Director Samm Hodges short drama Tender explores the continued generational passing on of male violence. It concerns the life of a young man named Damon, played in a breakout performance by Alexander Hubble, who continuously finds himself in a whirlwind of familial chaos. In order to convey the sheer intensity of Damon’s world Hodges employs a one-shot strategy or at least a seemingly one-shot strategy. Through a combination of clever camerawork and subtle edits, Hodges is able to craft a smooth flow, keeping the audience inside the visceral emotionality that is achieved in a typical oner. Fresh from its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, Dn caught up with Hodges to talk over the personal genesis of his film, the process of casting lead Actor Alexander Hubble, and the challenge of balancing a polished edit with vibrant, spontaneous, and unconstrained performances.
I read that Tender is a quite a personal project for you.
I read that Tender is a quite a personal project for you.
- 3/28/2023
- by James Maitre
- Directors Notes
Sundance revealed the lineup for its Shorts and Indie Episodic programs today, featuring new work from filmmakers like Paul Feig and Ken Marino, “Roma” star Yalitza Aparicio Martinez, and Henry Winkler.
Sixty-four films were selected for the Shorts program from a record-high pool of 10,981 submissions. Spanning fiction, non-fiction, and animated works from artists in the U.S. and around the world, the program features both new and returning filmmakers. Aparicio Martinez will headline Mexico’s “Sweatshop Girl,” from writer-director Selma Cervantes, playing a seamstress who must hide her pregnancy to avoid getting fired. The Feig-produced “Help Me Understand” stars “The Office” actress Kate Flannery and Ken Marino among its ensemble cast. Angela Trimbur wrote and co-stars in “Mirror Girl,” while Sarafyan appears in the sci-fi short “Power Signal.”
The Indie Episodic lineup spotlights rising creators of independently produced content for episodic platforms. Four projects were chosen this year, including “Willie Nelson and Family,...
Sixty-four films were selected for the Shorts program from a record-high pool of 10,981 submissions. Spanning fiction, non-fiction, and animated works from artists in the U.S. and around the world, the program features both new and returning filmmakers. Aparicio Martinez will headline Mexico’s “Sweatshop Girl,” from writer-director Selma Cervantes, playing a seamstress who must hide her pregnancy to avoid getting fired. The Feig-produced “Help Me Understand” stars “The Office” actress Kate Flannery and Ken Marino among its ensemble cast. Angela Trimbur wrote and co-stars in “Mirror Girl,” while Sarafyan appears in the sci-fi short “Power Signal.”
The Indie Episodic lineup spotlights rising creators of independently produced content for episodic platforms. Four projects were chosen this year, including “Willie Nelson and Family,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Sometimes you know what you’ve got before it’s gone, and that’s certainly the case for these dearly departed shows. IndieWire watched every one, some for years at a time, others for the few short weeks they were with us. Ranging from award-winning series to one-and-dones, 2017 saw a slew of great programs come to a close.
Below, we’ve taken note of their legacies one last time. If you were a fan, here’s one more chance to gush over your favorite show. If you’ve never heard of a few of these, we’ve listed where you can watch them right now. They may be over, but that’s no reason to stay away. If anything, now you can go at your own pace from beginning to end.
Enjoy. Remember. Watch. Now then, onto the list.
Read More:The Top 10 TV Shows of 2017 “Bates Motel”
2013 – 2017 Five Seasons Lives...
Below, we’ve taken note of their legacies one last time. If you were a fan, here’s one more chance to gush over your favorite show. If you’ve never heard of a few of these, we’ve listed where you can watch them right now. They may be over, but that’s no reason to stay away. If anything, now you can go at your own pace from beginning to end.
Enjoy. Remember. Watch. Now then, onto the list.
Read More:The Top 10 TV Shows of 2017 “Bates Motel”
2013 – 2017 Five Seasons Lives...
- 12/6/2017
- by Ben Travers, Liz Shannon Miller, Hanh Nguyen and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Samm Hodges is one of the two creative minds behind Downward Dog, which is an American comedy centered a dog named Martin who is in a sometimes strained relationship with his beloved owner Nan. Furthermore, Hodges is one of the executive producers as well as the voice actor for Martin, which makes it even more unfortunate that the TV show has been cancelled as of June 24, 2017. Here are 5 things that you may or may not have known about Samm Hodges: Lived Out in the Woods for a Time When he was a child, Hodges’s father moved the
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Director Samm Hodges...
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Director Samm Hodges...
- 7/1/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
On Tuesday night, “Downward Dog” bid farewell to TV. For now.
The short-lived ABC sitcom only got eight episodes on network television — still surprisingly more than you would expect for a show co-anchored by a dog pontificating on the true nature of “loyalty” or “boundaries.” But what makes the show’s disappearance from the airwaves so disheartening is that it had much more to offer to an audience beyond the bevy of dog owners who watched the show with their four-legged friends at their side.
It’s impossible to boil down this show to one simple takeaway, but “Downward Dog” did truly capture the worth of seeing the world through different eyes. Martin the dog became the conduit through which the audience reevaluated many of Nan’s (Allison Tolman) interpersonal relationships as well. But despite having an animal in the title, the lasting ways this show will resonate for fans...
The short-lived ABC sitcom only got eight episodes on network television — still surprisingly more than you would expect for a show co-anchored by a dog pontificating on the true nature of “loyalty” or “boundaries.” But what makes the show’s disappearance from the airwaves so disheartening is that it had much more to offer to an audience beyond the bevy of dog owners who watched the show with their four-legged friends at their side.
It’s impossible to boil down this show to one simple takeaway, but “Downward Dog” did truly capture the worth of seeing the world through different eyes. Martin the dog became the conduit through which the audience reevaluated many of Nan’s (Allison Tolman) interpersonal relationships as well. But despite having an animal in the title, the lasting ways this show will resonate for fans...
- 6/28/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
You're a bad dog baby, but while I still want you around, the Alphabet Network apparently differs. ABC has cancelled the Downward Dog TV show after just one season. Creator Samm Hodges announced the bad news on Twitter, tonight. Excuse us while we get a newspaper and swat ABC on the nose. An ABC sitcom, Downward Dog stars Allison Tolman, Lucas Neff, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Barry Rothbart, Siovhan Christensen, Ayden Mayeri, Andrew Gorell, Sam Hodges (voice), and Ned the dog. The sitcom centers on Nan (Tolman), and is narrated by her philosophically inclined and rather forlorn dog, Martin (voiced by Hodges). Martin tells Nan’s story from the perspective of woman’s best friend. The series explores the ups and downs of modern-day human life, through the eyes of a devoted dog. Read More…...
- 6/24/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Talking animals are usually an instant recipe for success, but it turns out that's not the case with ABC's Downward Dog.
Co-Creator Samm Hodges posted a note on Twitter today (June 23rd) that the network has chosen not to move forward with Season 2 of the show, though he did remember to thank them
...
Read More >...
Co-Creator Samm Hodges posted a note on Twitter today (June 23rd) that the network has chosen not to move forward with Season 2 of the show, though he did remember to thank them
...
Read More >...
- 6/23/2017
- by Lindsay Macdonald
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Downward Dog is headed to the TV doghouse: ABC has cancelled the canine-centered sitcom after one season.
Related2017 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
The news was confirmed by a tweet from co-creator Samm Hodges, who called the cancellation “very surprising” and insisted “we are committed to finding a new home” for the freshman series:
Hey. Statement from @m_killen and I. Love and hope and not giving up #DownwardDog pic.twitter.com/VUn8NrgdLu
— Samm Hodges (@sammhodges) June 23, 2017
RelatedDownward Dog: Is Allison Tolman’s New ABC Comedy Fetching?...
Related2017 Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Getting Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
The news was confirmed by a tweet from co-creator Samm Hodges, who called the cancellation “very surprising” and insisted “we are committed to finding a new home” for the freshman series:
Hey. Statement from @m_killen and I. Love and hope and not giving up #DownwardDog pic.twitter.com/VUn8NrgdLu
— Samm Hodges (@sammhodges) June 23, 2017
RelatedDownward Dog: Is Allison Tolman’s New ABC Comedy Fetching?...
- 6/23/2017
- TVLine.com
“Downward Dog” is being put to sleep. ABC has canceled the freshman comedy that launched in May, a network representative confirmed to TheWrap. Series co-creator Samm Hodges, who voiced the eponymous pooch, announced the news on Twitter on Friday with a message from himself and co-creator Michael Killen. “Got the very surprising news that ABC is not moving forward with ‘Downward Dog,'” the statement reads. “They loved it creatively and really wanted to make more, but couldn’t find a financial path to do so.” Also Read: 14 Shows That Were Canceled on Awful Cliffhangers (Photos) Hodges and Killen wrote...
- 6/23/2017
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Wrap
ABC has canceled new comedy series Downward Dog six episodes into its eight-episode first season. Co-creators Samm Hodges and Michael Killen just shared the news via Twitter. In the note to fans (read it below), they stress that the reasons for the cancellation were strictly financial and that they are “committed to finding a new home.” ABC was faced with making a renewal decision on Downward Dog, from Legendary TV and ABC TV Studios, as the options on the cast were to exp…...
- 6/23/2017
- Deadline TV
ABC's had mixed success with their new shows this year, but what about Downward Dog? The TV show just premiered in May and we want to know if you think it should be cancelled or renewed for a second season.Based on the web series of the same name, the comedy follows the day-to-day life of Nan (Allison Tolman), as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges). The cast also includes Lucas Neff, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Barry Rothbart, Siovhan Christensen, Ayden Mayeri, and Andrew Gorell.Read More…...
- 6/14/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Welcome to PeekTV, your daily look at the best that television has to offer. In each installment, we make three picks for the best shows to watch and…toss in a little extra.
The Weekend of June 9-11
“Dark Matter” (Friday – Syfy, 8:00 p.m.) – In the Season 3 premiere, the scattered survivors of Eos-7 battle to regroup amidst the backdrop of corporate war. Ryo Ishida, now emperor of Zairon, makes an enemy of his former allies, while the past comes back to haunt the crew of the Raza.
Season 2 of this Syfy show ended with a twist most fans didn’t see coming. Now, with the foundation of the show shaken, it’s a perfect time to jump into the mysteries of the Raza crew.
“Idiotsitter” (Saturday – Comedy Central, 8:00 p.m.) – In the Season 2 premiere, Billie and Gene find themselves sharing a college campus, where Billie yearns to become...
The Weekend of June 9-11
“Dark Matter” (Friday – Syfy, 8:00 p.m.) – In the Season 3 premiere, the scattered survivors of Eos-7 battle to regroup amidst the backdrop of corporate war. Ryo Ishida, now emperor of Zairon, makes an enemy of his former allies, while the past comes back to haunt the crew of the Raza.
Season 2 of this Syfy show ended with a twist most fans didn’t see coming. Now, with the foundation of the show shaken, it’s a perfect time to jump into the mysteries of the Raza crew.
“Idiotsitter” (Saturday – Comedy Central, 8:00 p.m.) – In the Season 2 premiere, Billie and Gene find themselves sharing a college campus, where Billie yearns to become...
- 6/9/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
‘Downward Dog’: How Overcoming a Speech Impediment Inspired the Voice of TV’s Most Compelling Canine
Martin, the breakout star of ABC’s comedy “Downward Dog,” is a really chatty mutt, but the man who provides the voice of Martin the has gone through a lifelong journey to find his own voice. After overcoming a severe speech impediment that started in childhood, Samm Hodges is using that same heartache and experience to shape one of the most insightful and compelling narrators on network TV.
Hodges started stuttering around age seven, about the time when his mother died. The speech disorder only worsened to the point where Hodges even considered suicide.
Read More: ‘Downward Dog’ Creator Shares His Diary on How This Unlikely Show Every Got Made
“I lost my mother at a young age, and the family kind of just fell apart for a while,” Hodges said in an interview with IndieWire. “My dad moved us out to the woods, and I kind of lived in the 18th century.
Hodges started stuttering around age seven, about the time when his mother died. The speech disorder only worsened to the point where Hodges even considered suicide.
Read More: ‘Downward Dog’ Creator Shares His Diary on How This Unlikely Show Every Got Made
“I lost my mother at a young age, and the family kind of just fell apart for a while,” Hodges said in an interview with IndieWire. “My dad moved us out to the woods, and I kind of lived in the 18th century.
- 6/6/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
[Editor’s note: The following contains light spoilers for each of the shows described.]
“The Carmichael Show” – “Yes Means Yes”
Season 3, Episode 1
Directed by Gerry Cohen
Written by Kevin Barnett & Josh Rabinowitz
“The Carmichael Show” has never been afraid to present its audience with an idea or moment that cuts through the belly laughs and goes right for something that feels, for lack of a better term, real. Now in its third season, that practice is inextricably woven into the show’s DNA. The best news for fans and potential newcomers alike is that once that sharp intake of breath the subsides, it’s still one of the funniest shows on TV. – Steve Greene
Read More: ‘The Carmichael Show’ Review: TV’s Boldest Sitcom Is Funnier Than Ever, Even In A Season 3 Filled with Deep Questions
“Casual” – “Things to Do in Burbank When You’re Dead”
Season 3, Episode 2
Directed by Carrie Brownstein
Written by Zander Lehmann
In the second episode of “Casual’s” all-around excellent third season,...
“The Carmichael Show” – “Yes Means Yes”
Season 3, Episode 1
Directed by Gerry Cohen
Written by Kevin Barnett & Josh Rabinowitz
“The Carmichael Show” has never been afraid to present its audience with an idea or moment that cuts through the belly laughs and goes right for something that feels, for lack of a better term, real. Now in its third season, that practice is inextricably woven into the show’s DNA. The best news for fans and potential newcomers alike is that once that sharp intake of breath the subsides, it’s still one of the funniest shows on TV. – Steve Greene
Read More: ‘The Carmichael Show’ Review: TV’s Boldest Sitcom Is Funnier Than Ever, Even In A Season 3 Filled with Deep Questions
“Casual” – “Things to Do in Burbank When You’re Dead”
Season 3, Episode 2
Directed by Carrie Brownstein
Written by Zander Lehmann
In the second episode of “Casual’s” all-around excellent third season,...
- 6/1/2017
- by Ben Travers, Steve Greene and Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
A TV show about a talking dog might not sound like the setup for a thoughtful modern comedy, but Downward Dog is ready to buck (or, perhaps, bark) your expectations. The ABC program, based on a web series, has received positive reviews after premiering on May 17th.
Downward Dog stars Allison Tolman of Fargo fame as a down-on-her-luck protagonist whose best friend is her pet pup, Martin. Rather than restricting himself to barks, Martin expresses himself through spoken thought bubbles, musing on everything from existentialism to loneliness.
The result is a comedy that some critics have characterized as surprisingly dark and mature, leading to healthy scores on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. “[Martin’s] take on the biped-led world around him isn’t always accurate, but it is winning, just like his musings about his own life at knee level,” reads a review from A.V. Club.
The creators of Downward Dog,...
Downward Dog stars Allison Tolman of Fargo fame as a down-on-her-luck protagonist whose best friend is her pet pup, Martin. Rather than restricting himself to barks, Martin expresses himself through spoken thought bubbles, musing on everything from existentialism to loneliness.
The result is a comedy that some critics have characterized as surprisingly dark and mature, leading to healthy scores on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. “[Martin’s] take on the biped-led world around him isn’t always accurate, but it is winning, just like his musings about his own life at knee level,” reads a review from A.V. Club.
The creators of Downward Dog,...
- 5/19/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
In the past, “talking” dogs haven’t been given their due in entertainment, often being used for farcical forays.
Michael Killen, one of the executive producers of ABC’s new comedy Downward Dog, knows this all too well: He helped bring the Taco Bell Chihuahua to life during his time working on commercials.
“Talking dogs just seemed low brow,” fellow Downward Dog executive producer Samm Hodges told People.
The pair wanted to change that, so they created a web series consisting of one-minute shorts that featured a talking dog speaking not about bacon or tacos, but the complexity of relationships.
Michael Killen, one of the executive producers of ABC’s new comedy Downward Dog, knows this all too well: He helped bring the Taco Bell Chihuahua to life during his time working on commercials.
“Talking dogs just seemed low brow,” fellow Downward Dog executive producer Samm Hodges told People.
The pair wanted to change that, so they created a web series consisting of one-minute shorts that featured a talking dog speaking not about bacon or tacos, but the complexity of relationships.
- 5/17/2017
- by Kelli Bender
- PEOPLE.com
Chicago – From “Mr. Ed” to “Dog with a Blog,” talking animals have had their place on TV. The latest has origins as a web series, with the clever title “Downward Dog.” The show premieres on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 (9:30pEST/8:30pCST), on ABC TV, and features Ned the Dog as Martin, and human companions portrayed by Allison Tolman and Lucas Neff.
Ned the Dog, Allison Tolman and Lucas Neff of ‘Downward Dog’
Photo credit: ABC-tv
Allison is Nan, a Pittsburgh marketing guru for a retail company, who has just broke up with her on-again/off-again boyfriend Jason (Lucas Neff). Through it all, her loyal dog Martin (Ned, voice of Samm Hodges) narrates her twenty-something adventures, which includes workplace pals Jenn (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) and boss man Kevin (Barry Rothbart). Between her personal life and work life, Nan tries to balance her emotions and romance, all while Martin just wants more attention and love.
Ned the Dog, Allison Tolman and Lucas Neff of ‘Downward Dog’
Photo credit: ABC-tv
Allison is Nan, a Pittsburgh marketing guru for a retail company, who has just broke up with her on-again/off-again boyfriend Jason (Lucas Neff). Through it all, her loyal dog Martin (Ned, voice of Samm Hodges) narrates her twenty-something adventures, which includes workplace pals Jenn (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) and boss man Kevin (Barry Rothbart). Between her personal life and work life, Nan tries to balance her emotions and romance, all while Martin just wants more attention and love.
- 5/17/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Watching a Jack Russell terrier struggle to hop up on a bed at the end of “My Dog Skip” or seeing the look in a golden retriever’s eye after being told he’s not wanted anymore in “Air Bud” or recognizing the moment that a rabid Old Yeller isn’t the same family pet anymore — those are heart-shattering dog moments. But even though there are canines at the center of those stories, they say more about what it means to be human; to invest so much of yourself in a creature that will never speak your name.
That same spirit is the driving force behind “Downward Dog,” the latest ABC comedy that brings a surprising level of poignancy to a simple premise. Nan (Allison Tolman), newly broken up and drifting about at an unfulfilling marketing job, finds solace in the companionship of her dog, Martin. As the show documents...
That same spirit is the driving force behind “Downward Dog,” the latest ABC comedy that brings a surprising level of poignancy to a simple premise. Nan (Allison Tolman), newly broken up and drifting about at an unfulfilling marketing job, finds solace in the companionship of her dog, Martin. As the show documents...
- 5/17/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Downward Dog is an extremely funny web series, though it’s a very specific brand of observational comedy. ABC has now attempted to expand the theory to a sit-com and the result is something of a primer on the difficulties of the attempt.
The original falls into a category with things like Creature Comforts, but instead of putting the dialog of real people into the mouths of stop-motion zoo animals in order to make it seem that said animals are talking about their living conditions, Downward Dog delivers relationship woes that we might easily imagine come from therapy recordings as though they are a dog’s take on his confusing relationship with his owner, Nan.
It’s hilarious, but like Creature Comforts, it isn’t likely to split your sides. It’s funny because the dog is saying all the same things we’ve heard, or felt, but the perspective...
The original falls into a category with things like Creature Comforts, but instead of putting the dialog of real people into the mouths of stop-motion zoo animals in order to make it seem that said animals are talking about their living conditions, Downward Dog delivers relationship woes that we might easily imagine come from therapy recordings as though they are a dog’s take on his confusing relationship with his owner, Nan.
It’s hilarious, but like Creature Comforts, it isn’t likely to split your sides. It’s funny because the dog is saying all the same things we’ve heard, or felt, but the perspective...
- 5/16/2017
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
“Downward Dog” was born nearly five years ago, and it all started when creators Michael Killen and Samm Hodges came across the Disney Channel series “Dog with a Blog.”
Killen, the owner of a Pittsburgh VFX production house, was aghast. As one of the minds behind Taco Bell’s infamous talking chihuahua, he had been hoping to do a show about talking animals for years. But this wasn’t it.
Read More: Here’s Why ABC’s Talking-Dog TV Show Belongs At the Sundance Film Festival
“I come in early one morning and my boss Michael looks distraught,” recalled Hodges, who was a commercial director at Killen’s company. “‘They took my idea,’ he says, ‘and they made a mess of it.'”
Killen then suggested that Hodges write it. Later that night, that’s exactly what Hodges did – and so began a wild ride that led from web short to ABC pilot,...
Killen, the owner of a Pittsburgh VFX production house, was aghast. As one of the minds behind Taco Bell’s infamous talking chihuahua, he had been hoping to do a show about talking animals for years. But this wasn’t it.
Read More: Here’s Why ABC’s Talking-Dog TV Show Belongs At the Sundance Film Festival
“I come in early one morning and my boss Michael looks distraught,” recalled Hodges, who was a commercial director at Killen’s company. “‘They took my idea,’ he says, ‘and they made a mess of it.'”
Killen then suggested that Hodges write it. Later that night, that’s exactly what Hodges did – and so began a wild ride that led from web short to ABC pilot,...
- 5/16/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Downward Dog has arrived. This week. ABC released the first episode of the new TV series online.Based on the web series of the same name, the comedy “follows the day-to-day life of Nan (Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Allison Tolman, “Fargo”), as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges).”Read More…...
- 5/6/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
We're living in a veritable golden age of bizarre reality TV competitions, dear readers. In 2017, children will frantically prepare BBQ cuisine; hoofers will boogie for J-Lo's amusement; and contestants will attempt to impress Jamie Foxx by outsmarting an app. Meanwhile, Shonda Rhimes takes on the aftermath of Romeo and Juliet, Bernie Madoff gets what-for courtesy of Robert De Niro and an 1980s artifact springs back to life in all of its permed glory. Oh, and there's a talking dog in the mix as well. Oh and did we mention that...
- 5/2/2017
- Rollingstone.com
ABC has a surprise in store. Today, the network announced they will premiere a sneak peek of their upcoming series Downward Dog in May.Based on the web series of the same name, the comedy "follows the day-to-day life of Nan (Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Allison Tolman, "Fargo"), as told by her increasingly lonely and philosophical dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges)."Read More…...
- 3/17/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
ABC is ready to unleash Downward Dog — on Wednesday, May 17 at 9:30/8:30c, before curling up in its regular home on Tuesdays at 8.
RelatedABC Trims Episode Order for Midseason Comedy Imaginary Mary
Based on a web series, the canine-perspective comedy follows Nan (Fargo‘s Allison Tolman) through her daily life as seen through the eyes of her intelligent dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges). Nan struggles with work, her overbearing boss and her personal relationships (including ex-beau Jason, played by Raising Hope‘s Lucas Neff), while Martin’s point-of-view makes for a laughably unique take on humanity.
The cast...
RelatedABC Trims Episode Order for Midseason Comedy Imaginary Mary
Based on a web series, the canine-perspective comedy follows Nan (Fargo‘s Allison Tolman) through her daily life as seen through the eyes of her intelligent dog, Martin (voiced by Samm Hodges). Nan struggles with work, her overbearing boss and her personal relationships (including ex-beau Jason, played by Raising Hope‘s Lucas Neff), while Martin’s point-of-view makes for a laughably unique take on humanity.
The cast...
- 3/16/2017
- TVLine.com
When Legendary Television executives decided to submit “Downward Dog” at Sundance, executive producer Samm Hodges laughed. On paper, a network show about a talking dog doesn’t sound like Sundance fare.
The ABC canine comedy follows Martin, a dog suffering from ennui and a bit of depression as he ruminates about his relationship with his owner, Nan (Allison Tolman). The twist: Martin narrates his life and speaks to the camera, but doesn’t actually interact with the show’s characters.
“It’s not the kind of thing that’s going to quickly going to be considered the best show ever,” Hodges said. “It’s a low-concept premise. And so I didn’t think we had any chance at all. When we got in, I was really shocked.”
But Legendary Television president Lauren Whitney said the production company gave it a shot because its unusual premise was “ambitious, independent, and brilliant — long the hallmarks of Sundance.
The ABC canine comedy follows Martin, a dog suffering from ennui and a bit of depression as he ruminates about his relationship with his owner, Nan (Allison Tolman). The twist: Martin narrates his life and speaks to the camera, but doesn’t actually interact with the show’s characters.
“It’s not the kind of thing that’s going to quickly going to be considered the best show ever,” Hodges said. “It’s a low-concept premise. And so I didn’t think we had any chance at all. When we got in, I was really shocked.”
But Legendary Television president Lauren Whitney said the production company gave it a shot because its unusual premise was “ambitious, independent, and brilliant — long the hallmarks of Sundance.
- 1/20/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
The Sundance Film Festival continues to embrace the diversity of great content being made today, with a full roster of special events programming that features established festival favorites like Jill Soloway, Rashida Jones and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Read More: Sundance 2017 Announces New Frontier Lineup, Including 22 Vr Experiences and 11 New Installations
Making its world premiere at the fest is “I Love Dick,” Soloway’s Amazon comedy featuring Kevin Bacon as the titular Dick, a “charismatic artist” who upends the marriage of Kathryn Hanh and Griffith Dunne. In addition, the Netflix documentary “Hot Girls Wanted” gets a sequel directed by Rashida Jones; “Turned On” explores “the intersection of sex and technology,” per the official release.
Broadcast networks find themselves surprisingly well-represented in the line-up, with the ABC comedy “Downward Dog” (featuring Allison Tolman as a young woman with a special relationship with her dog) as well as the Fox limited series “Shots Fired,...
Read More: Sundance 2017 Announces New Frontier Lineup, Including 22 Vr Experiences and 11 New Installations
Making its world premiere at the fest is “I Love Dick,” Soloway’s Amazon comedy featuring Kevin Bacon as the titular Dick, a “charismatic artist” who upends the marriage of Kathryn Hanh and Griffith Dunne. In addition, the Netflix documentary “Hot Girls Wanted” gets a sequel directed by Rashida Jones; “Turned On” explores “the intersection of sex and technology,” per the official release.
Broadcast networks find themselves surprisingly well-represented in the line-up, with the ABC comedy “Downward Dog” (featuring Allison Tolman as a young woman with a special relationship with her dog) as well as the Fox limited series “Shots Fired,...
- 12/5/2016
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
The road from web shorts to ABC primetime series was a long one for the chatty canine comedy “Downward Dog.”
It all started when Michael Killen, the co-founder of Pittsburgh-based VFX production house Animal, came up with a new idea for a talking dog.
Killen, whose credits include animating the infamous Taco Bell chihuahua (you remember – “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”), was looking to depict a dog in an entirely different way than usual. He enlisted commercial director Samm Hodges to write the scripts. That led to “Downward Dog,” a web series about Martin, a talking dog suffering from ennui and a bit of depression as he ruminates about his relationship with his owner, Nan.
Read More: ABC Upfronts Preview: First Look at New Shonda Rhimes, Kiefer Sutherland, Hayley Atwell Shows
“[Killen] had always wanted to do a dog thing that took dogs more seriously,” Hodges told IndieWire last week at the 2016 Palm Springs ShortFest.
It all started when Michael Killen, the co-founder of Pittsburgh-based VFX production house Animal, came up with a new idea for a talking dog.
Killen, whose credits include animating the infamous Taco Bell chihuahua (you remember – “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”), was looking to depict a dog in an entirely different way than usual. He enlisted commercial director Samm Hodges to write the scripts. That led to “Downward Dog,” a web series about Martin, a talking dog suffering from ennui and a bit of depression as he ruminates about his relationship with his owner, Nan.
Read More: ABC Upfronts Preview: First Look at New Shonda Rhimes, Kiefer Sutherland, Hayley Atwell Shows
“[Killen] had always wanted to do a dog thing that took dogs more seriously,” Hodges told IndieWire last week at the 2016 Palm Springs ShortFest.
- 6/30/2016
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
In 2018, a new version of the Robinson family will lose their way amongst the stars, as Netflix has ordered a 10-episode remake of the Lost in Space series from the ’60s, with Neil Marshall (The Descent, Dog Soldiers) executive producing and also set to direct several episodes of the first season:
Press Release: Beverly Hills, CA - June 29, 2016 - Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, has ordered a 10-episode first season of the one-hour sci-fi drama, from Legendary TV, based on the beloved 1960’s sci-fi classic from Irwin Allen. Reimagined by feature writing team Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (Dracula Untold, Last Witch Hunter), with Zack Estrin (Prison Break) showrunning, the series will premiere worldwide on Netflix in 2018.
Taking its cues from the original series, the show centers around the Robinson family, who is forced to come together in a time of crisis. Stranded light years from their intended destination,...
Press Release: Beverly Hills, CA - June 29, 2016 - Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, has ordered a 10-episode first season of the one-hour sci-fi drama, from Legendary TV, based on the beloved 1960’s sci-fi classic from Irwin Allen. Reimagined by feature writing team Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (Dracula Untold, Last Witch Hunter), with Zack Estrin (Prison Break) showrunning, the series will premiere worldwide on Netflix in 2018.
Taking its cues from the original series, the show centers around the Robinson family, who is forced to come together in a time of crisis. Stranded light years from their intended destination,...
- 6/30/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
One of the series in ABC’s upcoming TV lineup is based off a web series of the same name. It’s called Downward Dog, and its protagonist is a talking canine named Martin who waxes philosophical about his animal existence and has a complicated relationship with his owner, a single woman in her 20s.
The original Downward Dog web series was produced by Michael Killen and Samm Hodges, with Hodges providing the voice of Martin. In May, ABC picked up the show for a full season, with Fargo’s Allison Tolman starring as Martin’s owner. In its latest update, the broadcast network has slotted in Downward Dog as a midseason replacement for its upcoming fall 2016 lineup. Depending on how long the other shows on ABC’s slate last, Killen and Hodges’ talking dog shenanigans could premiere in either late 2016 or early 2017.
In advance of the Downward Dog’s premiere,...
The original Downward Dog web series was produced by Michael Killen and Samm Hodges, with Hodges providing the voice of Martin. In May, ABC picked up the show for a full season, with Fargo’s Allison Tolman starring as Martin’s owner. In its latest update, the broadcast network has slotted in Downward Dog as a midseason replacement for its upcoming fall 2016 lineup. Depending on how long the other shows on ABC’s slate last, Killen and Hodges’ talking dog shenanigans could premiere in either late 2016 or early 2017.
In advance of the Downward Dog’s premiere,...
- 6/29/2016
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
ABC has released trailers for some of its new comedies and dramas as part of the 2016-17 series orders. Have a look below. American Housewife — Comedy Produced by Kapital Entertainment/ABC Studios. From writer/executive producer Sarah Dunn and executive producers Aaron Kaplan, Rick Weiner, Kenny Schwartz, and Ruben Fleischer Downward Dog — Comedy Produced by Legendary TV/ABC Studios. From writers/executive producers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen and executive producers…...
- 5/17/2016
- Deadline TV
[caption id="attachment_48956" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Ned as Martin and Allison Tolman as Nan on the Downward Dog TV show on ABC. (ABC/Bob D’Amico.)/caption]
Below, get a first look at the Downward Dog TV show, ordered to series by ABC. Based on the web series of the same name, ABC says Downward Dog features, "...a struggling millennial, Nan," (Fargo's Allison Tolman), "...from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin."
Downward Dog creators and writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen will executive produce with Mosaic Media Group’s Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen, and Animal’s Kathy Dziubek. Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky were executive producers of the pilot. The series is from Legendary Television and ABC Studios.
Read More…...
Below, get a first look at the Downward Dog TV show, ordered to series by ABC. Based on the web series of the same name, ABC says Downward Dog features, "...a struggling millennial, Nan," (Fargo's Allison Tolman), "...from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin."
Downward Dog creators and writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen will executive produce with Mosaic Media Group’s Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen, and Animal’s Kathy Dziubek. Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky were executive producers of the pilot. The series is from Legendary Television and ABC Studios.
Read More…...
- 5/13/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Barry Rothbart has joined the cast of ABC comedy pilot Downward Dog, based on the web series produced by Animal Media Group and creators/writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen. It centers on Nan (Allison Tolman), a disorganized, unapologetic woman, and her dog (voiced by Hodges). Lucas Neff also stars. Rothbart will play Kevin, but no characters details are available. Repped by ICM and 3Arts, the actor-comedian’s credits include The Wolf of Wall Street and Comedy…...
- 11/20/2015
- Deadline TV
Former Raising Hope star Lucas Neff is set as the male lead opposite Allison Tolman in the ABC comedy pilot Downward Dog. The pilot, a co-production between Legendary TV and ABC Studios, is based on the web series produced by Animal Media Group and creators/writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen. It centers on a disorganized, unapologetic woman, Nan (Tolman), and her dog, Martin, voiced by Hodges. Neff will play Jason, Nan’s ex-boyfriend, who is something of a…...
- 11/20/2015
- Deadline TV
Fargo standout Allison Tolman has landed the lead in ABC comedy pilot Downward Dog, about a woman and her dog, from Legendary TV. The pilot, a co-production between Legendary TV and ABC Studios, is based on the web series produced by Animal Media Group and creators/writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen. Hodges and Killen will executive produce with Mosaic Media Group's Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen and Animal's Kathy Dziubek. Tolman received a supporting actress Emmy last…...
- 11/6/2015
- Deadline TV
ABC has given an off-cycle pilot production order to Downward Dog, a single-camera, half hour comedy about a woman and her dog, from Legendary TV. The project, which will be a co-production between Legendary TV and ABC Studios, began as a web series produced by Animal Media Group and creators/writers Samm Hodges and Michael Killen. Hodges and Killen will executive produce the series with Mosaic Media Group's Jimmy Miller and Sam Hansen and Animal's Kathy Dziubek. "Very…...
- 9/10/2015
- Deadline TV
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