who we are:
Upstart Productions, the creator of “All Kids Count” (AKC), is a Los Angeles based film and television production company whose primary focus is family and children’s programming. AKC is the company’s first and only non-profit endeavor.
When Upstart was founded, its initial project was “The Cure,” a controversial account of the world of cancer research, and actors Jeff Bridges and George C. Scott committed to star in the picture. Although the film never came to fruition, it established the company’s credibility. In turn, development and production agreements with CBS, Universal, Orion, HBO, Weintraub Entertainment Group, Columbia Pictures and others were secured.
Some of our credits include “She’s Out of Control” distributed by Columbia Pictures, starring Tony Danza, Ami Dolenz and Katherine Hicks. The popular comedy is ranked in the top ten all time teen films in television syndication after its initial theatrical release. “The Bulkin Trail”, shot on location in Park City, Utah, was a well-received holiday special starring David Hasselhoff and Sally Kirkland. The independent film was critically acclaimed and won the prestigious Golden Eagle Award from CINE, a recognition that resulted in “The Bulkin Trail” being selected as the official United States entry in film festivals worldwide, where it qualified for Academy Award consideration. The piece aired on ABC Family Channel and international television networks.
Upstart’s special presentation geared for the institutional and corporate training markets, “Dynamics of Sexual Harassment”, was created to prevent sexual and workplace harassment and has been recommended by the California Association of Employers (CAE) and leading labor law firms. The training program’s client list includes a diverse range of employers.
Our production with the Disney Channel, “Mom’s Got A Date with A Vampire,” starred Caroline Rhea, Charles Shaughnessy, Robert Carradine, and Laura Vandervoort. The Halloween release tied as the channel’s highest rated movie of the year, and was one of the highest in the network’s history.
Current projects in development include “Don Juan Junior,” a two-hour movie featuring a 12-year-old Latino boy who believes he’s Don Juan DeMarco, “Southern Fried Zombies,” a teen comedy horror film written by Krystal A. Pertsch, and “Lifeguard Academy,” a half-hour drama series for tween and teen audiences.
Projects in development for “grown-ups” include “Joe Baby,” a mystery novel by Drew Fine adapted by screenwriter Todd Samovitz (Wonderland). “Beyond Sound,” a short subject documentary that chronicles the life an unknown, Hollywood-based, hearing impaired actor. “Minister of the Hood”, a reality series that uncovers a different side and perspective to law enforcement, where it showcases police chaplains and their roles serving local communities.
Upstart’s affiliate company, Upstart Management, is a full-service personal management firm which oversees the career development of aspiring actors. It was founded by Gary Shaffer, a former Governor Trustee of the Television Academy and legendary Casting Director.
“All Kids Count” is an example where people, representing all aspects of the motion picture industry, dedicate their talents and resources to benefit society.