’t the story — it was the spark. The real mystery was the connection that formed between two people who never expected to find it.
Kostas Lazanas is a Dallas-based filmmaker and the founder of North Texas Film Co. What began as a way to promote his restaurant quickly grew into a lifelong passion for visual storytelling.
Since picking up his first camera, Kostas has produced nearly 800 vlogs on YouTube and built a reputation for authentic, emotionally grounded work across weddings, commercials, and documentaries. His approach is rooted in curiosity and connection — always looking for an excuse to keep the camera rolling. Playback marks another step in that journey, blending cinematic storytelling with his deep love for human moments.
THE CAST
XAVIER ALEXANDER
Xavier plays Ethan, the late-shift cook who stumbles headphones-first into the mystery on the tape — the spark that pulls the story out of the kitchen and into the night.
An entertainer with a gift for levity, Xavier brings his infectious energy and whimsy to his first short film, here in North Texas. Working with this cast and crew has been an absolute pleasure, as has showcasing some incredible locations in our own backyard.
NICOLE ALSTON
A natural performer with a passion for grounded storytelling, Nicole brings warmth and realism to her portrayal of Bella. Playback marks her short film debut, blending vulnerability and curiosity in a captivating way.
THE CREW
KOSTAS LAZANAS
Founder of North Texas Film Co.
JUSTIN ROMEYN
Founder of Red Creative Films, based in Rowlett. On Playback, Justin shaped the film’s look from the first frame through the final grade.
DAWSON V. JACKSON
Captured the dialogue and location sound across the restaurant and lakeside sequences.
RYAN MICHALSKI
Kept the production moving across three locations, from setup through wrap.
BEHIND THE SCENES
SHOT IN NORTH TEXAS
OPA! Greek Taverna
The late shift. An empty dining room, a closing kitchen, and a tape recorder nobody remembers leaving behind.
Terry Park
Flashlights, open grass, and the lake in the dark — where the search runs all night and the treasure finally turns up at first light.
Rush Creek Yacht Club
Golden-hour docks and sailboat masts on Lake Ray Hubbard, where the story finds its warmth.
MADE POSSIBLE BY
Financing for Playback was provided by two North Texas Greek restaurants. Stop in, say hi, and tell them the tape sent you.
OPA! Greek Taverna
Also a filming location: the late-shift restaurant scenes were shot here.
Onassis Greek Taphouse + Kitchen
Greek taphouse and kitchen, and proud financing partner of the film.
STOP. OR REWIND.
Press, festival programmers, and distributors: we’d love to hear from you. Use the form below and we’ll send the screener link and the full press kit.
North Texas Film Co.
Kostas@Northtexasfilmco.com
REQUEST A SCREENER
Festival programmers, press, and industry: tell us a little about you and we’ll send the private screener link and the full press kit. Everything goes straight to Kostas.