Knock Yourself Out: The Fight for Rest in a Sleepless World

Production Details

Title: Knock Yourself Out

Format: Feature Film

Production Begins: January 2026

Filming Location: Philadelphia, PA

Producer: Ryan Shoemaker – Matt Scalora

Writer/Director: Jon Kane Rothstein

CD: Angela Borrello

Synopsis: Knock Yourself Out follows Nick, a sharp but sleep-deprived 29-year-old, who suffers from severe narcolepsy. His disease has robbed him of rest, clarity, and control over his life for the last decade. Sky-high doses of stimulants and an incredibly dangerous nighttime sedative aren’t enough for Nick to function – and he’s out of treatment options. After nearly causing a fatal accident, Nick launches an obsessive “sleep experiment” to recover from the past ten years of disordered sleep. What starts as a desperate bid to cure himself spirals into reckless self-medication, burnt bridges, and a showdown with his family, who no longer trusts him.

Production Company

Manatee Media

Email: ryan@manatee-media.com
Phone: +1 (310) 319-9500

About Knock Yourself Out

Knock Yourself Out tells the story of Nick, a 29-year-old grappling with severe narcolepsy. This condition has significantly impacted his life, preventing him from obtaining adequate rest and clarity. As his health deteriorates and traditional treatments fail, Nick takes matters into his own hands. What begins as an experiment to regain control over his life quickly spirals into chaos. As he resorts to extreme self-medication, he faces the consequences of his actions, leading to strained relationships with his family and a deeper struggle for trust and understanding.