The Disappointments is an episodic comedy that we’ve been living and breathing for the past two years.
In many ways we’ve been living it our entire lives: It’s more than a little autobiographical, which is where the biting humor and painfully relatable truths come from. I mean, who hasn’t taken an honest look at their life and seen at least one area where it comes up epically short?
The idea sprang from a dinner conversation involving margaritas. Actually, a lot of margaritas. James and myself and a few others were reminiscing about a friend who, struggling with money and career setbacks, had recently and tragically taken his own life. I know, not a happy story. We realized as the night went on that several other acquaintances had done the same thing within the past few years. What was happening? All of these people were in their late 40’s and early 50’s. All of them were feeling hopeless about how their lives had turned out.
But at the same time, we had other friends who we absolutely marveled at. These were people who recognized that the paths they had chosen for themselves when they were just kids out of school were not going to pan out. They needed new dreams, new careers. And so, well into their 40’s, they bravely shook things up and reinvented themselves, finding happiness and success as a result of the changes they made.
Both of these are very different approaches to the same dilemma: What do you do when you realize that time is running short, the road behind you is longer than the road ahead, and your job, your marriage, your relationship with your kids, your life has not turned out at all the way you had hoped and planned when you were young?
From this, The Disappointments was born. A comedy series with an edge about people in their 40’s and 50’s forced to deal with their circumstances, facing what they see as their failures and misfortunes, and taking action. Most of it ill-advised. Some of it straight-up disastrous. All in the hopes of turning their disappointing lives around.
If this resonates with you and you’re moved to make a contribution, large or small, you’ll be helping us to meet the budget for a full season of The Disappointments; six episodes, each about 20 minutes long. The scripts are all written and polished and the entire team is ready to jump into production as soon as we have the funds. Over the next 45 days, you alone -- our backers -- have the power to bring this show to life.
What’s in it for you?
Besides the satisfaction of getting a great show made? Plenty. We’ve dug deep to get creative with what we can offer our backers. Sure, you’ll see the standard crowdfunding perks that are tried and true. But we’ve also come up with some incentives that are fun and different and that you’ll see tie into the theme of the show.
We’re grateful for every single cent that comes our way. No amount is too small or too big! And we look forward to expressing our gratitude through these incentives, and more!
Why are we crowdfunding?
The landscape of television and movies is constantly shifting, with streaming services leading the charge. Content is king and more and more people are bypassing the traditional routes, taking matters into their own hands. And the results can be astonishingly good. Our team has been inspired by filmmakers who have broken with the traditional paths to financing in order to protect their creative integrity. Coming directly to you the audience to crowdfund our budget allows us to do the same.
We’re thankful to be able to take this route as it gives us more creative freedom AND the honor of taking you on this journey with us, every step of the way. Our incentives will provide you with timely updates via email or Skype and even give a few lucky backers a chance to own a few props from the show that are featured prominently in the storyline.
Where does your money go?
Our team will be calling in every possible favor to keep our expenditures low -- everything from free locations to the cast raiding their closets for much of their own wardrobe -- but no matter how cost-effective and ingenious we are, there simply are some expenses that cannot be avoided.
The shoot will last approximately three weeks. During that time, we will need to cover the bills for lights, cameras, lenses, accessories, sound equipment and hard drives to store the footage. All costly items. Liability insurance is a must. It’s our obligation by law to make sure our cast and crew are always protected. There’s production design and wardrobe, extras, location rentals where needed and the transportation costs for equipment, cast and crew to get to these locations. Food is another necessity. Being on set can be an all-day affair and nobody wants to deal with a hangry actor or sound engineer. Healthy meals are crucial to keep our team functioning at 110 percent.
Our cast and crew are incredibly talented and we’re honored that they believe in our show and are willing to move Heaven and Earth to see it completed. We may not be able to pay them their going rate, but they need to be paid something in return for all their hard work. They have families to feed! And puppies! Think of the puppies!
And then there’s post-production, another big ticket item. We could capture the most artistically framed shots and award-caliber performances, but it don’t mean a thing if we fail to put the same effort into editing, sound, music and color correction. This is what makes or breaks any show!
When everything is factored in, the number we’ve set for our campaign will allow us to make an entire season of “The Disappointments” for the lowest amount possible.
Down to the last person, we are a team dedicated to and passionate about storytelling. And “The Disappointments” is the story we all want to tell.
SOME OF THE CREATIVE TEAM
Rich Burns - Producer, Director, Writer, Actor(?)
![]()
Rich has worked as a writer in both live action and animation, with TV Movies like “Snow” and “Snow 2” to his credit, the Dreamworks/Netflix animated series “Spirit Riding Free”, along with movies “Brother Bear 2” and “Fox and the Hound 2” for Disney. In fact, if there’s a 2 involved, Rich may have had his hand in it. Wait, what? More recently, he’s watched a feature script he wrote get set for a Spring 2019 start date. And it might possibly have a cast of Oscar, Golden Globe and Tony winners attached to star in it. He really can’t say. But he’ll be happy to keep you posted as things progress. More on Rich at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1757227/?ref_=nv_sr_1
David Moreton - Producer
![]()
David brings a ton of invaluable experience to our endeavor, having produced and directed the feature films “Edge of Seventeen”, “Testosterone” and “A Good Funeral”. All fantastic movies made on limited budgets. Oh, and let’s not forget he actually wrote the screenplays for“Testosterone” and “A Good Funeral” as well. There go all my plans for those crane shots! Oh, and the HALO dive. Thanks, Dave! Besides joining our team to produce “The Disappointments”, David is hard at work on a new feature script. Read more about Dave here https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0604284/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Michael Corbett - Actor
![]()
Michael, a two-time Emmy Winner, is best known to audiences for his long and epic run as the womanizing David Kimble on CBS’s “Young And The Restless”. He’s had major roles in Broadway musicals and has been seen frequently on popular shows such as “Star Trek The Next Generation”, “Zoey 101” and currently, the Emmy-winning digital series “Venice The Series”. Never one to sit at home and watch the paint dry, Michael is a Correspondent/Host on NBC’s “Extra!” and the Host/Senior producer of “Extra’s Mansions & Millionaires!” AND he’s the creator and Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed series “Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry” on E! Network. Michael brings a ton of production experience to our show and a particularly keen eye for flattering light. Visit http://www.michaelcorbett.com
James Campbell - Actor
![]()
James has been collaborating closely with Rich on “The Disappointments” since the project’s inception. His own acting career began in San Francisco’s comedy/improv scene and has taken him to New York, Los Angeles and literally, around the world. James was the Vocal Soloist with the San Francisco Ballet, has sung with Cheyenne Jackson at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, appeared off-Broadway as Frankie in FOREVER PLAID, and has been seen in countless regional productions, acting, singing and dancing, because he just loves performing, dammit! And yes, James is proud to admit that he was a featured singer on Princess Cruises for many years. Traveling and performing are his two biggest passions, so what better way to see the world than to nail a Barry Gibb vocal whilst on the high seas! Stayin’ Alive, indeed! You can follow James on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/jcam1222/
Tom Berklund - Actor
![]()
Tom was cast sight unseen for our pilot reading two years ago and he killed it. Since then, he’s become an invaluable and enthusiastic member of our creative team. Tom trained at the University of Michigan’s prestigious Musical Theatre program. He’s performed on Broadway in the revival of “A Chorus Line and “The Addams Family” and in the national tour of “The Normal Heart”. In LA he’s starred in indie features and has appeared on “Looking”, “Kings”, “Royal Pains” and “Partners”. He played Wolfe in the acclaimed Mark Taper Forum production of “Bent” and worked with the LA Opera and Washington National Opera in their recent productions of “Candide”... Wait...how did we get Tom to be in our show? Tom is also a model. And a former competitive swimmer... Jeez... Now I’m just exhausted. Find out more about Tom at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2321687/?ref_=nv_sr_1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
Sup?
Sup.
How much can I donate?
Backers can contribute any amount they’d like. Every cent is accepted with our deepest gratitude. If the contribution equals one of our reward levels, the backer has the option of claiming that perk. (Please note some of our perks are available in limited quantities.) All funds donated (minus credit card processing and Indiegogo’s fee) will be used directly for the production of “The Disappointments”.
When will I get my perk?
All perks, whether they require mail delivery or not, will be fulfilled by February 2019, unless otherwise specified in the perk details.
What if my address changes?
Please notify us via Indiegogo ASAP if there are any changes to your shipping information and we’ll do our best to get your delivery to the new address.
How do I choose my shirt size?
We will contact you post-campaign to collect your sizing information.
Can I claim more than one perk?
You greedy little bugger! Absolutely! Each Indiegogo contribution is recorded as a standalone transaction. If you feel like showing us your love multiple times, have at it! We’ll love you all the more for it.
What if the perk I want is sold out?
Although it may be possible that we add more stock of a sold-out perk, we’ll be doing so at our discretion. If the perk you want is sold-out, keep checking back to see what new perks we’ll be rolling out as the campaign progresses. There might be something else that catches your eye.
Why was my contribution unsuccessful?
See Indiegogo’s list of common contribution errors for troubleshooting. If it’s still an issue, get in touch with our campaign and we’ll see if we can help.
In what currency is the campaign raising money?
We’ll be raising funds in USD.
What if I see an error on the campaign page?
Let us know! We want the campaign to run smoothly and any help you provide in that regard is truly appreciated.
How long will it take for the campaign to answer my question?
If you’ve submitted a question, trust that we’re working hard to get the answer to you, ASAP. One of our team will be managing the campaign full-time, but we ask that you be patient, as we’re likely to receive hundreds of emails throughout the duration of its run. But rest assured, we will always get back to you! You can reach us here on our Indiegogo page, or email direct at thedisappointmentstv@gmail.com
A FEW ART PERKS OF NOTE
Several pieces of art play a crucial role in the season’s storyline and are featured prominently on camera. Luckily, we have some amazing artist friends who have agreed to create these pieces for the show.
Mark Goldberg - Painting![]()
We consider it Art Coup #1 that Los Angeles artist Mark Goldberg has agreed to paint an original 36” x 48” moody seascape central to one of the storylines in the show. This a painting two characters fight over in the wake of the owner’s death. Upon completion of production, Goldberg’s piece will be shipped to whoever is lucky enough to claim it as a perk.
“Goldberg has harvested a prolific and diverse body of work. Enchantingly dream-like at times, his paintings are charged with emotional resonance, rife with moody symbolism... (He) has shifted from an exacting Realism to a more liberating Impressionism. His unconventional thematic color and compositional techniques have become part of his artistic statement. In doing so he confront us, quite literally, with the compelling message of his art... Goldberg’s paintings unlock a unique, often forceful view into another world.” http://markleegoldberg.com/
Jan Jasiu Krajewski - Ceramics ![]()
Art Coup #2! Jan Krajewski is gifting us with a ceramic piece he’s making specifically for the show. This is a piece that is talked about throughout the season and revealed to have a special meaning to the main characters at the end. This one of a kind vase will be shipped to the backer who claims it as a perk once production has wrapped.
Born into a family of potters that goes back eight generations, Jasiu began his art working with clay at age three. At Rhode Island School of Design Jasiu developed his skills in drawing, sculpture, painting, printmaking and industrial design and continued his studies at The Art Academy of Pont-Aven in France under the tutelage of David Lloyd and Lori Precious. He apprenticed with Potter Dennis Cooper and has studied printmaking in Japan, still life painting in Poland and taught ceramics in Kauai. Jasiu has exhibited at Gale-Martin Fine Art in Chelsea, Taxdor and Spendleman, SCOPE Miami, Glu Gallery in Los Angeles and Exposure Gallery in NYC. See more of Jan's work and the things that inspire him at https://www.instagram.com/jasiu_k/?hl=en
Glenn Daidone - Every Picture Tells a Story
![]()
![]()
Art Coup #3! Glenn Daidone is a multi-talented photographer specializing in Architecture and Interiors as well as Fine Art. He's also a generous friend who is providing our production with a print of his image "American Vacation Series IV". This photograph will also be featured in the series storyline and, like the other pieces here, will find a new home with one lucky backer once our production has wrapped.
Glenn branched out from Commercial photography to try his hand at Fine Arts photography in 2006. Within his first year he had two reputable galleries representing him and his contemplative, sometimes desolate landscapes that have become a signature in his work. "It’s a pleasure to me (and sometimes a relief) to take a break from architectural photography and the requisite restrictions that accompany producing images for commercial use. This time I spend in the field with my camera making pictures, whose sole function is to create a mood, is a very meditative process for me that recharges me for my commercial endeavors." http://www.glenndaidonephotography.com/
Dan Dundin - The Power of Imagination
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Art Coup #4! Dan Dundin is graciously providing our show with three of his amazing and whimsical trucks. Like the other pieces listed here, they are featured in the storyline and get a few prominent close-ups! Once production wraps, the trucks will find new homes, with the three lucky backers who claimed them.
Founded in 2012 by brother and sister designers, Dan Dundin and Meredith Franzese, 2of2 is based on their shared passion for design. Dan, a classically trained artist, and Meredith, an opinionated younger sister, have been collaborating on projects since they were kids growing up in the cornfields of Pennsylvania. Always fascinated with the challenge of new materials, they expanded their work to include wood, acrylic and metal. The different materials and their differing perspectives took the designs in new directions and eventually brought 2of2 to where it is today: a line that is both contemporary yet familiar, minimalist yet ornate. "We design playful products for the home. We make lighting, sculptures and other goods - some that are functional and others that are just for fun." Based in Brooklyn, NY. https://2of2goods.com/
A FEW MORE PERKS OF NOTE - NOT AT ALL DISAPPOINTING!
Heal That Body!
Aaron Niemi -Acupuncture (l.) and Dr. Chett Mallett -Chiropractic(r.)
![]()
![]()
Nothing is more disappointing than when your body starts giving out on you. You cruise along blissfully for your first thirty years without so much as a spasm or a cramp and then, bam! Your back hurts. You get recurring headaches. Chronic indigestion. Sore muscles. You can’t sleep. Well, with this amazing perk, you’re in luck! Aaron and Chett have generously offered their combined services to help heal your body and your soul. Enjoy one chiropractic evaluation and treatment and one acupuncture evaluation and treatment at their Los Angeles clinic “Body Structure - A Healing Center” and get started on your path to wellness.
Chett has been a Doctor of Chiropractic since 1998. He employs a diverse array of therapies, ranging from gentle low force to straight adjustments, and works hard to find the right combination of care for each individual patient. He has extensive experience working with athletes and active people.
Aaron received his masters in Chinese medicine from Yo San University and acquired his license in 2013. He regularly treats a wide variety of patients’ symptoms, including back pain, the common cold, digestive disturbances, headaches, insomnia, women’s health, depression, stress and fibromyalgia. Aaron comes to Chinese medicine with 17 years of massage experience and working with patients in finding their optimal health. https://www.bodystructurela.com/
Take A Hollywood Meeting!
Producer Jill Gilbert
So, you’re a TV, Film or Animation writer and you’re disappointed with your career. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of being a writer but never knew where to start. Well, your fortune is about to change! Producer Jill Gilbert has agreed to an hour-long consultation with one lucky backer, for development on an idea, a pitch, or a script. This can be a sit-down if you’re a local in Los Angeles or a Skype call anywhere in the world! She’s even agreed to provide networking/business development strategies and career coaching!
Jill Gilbert is Producer and Head of Animated Content at Luma, where she has built a slate of projects consisting of animated feature films and animated short form content. The company’s first animated feature is slated for pre-production in 2018. Prior to joining Luma, Gilbert was Executive Producer and Managing Director for Psyop, an innovative animation studio in the advertising and branding industry, working with such clients as Coke, Nike, Samsung, AMC and Super Cell. She has also served as Vice President of Production at Paramount’s feature animation division, where she oversaw the successful launch of their first film, “SpongeBob SquarePants in 3D. Before joining Paramount, Gilbert served in various leadership positions at Technicolor, Disneytoons Studios and began her career in live-action with posts at Fox 2000, Baltimore Pictures and Donner/Shuler Productions.
Get That Body Rockin’!
Personal Trainer Mike Faulkner
![]()
You look in the mirror and you’re disappointed with what you see. You’re thicker around the middle and muscle tone isn’t what it used to be. And, what’s down there? Wait, is that your butt?? Don’t despair -- help is on the way!
The handsome and fit Mike Faulkner is offering five fortunate backers a highly motivating one-hour session, to include a fitness assessment and a guided workout, along with nutrition and workout recommendations.
An NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, Mike has over 25 years of experience improving the fitness, health and overall wellness of his clients. His background and knowledge in athletics, psychology and special populations enables him to develop a realistic and unique fitness plan for each individual. Mike gives special focus to balance improvement, core stabilization, postural reconditioning, pre/post-natal fitness and sport specific training. Much of the equipment he uses is mobile (TRX, rubber bands, etc.) providing for a creative and convenient training experience whether it’s at a gym, home or park. And having trained with him, we can attest to his being inspirational, knowledgeable and thorough. At the end of your hour, you will work muscles you never knew you had! https://www.linkedin.com/in/pafitness
There Are Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't be part of our team!
- Get the word out about THE DISAPPOINTMENTS and make some noise about our campaign!
- And don't forget to use the Indiegogo share tools!
And THANK YOU. From the bottom of our hearts. Your support means EVERYTHING!
