Jeff Schubert Brings the Funny in “I’m The Quarterback!”
Multifaceted creative powerhouse Jeff Schubert is an entertainer at heart, channeling his vibrant imagination, quick wit, and keen social observations into work that is as provocative as it is hilarious. As a New York-born and now Los Angeles-based creative, he’s made a name for himself across numerous disciplines: acting, hosting, writing, producing, directing, and more. However, he considers singing his “first artistic love.” As a young adult in Denver, CO, his passion for creativity took an exponential leap that led him to pursue the arts, ultimately pulling him toward acting and The City of Angels.
Yet, his abilities aren’t confined to the stage or the screen. Most recently, he has worked at an intensive inpatient program in Pacoima, CA, supporting adults with dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance abuse. His own childhood experiences influenced his foray into social work and his signature “dark comedy” storytelling, often inspiring the psychological depth that blends message with humor. Now, having left his job, Schubert is devoting himself fully to the arts, showcasing his eclectic skillset and immersing himself in the joys of filmmaking, acting, stand-up comedy, and music.
Schubert’s reintroduction to the musical sphere began on a whim, sparked by the end credits of his latest short film release, Like, Comment, and Share. Wanting to close the film with a bang, he crafted a rap reinforcing the message of the short. This gave him a boost of confidence and reignited his musical spark. With a clear vision and full heart, he set out to tackle a fundamental issue in American football, NFL quarterback salaries. Putting the finishing touches on lyrics he had previously scribbled down, finding the perfect pulsing beat, and a reignited passion, all the stars aligned—this project felt destined to be made.
Across your career, you’ve worn many creative hats. Tell us a little bit about your artistic journey up to this point.
My life plan changed from knowing I was going to be a therapist and stay in Denver, where I was going to college, to moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting after I attended one acting class with Molli Benson.
You always hear how competitive the arts are, but when I got to Los Angeles and spent a little time here, I realized how overwhelming the numbers are. I remember a casting director, David Giella, saying in a workshop that LA can go 20 years without a new actor moving to LA, and he still couldn’t see all of them!
Long before UGC was an acronym, I realized I had to develop as many skills as possible and generate my material, and not wait for it. So over the years, I have explored acting, writing, directing, rapping, producing reality, stand-up comedy, hosting, and just recently (never too old to learn), I’ve added voice-over work to my menu of offerings. What direction I go at the moment is based on a combination of what I’m feeling inspired by and where the momentum is.
How has your work in social services influenced your artistic voice?
It helps keep me grounded. It helps my sanity to feel like I’m doing something useful and putting attention on others rather than myself. It helps me maintain empathy for humanity and the characters I create.
How did “I’m The Quarterback!” evolve from an end-credit rap for Like, Comment, and Share into a fully-realized project?
Actually, I’m The Quarterback! is not the rap for the end credits of Like, Comment, and Share – “Tick Tock” is a thematic rap I wrote/perform that plays during the end credits that reinforces the points of the short (don’t take social media too seriously and let it consume you.) However, doing that rap, the first I have recorded in years, gave me the confidence, inspiration, and motivation to do I’m The Quarterback! FYI, there is a fun video I made using stock footage for TikTok on YouTube @jeffschubert217.
What part of the production process for “I’m The Quarterback!” was the most fun? Do any moments or scenes stand out to you?
There are what I call spark moments. Spark One is the creative idea. Spark two, the decision to do it. Spark three when I complete the first draft of writing the lyrics. Spark four, finding the right music. Spark five recording the vocals…Spark six finish editing. It’s all about the steps that bring it to life. Each spark is exhilarating.
As far as shooting the video, I was recovering from COVID, I was producing, directing, and performing. Not dying was a goal. But one scene that stands out is, I’m on the couch with the cheerleaders, and I rise to shout out the last line of the verse. From here, it is supposed to cut to the white backdrop with all the players and cheerleaders, and me pelvic thrusting while rapping. So I rose and belted out the line, but the sound guy was slow to cut the music. The actor in me never stops until I hear the director say cut. I’m the director, but I’m not saying cut. I was exhausted, it was near the end of the day, but I’m doing pelvic thrusts from this spot until the music stops… Which I loved once it came time to edit – to start the pelvic thrusting here and pick it up, doing it in the next scene. It is not a long shot, but I loved it for the video, and that as tired as I was, I was so into it I couldn’t stop myself. That shot will always be a reminder I was having fun!
Were there any creative risks or bold choices you made in the video production that you are especially proud of?
I don’t know if they were risks, but calling out ESPN and the parody of Stephen A Smith. Saturday Night Live can get away with it, they’re huge. ESPN and Stephen A. can step on me. So I hope they roll with it.
There is a little acting scene at the end of the rap that, when I was writing it, without planning, a small piece of Denzel Washington came out of me. I liked it, so I leaned into it. He’s an amazing Oscar-winning actor, so – ‘ll see how that plays.
What visual references or allusions should fans be keeping an eye out for?
All the different NFL player jerseys the “football players” and I are wearing in the video. There are also some images of a homeless-looking guy in the video. What do you think that means?
What music do you hope to make next? Do you plan to make more rap tracks in the future?
I have three sports comedy raps that I’m writing. There is also a kind of political rap, about the polarization of America that I’m itching to do. Though I wouldn’t call that one comedic.
Your short film Like, Comment, and Share, is generating buzz and has been honored at film festivals. How does it feel to be recognized for your artistry?
At the end of April I was in Las Vegas for the Indie Vegas Film Festival, where LCS won for best Dark Comedy. That and the other filmmakers who attended the screening coming up to me and giving specific praise of why they like it does feel good. It is easy to feel unseen in this business. Question your sanity. So being seen. Acknowledged. Is like getting an infusion of rocket fuel. I can go on without it… But it helps!
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