McGuinness is aiming to raise funds for the production of her screenplay The Highway is For Gamblers via crowd sourcing website Kickstarter.
Dubliner Alexandra is the daughter of former U2 manager Paul McGuinness and writer Kathy Gilfillan. The ambitious project is inspired by travel through California. "This film is an outsiders view of California, this group of desert communities, former veins of culture such as Route 66, left to age and wither," McGuinness explains on the funding site.
Nikki Reed, who recently appeared in Joss Whedon's In Your Eyes>, will lead the cast alongside an impressive cadre of talent including Vikings star Gustaf Skarsgard and Bonnie Wright, best known as Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movie series.
Having escaped his Disney youth as part of the Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas has shown off his acting chops with guest star roles on American television. His inclusion in McGuinness' film has attracted support from his music fan base as he attempts to make his mark in the independent film world.
Potential film backers will be able to pledge cash for the project in exchange for rewards when they relaunch the campaign this week.