2016 ShortFest Archive
ABC's new sitcom "Downward Dog" is about a struggling millennial, Nan (Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman, "Fargo"), from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin. As unconventional as that sounds, the story behind "Downward Dog's" evolution into a TV show is just as interesting. Series creators Samm Hodges and Michael Killen recount how "Downward Dog" began life as a web series, and the process that went with being adapted into a primetime sitcom.
Guests: Samm Hodges and Michael Killen, creators and executive producers
Moderator: Michael Schneider, Executive Editor, Indiewire and Editor-at-Large, Variety
Moderator: Michael Schneider
Michael Schneider is Executive Editor for Indiewire, Editor-At-Large for Variety and a contributor to KCRW, where he hosts The Spin-Off, a podcast about the TV industry, and contributes to The Business. Previously, he was the Chief Content Officer for TV Guide Magazine. With more than 20 years experience covering TV business, Schneider often appears on news and entertainment shows as a television expert and moderates panels with industry execs, showrunners and talent. Before TV Guide, he spent 12 years as TV editor of Variety and Daily Variety.
Event Details
| Date: Jun 24 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Samm Hodges
Samm Hodges is the co-creator and co-writer of the new ABC series Downward Dog,based on a web series of the same name. Samm has fused a background in directing,motion design and VFX with a truly real, humanistic approach to writing, and in turnhas developed beautifully written and shot pieces of work. Having worked asCreative Designer for Nat Geo's Brain Games, directed various commercials, writtenand directed shorts such as Illusions, as well as the Cannes Gold Lion Finalistawarded documentary short Seven Days, Samm has developed a diverse body ofwork in numerous mediums.
Michael Killen
Michael Killen is the co-creator, co-writer and Director of the new ABC series Downward Dog, based on a web series of the same name. Michael co-founded Animal Inc., a production company and VFX studio that integrates national and international work for Advertising, Television, Web and Feature Films. Michael and Animal have executive produced award winning documentaries including Blood Brother, a Sundance Grand Jury and Audience Award winner. Michael has developed a diverse portfolio of VFX that has appeared in commercials, feature films, and television, including the X-Files, as well as the iconic Taco Bell "Talking Chihuahua" commercials.
Sam Hansen
Sam Hansen is currently the President of Television Production at Mosaic, which has one series in production, DOWNWARD DOG at ABC and one pilot in production, APOLLO GAUNTLET at Adult Swim. Mosaic's TV department has a first look deal with Legendary Television and projects in development at Hulu, Amazon, BBC AMERICA, BBC, Comedy Central, Sky TV and HBO. Sam's goal is to combine his industry experience and creativity to protect the creator's vision from the pitch stage to the screen.