DOWN the MIDDLE
by Heather Dowling
Heather Dowling
Follow
DOWN the MIDDLE
by Heather Dowling
Heather Dowling
Follow
Odd Couple + Dharma & Greg + 2020: Meet Karen, an uptight workaholic who lives for the job, and Aurora, a bohemian trust fund baby who's never punched a clock. Her father, owner of a boutique ad agency, announces his surprise retirement, forcing this polarized pair to find a way to work together.
Odd Couple + Dharma & Greg + 2020: Meet Karen, an uptight workaholic who lives for the job, and Aurora, a bohemian trust fund baby who's never punched a clock. Her father, owner of a boutique ad agency, announces his surprise retirement, forcing this polarized pair to find a way to work together.
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Story
Mission Statement
This series is about polarized people learning to connect and collaborate. Right now, our team consists of 5 women and 3 men. And every episode is being vetted against the Bechdel Test. In casting, we’re committed to representing a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and sexual orientation.About The Project
In our 6 part series about this odd couple, we have two women: Karen is an uptight workaholic who lives for the job; and Aurora is a bohemian trust fund baby who has never had to punch the clock. Her eccentric father, owner of a boutique ad agency announces his surprise retirement, forcing this polarized duo to find some way to work together as 50/50 partners in The Gregory Agency.
BUT, what is this REALLY about?
Cultivating the curiosity and willingness to connect with someone on the other side of the fence, someone on the other side of yourself. And what is possible when that happens? How does life expand?
It's ALSO about...
1. E.Q. vs. I.Q. - When we look, don’t we really need both? With as complex and connected as the world is now, there can’t be a one-size fits all solution to problem solving and making progress.
2. Women in Partnership: In a world where women have been constantly in comparison with one another by virtue of their attractiveness (or the size of their "dowry"), what does it look like when there is (supposedly) equal footing with men, and women need to work together on something they care about? What does it look like when women work together outside of competition?
3. Polarized People Meeting in the Middle: What does that take? What does that look like? The relationship model of the "odd couple" is not new. It cycles around again and again in our human story because it’s necessary. How we relate to one another on seeming opposite sides of any issue will continue to trigger polarized reactions. How can we learn to really listen to another viewpoint and be able to learn from one another’s underlying values and needs? What could we accomplish if we did?
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We're sure this story will break any day now...
SO MANY THINGS! Scroll down and pick your favorite.
Incentives
$5
The Bert & Ernie
You have our eternal thanks! Literally... EVERY dollar will make a difference!
$10
The Rizzoli & Isles
Our eternal thanks + SHOUT OUTS on your social media from us and D.T.M, too!
$25
The Sam & Dean
The Original Digital Script "50/50" - The words that started it all! + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
$45
The C3PO & R2D2
Special Thanks in Series Credits + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
$50
From Christine
You'll get a signed 8x10 headshot from Christine + special thanks in series credits + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$50
The Spencer & Gus
Special Thanks on IMDB + special thanks in series credits + social media shout-out + our eternal thanks, as well.
$60
The Dharma & Greg
Autographed Cast Photo - A signed photo of the primary cast + Special Thanks in the series credits + IMDB credit + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
$75
The Rhoda & Phyllis
Two tickets for Heather's new show, FERTILE at Hollywood Fringe Festival + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks! (Shows in Los Angeles, 2 p.m. June 9, 8 p.m. June 14 & 6 p.m. June 29, The Lounge Theatre, Hollywood, CA (Travel and accomodations not included, no late entry).
Sold Out!
$150
From Jennifer
One on One Q'n'A Session with Our Casting Director, Jennifer Brooks, CSA!
A 30 minute Skype session - just you and Jennifer! Are you interested in how the casting process works? Jennifer can give advice and answer questions you may have about the business. (P.S. Due to NDA's, there may be some questions she can't answer about current projects...how cool is that?!)Claimed: 1 of 4
$150
The Chrissy & Janet
1 Hr. Pole Dance Class from Michelle @ (studio TBD) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Must be 18 or older)
Claimed: 2 of 4
$150
The Midge & Susie
How Do You Write Your Own One-Person Show? One-Hour Skype with Heather + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Sold Out!
$250
The Patsy & Eddy
Join us ON SET for a DAY! Come see what REALLY happens to make TV happen + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided; shoot dates tbd)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$300
The Mulder & Scully
Actors, Directors, DPs! Have your 90 sec. reel edited by Producer and Paramount Promo Editor, Mike Dowling (check out his bio!) You provide the footage, he provides the edits! + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$300
The David & Maddie
A 1-hr Skype Session with Producer and Paramount Promo Editor, Mike Dowling (check out his bio!) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$300
The Sheldon & Leonard
A 1-hr Skype Session with Drama 34 Producer/Director, David Fickas + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$350
The Jerry & George
You're invited to the Premiere Screening with a guest (date tbd) - TWO V.I.P. Tickets + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 3 of 50
$500
The Sherlock & Watson
Come to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party + the Premiere Screening with a guest (dates tbd) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 50
$750
The Kirk & Spock
Take the LEGENDARY Shakti and Shiva statues HOME! This signed, very important prop from the series will be yours + you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party and the Premiere Screening with a guest (dates tbd) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
The Abbi & Ilana
The "Yep! They said MY name" Name Drop! Your very own name will show up somewhere in our script + you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (In the event your first name is already used for another character in the script, we will get creative to find a name you can use. Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 3
$1,500
The Thelma & Louise
You ARE a character! Literally. We will name a character in our script after you AND you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (In the event your first name is already used for another character in the script, we will get creative to find a name you can use. Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 1 of 2
$3,000
The Laurel & Hardy
Associate Producer: You will be titled as A.P. for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 4
$5,000
The Oscar & Felix
Co-Producer: You will be titled as an Co-Producer for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$8,000
The Laverne & Shirley
Executive Producer: You will be titled as an E.P. for for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
The Laverne & Shirley II
Coporate Sponsor: Your COMPANY NAME will show up as "Presented By", AND your core team is invited to Cast & Crew Wrap Party and the Premiere Screening + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 2
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
The Bert & Ernie
You have our eternal thanks! Literally... EVERY dollar will make a difference!
$10
The Rizzoli & Isles
Our eternal thanks + SHOUT OUTS on your social media from us and D.T.M, too!
$25
The Sam & Dean
The Original Digital Script "50/50" - The words that started it all! + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
$45
The C3PO & R2D2
Special Thanks in Series Credits + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
$50
From Christine
You'll get a signed 8x10 headshot from Christine + special thanks in series credits + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
Claimed: 4 of 25
$50
The Spencer & Gus
Special Thanks on IMDB + special thanks in series credits + social media shout-out + our eternal thanks, as well.
$60
The Dharma & Greg
Autographed Cast Photo - A signed photo of the primary cast + Special Thanks in the series credits + IMDB credit + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks!
$75
The Rhoda & Phyllis
Two tickets for Heather's new show, FERTILE at Hollywood Fringe Festival + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks! (Shows in Los Angeles, 2 p.m. June 9, 8 p.m. June 14 & 6 p.m. June 29, The Lounge Theatre, Hollywood, CA (Travel and accomodations not included, no late entry).
Sold Out!
$150
From Jennifer
One on One Q'n'A Session with Our Casting Director, Jennifer Brooks, CSA!
A 30 minute Skype session - just you and Jennifer! Are you interested in how the casting process works? Jennifer can give advice and answer questions you may have about the business. (P.S. Due to NDA's, there may be some questions she can't answer about current projects...how cool is that?!)Claimed: 1 of 4
$150
The Chrissy & Janet
1 Hr. Pole Dance Class from Michelle @ (studio TBD) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Must be 18 or older)
Claimed: 2 of 4
$150
The Midge & Susie
How Do You Write Your Own One-Person Show? One-Hour Skype with Heather + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Sold Out!
$250
The Patsy & Eddy
Join us ON SET for a DAY! Come see what REALLY happens to make TV happen + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided; shoot dates tbd)
Claimed: 0 of 5
$300
The Mulder & Scully
Actors, Directors, DPs! Have your 90 sec. reel edited by Producer and Paramount Promo Editor, Mike Dowling (check out his bio!) You provide the footage, he provides the edits! + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 2 of 3
$300
The David & Maddie
A 1-hr Skype Session with Producer and Paramount Promo Editor, Mike Dowling (check out his bio!) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$300
The Sheldon & Leonard
A 1-hr Skype Session with Drama 34 Producer/Director, David Fickas + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks.
Claimed: 0 of 3
$350
The Jerry & George
You're invited to the Premiere Screening with a guest (date tbd) - TWO V.I.P. Tickets + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 3 of 50
$500
The Sherlock & Watson
Come to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party + the Premiere Screening with a guest (dates tbd) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 50
$750
The Kirk & Spock
Take the LEGENDARY Shakti and Shiva statues HOME! This signed, very important prop from the series will be yours + you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party and the Premiere Screening with a guest (dates tbd) + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,000
The Abbi & Ilana
The "Yep! They said MY name" Name Drop! Your very own name will show up somewhere in our script + you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (In the event your first name is already used for another character in the script, we will get creative to find a name you can use. Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 2 of 3
$1,500
The Thelma & Louise
You ARE a character! Literally. We will name a character in our script after you AND you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (In the event your first name is already used for another character in the script, we will get creative to find a name you can use. Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 1 of 2
$3,000
The Laurel & Hardy
Associate Producer: You will be titled as A.P. for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 4
$5,000
The Oscar & Felix
Co-Producer: You will be titled as an Co-Producer for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB + social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 3
$8,000
The Laverne & Shirley
Executive Producer: You will be titled as an E.P. for for the series we produce AND, of course, you're invited to the Cast & Crew Wrap Party, the Premiere Screening with a guest + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 2
$10,000
The Laverne & Shirley II
Coporate Sponsor: Your COMPANY NAME will show up as "Presented By", AND your core team is invited to Cast & Crew Wrap Party and the Premiere Screening + special thanks in the series credits and on IMDB+ social media shout outs + our eternal thanks. (Travel and accomodations not provided.)
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Michelle Barton (Creator, Producer, Performer): Bridges the world of story telling through acting, poetry, dance and co creative writing. Michelle has produced and acted in an award winning short film screened at the Director’s Guild in Los Angeles. Most recently she facilitated an immersive dance ceremony at the Vortex Immersion Dome, and is currently developing an immersive dome show mixing 360 video and live performance.
Heather Dowling (Creator, Producer, Performer): An actress and writer who impersonated someone who wanted a “real job” since the age of 14, Heather finally gave it up. Since then, wrote and produced Unemployed. Finally., an award-winning solo-show, playing 39 different characters that made it all the way to 42nd Street in NYC.
David Fickas (Writer, Producer, Director): Since making his first award-winning feature film in 1999, David has co-written and directed live events, television shows and digital series for the likes of FTVS, MSN, Funny or Die and IFC.
Brice Beckham (Writer, Producer, Editor): Originally a child actor, Brice started early as one of the stars of Mr. Belvedere. Scripts he has co-written with David Fickas have been sold to SyFy, ABC Family, VH1 and Perfect Storm.
Michael Dowling (Producer): An Emmy award winning producer and editor, Mike's career has spanned news, sports, commercials, TV shows, documentaries and film. The last 17 years or so, have taken him from the sidelines of the Super Bowl to the heart of Hollywood where he currently works at Paramount Pictures.
Leah Cevoli (Crowdfunding Guru): Leah has a reputation for crowdfunding success and social media magic. To date, she has managed or co-managed 60+ successful campaigns, raising over 6 million dollars in funding, and has consulted on dozens of other successful campaigns, including many right here on Seed & Spark.
Adrienne Visnic (Admin Assist): An actor and a singer, Adrienne also loves to produce live events - including an award-winning equity show and her own sold-out solo cabaret at the prestigious Rockwell Table & Stage. Her acting work has appeared on Disney Channel, ABC, & ABC Family.
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