Upstart Productions, the producers of The Miller Guide, is a Los Angeles based film and TV production company who’s focus is in family and children's programming.

When Upstart Productions was founded in 1982, its initial project was “The Cure,” an uncompromising, 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 within the entertainment community. In turn, development and production agreements with CBS, Universal, Orion, HBO, Weintraub Entertainment Group, and Columbia Pictures were secured.

Some of our credits include “She's Out of Control” for Columbia Pictures, starring Tony Danza. 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 it being the official United States entry in film and television festivals worldwide, where it garnered numerous awards. "The Bulkin Trail" also qualified for Academy Award consideration, and was broadcast on The Family Channel and international networks.

Our production for the Disney Channel, “Mom's Got A Date With A Vampire,” starred Caroline Rhea, Charles Shaughnessy and Robert Carradine. The Halloween release was the channel's highest rated movie of the year.

Upstart recently acquired the rights to the internationally known brand “Animal Crackers,” for the purposes of developing a theatrical motion picture and related merchandising based on the brand. A-list filmmaker Chuck Russell (THE MASK, ERASER, SCORPION KING, COLLATERAL) has partnered with Upstart to direct and/or executive produce the film.

Other projects in development include “Joe Baby,” a novel by author Drew Fine and screenwriter Todd Samovitz (WONDERLAND) is attached to adapt the book.  “Beyond Sound” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles one day in the life of C.J. Jones, a hearing impaired actor who is also the Master of Ceremonies and a performer in the Deaf Talent Showcase.

Upstart Productions maintains a 51% ownership and control in Upstart Management, a full-service personal management firm, that oversees the career development of established and aspiring actors. The company was founded in 1994 and its managing partner, Gary Shaffer, is a former Governor of the Television Academy and well-known Casting Director.

The Miller Guide is the company's first production for the institutional and corporate markets.  It was selected as the official harassment training program of the California Association of Employers (CAE), and the only classroom module recommended by the California Chamber of Commerce. The Miller Guide is also the choice of leading employment law firms and HR consultants.

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