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{{Infobox Film

{{Infobox Film

| name= Up on High Ground

| name= Up on High Ground

| image=

| image=Up On High Ground poster.jpg

| caption= Psychological, pathological, and pretty typical day of students who make this school of no fools and broken rules.

| caption= Psychological, pathological, and a pretty typical day of students who make this school of no fools and broken rules.

| director=Bryan Kreutz<br>Tommy Callahan

| director=Bryan Kreutz<br>Tommy Callahan

| producer=Bryan Kreutz<br>Joe McGettigan<br>Brayden Patterson<br>Lec Zorn<br>Brianna Langford<br>Stacey Nation

| producer=Bryan Kreutz<br>Joe McGettigan<br>Brayden Patterson<br>Lec Zorn<br>Brianna Langford<br>Stacey Nation

A college psychology [[student]] is tested daily with his roommates, one in [[friendship]], and the other on patience as a third wheel freeloader friend of sorts. Dillon and his roommate Landon are majoring their college courses in applied developmental [[psychology]]: variability in teacher-student interactions at East Valley Academy [[High School]]. 

A college psychology [[student]] is tested daily with his roommates, one in [[friendship]], and the other on patience as a third wheel freeloader friend of sorts. Dillon and his roommate Landon are majoring their college courses in applied developmental [[psychology]]: variability in teacher-student interactions at East Valley Academy [[High School]]. 

Dillon, a fairly good guy who pictures himself a [[role model]], a [[leader]] - being "Christlike", must deal with his [[unemployed]] roommate crashing on the couch, and being more than just a neighborly [[influence]] to his neighbor Jaris, a [[Widow|widowed]], [[pregnant]], [[mother]] of three [[children]]. An ongoing high school feud of girl foes is at the top of Dillon and Landon’s psychology matters, as the two influence their students to try and [[convert]] their principal leader from [[Buddhism]] to [[Christianity]].Set at the [[fictional]] East Valley Academy High School near the city and in suburbs of [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]], and [[Illinois]], it follows the emotional travails of three roommates, two of them, Dillon and Landon, interning for [[college]] courses in psychology, studying student teacher interactions of several [[teenagers]]. The story arc parallels with a neighborly community, centered around roommates Dillon, Landon, and Bogroe. These roommates at both the school and around their [[apartment]] homes are connected to an entourage of teens, mainly two student rivals, in the social circle of main teen characters Savannah Swanson, played by Rylee Cravens and [[Erin O'Byrne]] played by [[Erin Morris]].

Dillon, a fairly good guy who pictures himself a [[role model]], a [[leader]] - being ''Christlike'', must deal with his [[unemployed]] roommate crashing on the couch, and being more than just a neighborly [[influence]] to his neighbor Jaris, a [[Widow|widowed]], [[pregnant]], [[mother]] of three [[children]]. An ongoing high school feud of girl foes is at the top of Dillon and Landon’s psychology matters, as the two influence their students to try and [[convert]] their principal leader from [[Buddhism]] to [[Christianity]].Set at the [[fictional]] East Valley Academy High School near the city and in suburbs of [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]], and [[Illinois]], it follows the emotional travails of three roommates, two of them, Dillon and Landon, interning for [[college]] courses in psychology, studying student teacher interactions of several [[teenagers]]. The story arc parallels with a neighborly community, centered around roommates Dillon, Landon, and Bogroe. These roommates at both the school and around their [[apartment]] homes are connected to an entourage of teens, mainly two student rivals, in the social circle of main teen characters Savannah Swanson, played by Rylee Cravens and [[Erin O'Byrne]] played by [[Erin Morris]].

==History and Production==

==History and Production==

Originally, Up on High Ground was a product of BK Studios as created by Bryan Kreutz in a first draft series proposal, dated February 2013. Before it was a TV series in 2013, [[Bryan Kreutz]], Brayden Patterson and Joe McGettigan were meeting several times a week and on weekends while in [[Pre-production]] to carefully comb through characters, scripts already written, and available crew members to build the full production in the [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]] area. After the first three aforementioned scripts, that were filmed in reverse production order weren't getting any networks to bite via Kreutz and Patterson's agent, other duties to get the pilot script officially under a [[Copyright]] by the [[Library of Congress]] office in [[Washington D.C.]] were being carried out.

Originally, Up on High Ground was a product of BK Studios as created by Bryan Kreutz in a first draft series proposal, dated February 2013. Before it was a TV series in 2013, [[Bryan Kreutz]], Brayden Patterson and Joe McGettigan were meeting several times a week and on weekends while in [[Pre-production]] to carefully comb through characters, scripts already written, and available crew members to build the full production in the [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]] area. After the first three aforementioned scripts, that were filmed in reverse production order weren't getting any networks to bite via Kreutz and Patterson's agent, other duties to get the pilot script officially under a [[Copyright]] by the [[Library of Congress]] office in [[Washington D.C.]] were being carried out.

Beginning with a single pilot episode, Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, filming began in August 2013, using three separate episode scripts, filmed in reverse production order, starting first with Fued of Friends and Foes, Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2, then filming Friends, Family, and Freeloaders last. Director Thomas Callahan recommended filming the three scripts in reverse production order to get chemistry created and on-screen characters down pat by the time the actual pilot would be up and presented to networks as the best work from the cast. Up on High Ground was not placed on the schedule of television affiliates on The CW network until a second pilot episode, to precede the original titled "Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness", was produced in 2014. The second pilot was written solely by Joanna Ferbrache, then a co-writer credit was added for Bryan Kreutz for two scenes re-added from the original pilot. One scene is a crucial Mr. Stu Charles classroom scene from the original pilot, blended into Ferbrache's script. Ferbrache's script originally included more students and much of the scene Kreutz wrote already from the original pilot, however the footage taped already from the original pilot was added before and after Ferbrache's script to compliment it.

Beginning with a single pilot episode, ''"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders"'', filming began in August 2013, using three separate episode scripts, filmed in reverse production order, starting first with ''"Fued of Friends and Foes"'', ''"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2"'', then filming ''"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders"'' last. Director Thomas Callahan recommended filming the three scripts in reverse production order to get chemistry created and on-screen characters down pat by the time the actual pilot would be up and presented to networks as the best work from the cast. Up on High Ground was not placed on the schedule of television affiliates on The CW network until a second pilot episode, to precede the original titled ''"Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness"'', was produced in 2014. The second pilot was written solely by Joanna Ferbrache, then a co-writer credit was added for Bryan Kreutz for two scenes re-added from the original pilot. One scene is a crucial Mr. Stu Charles classroom scene from the original pilot, blended into Ferbrache's script. Ferbrache's script originally included more students and much of the scene Kreutz wrote already from the original pilot, however the footage taped already from the original pilot was added before and after Ferbrache's script to compliment it.

Up on High Ground officially went into production on August 31, 2013 and ran for one season until it was canceled in the fall of 2015. The series originally aired in TV syndication on affiliates of [[The CW]] and [[Pure Flix]] from October 25, 2014, to October 26, 2015. Up on High Ground was distributed by [[Pure Flix]] with parent production company Brayden Patterson Productions. In association with BK Studios.

Up on High Ground officially went into production on August 31, 2013 and ran for one season until it was canceled in the fall of 2015. The series originally aired in TV syndication on affiliates of [[The CW]] and [[Pure Flix]] from October 25, 2014, to October 26, 2015. Up on High Ground was distributed by [[Pure Flix]] with parent production company Brayden Patterson Productions. In association with BK Studios.

==Production==

==Production==

Production of Up on High Ground took place from August 2013 until 2014, when the production was shopped around by series creators Bryan Kreutz and Brayden Patterson's agent Mandi Morris. Once the series landed on the aforementioned network and streaming services, production continued in the late summer of 2014 which took the franchise from now four produced and ready to air episodes in the can, to a script ready to produce for episode five titled "The Quintessence of a Situation". The remaining episodes six, seven, eight, and nine, were all produced sequentially and uninterrupted until the series was canceled.

Production of Up on High Ground took place from August 2013 until 2014, when the production was shopped around by series creators [[Bryan Kreutz]] and Brayden Patterson's agent Mandi Morris. Once the series landed on the aforementioned network and streaming services, production continued in the late summer of 2014 which took the franchise from now four produced and ready to air episodes in the can, to a script ready to produce for episode five titled "The Quintessence of a Situation". The remaining episodes six, seven, eight, and nine, were all produced sequentially and uninterrupted until the series was canceled in the fall of 2015.

The series was primarily shot with a single Canon HD [[camera]], at times with dual cameras. The crew includes [[Emmy Award]]-winning editor Dale Ward, and Bryan Kreutz who has directed over 60 TV episodes, including two TV talk shows, his first being [[Revolution 618]]. Aside from one scene written by Emma Jane Mitchell, and the two pilot episodes, original and 2nd episode, co-written by Joanna Ferbrache, All 9 episodes were pinned from the collaborative script writing of Lec Zorn and Bryan Kreutz. With the exception of episode 4 which was also co-written by Thomas Callahan. On set production ceased for the series in October 2015.

The series was primarily shot with a single Canon HD [[camera]], at times with dual cameras. The crew includes [[Emmy Award]]-winning editor Dale Ward, and Bryan Kreutz who has directed over 60 TV episodes, including two TV talk shows, his first being [[Revolution 618]]. Aside from one scene written by Emma Jane Mitchell, and the two pilot episodes, original and 2nd episode, co-written by Joanna Ferbrache, All 9 episodes were pinned from the collaborative script writing of Lec Zorn and Bryan Kreutz. With the exception of episode 4 which was also co-written by Thomas Callahan. On set production ceased for the series in October 2015.

==Episode availability licenses==

==Episode availability licenses==

Amazon Prime Video took the rights of the pilot episode 1 "Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness" in 2017. Later in spring 2019, episode 2 "Friends, Family, and Freeloaders", episode 3 "Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, part 2" and episode 4 "Fued of Friends and Foes" were made available on Amazon Prime.

Amazon Prime Video took the rights of the pilot episode 1 ''"Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness"'' in 2017. Later in spring 2019, episode 2 ''"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders"'', episode 3 ''"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, part 2"'' and episode 4 ''"Fued of Friends and Foes"'' were made available on Amazon Prime.

Older licenses for previously aired episodes are no longer available after their syndicated run on the CW TV affiliates and Pure flix. Several scripts and material belong to numerous companies. Plans to have the entire series available on a streaming platform going forward were discussed heavily by the production companies and teams after the series run, but to date only the first four episodes are available on Amazon Prime.

Older licenses for previously aired episodes are no longer available after their syndicated run on the CW TV affiliates and Pure flix. Several scripts and material belong to numerous companies. Plans to have the entire series available on a streaming platform going forward were discussed heavily by the production companies and teams after the series run, but to date only the first four episodes are available on Amazon Prime.

Joe McGettigan, the supervising Producer on this new series "Up on High Ground" brought in a production assistant who would eventually play the role of Bogroe on the second day of taping, which coincidentally was being filmed at McGettigan's former house now turned a set in the Dutch town district of St. Louis. Billy Patricks, this production assistant turned main character, proved his improv skills and quick script retention to be invaluable in a late pinch. When production began after weeks of delays, the actor who was originally going to play Bogroe didn’t show up to the location set on call time, thus he was fired even though not under a [[contract]] yet. The role was immediately given to Patricks and he assumed the role for the entire series without an audition. The creators were "blown away" both by his acting ability and demeanor in playing a down and out un-employed freeloader.

Joe McGettigan, the supervising Producer on this new series "Up on High Ground" brought in a production assistant who would eventually play the role of Bogroe on the second day of taping, which coincidentally was being filmed at McGettigan's former house now turned a set in the Dutch town district of St. Louis. Billy Patricks, this production assistant turned main character, proved his improv skills and quick script retention to be invaluable in a late pinch. When production began after weeks of delays, the actor who was originally going to play Bogroe didn’t show up to the location set on call time, thus he was fired even though not under a [[contract]] yet. The role was immediately given to Patricks and he assumed the role for the entire series without an audition. The creators were "blown away" both by his acting ability and demeanor in playing a down and out un-employed freeloader.

 

The first three table readings of the pilot script were notable because the producers had another [[actor]] playing Bogroe and Byron L. Wilson playing Landon, which affected main cast chemistry when one was fired and then Wilson having to leave because of family obligations. Essentially Producers never heard main cast members Billy Patricks or Cody Jarvis read lines because they were cast without auditions after the first three table readings occurred and the series was practically into production.

The first three table readings of the pilot script were notable because the producers had another [[actor]] playing Bogroe and Byron L. Wilson playing Landon, which affected main cast chemistry when one was fired and then Wilson having to leave because of family obligations. Essentially Producers never heard main cast members Billy Patricks or Cody Jarvis read lines because they were cast without auditions after the first three table readings occurred and the series was practically into production.

'''Landon Lofton'''. Played by Cody Jarvis. The original of the two roommates with Dillon, and, as a Christian, is really intent, with the help of Dillon, to convert their down and out roommate Bogroe from being a walking advertisement for welfare into a straightforward, taxpaying good man, and Christ believer. Landon frequently brings up Christianity to their former high school principal, whom they also do student teacher courses under this principal's tenure. Landon shows a heightened animosity towards Bogroe and his laziness of hogging the couch and by forcing him to apply for 10 jobs a week with e-mail confirmations sent. Often a fun guy to watch an anime or a play a basketball game 1-on-1, he helps coach his [[high school]] freshman neighbor Griffin, often meeting with him on the courts and afterwards for talks on strategy. His girlfriend, Tara Giordano, is referred to multiple times but only seen once.

'''Landon Lofton'''. Played by Cody Jarvis. The original of the two roommates with Dillon, and, as a Christian, is really intent, with the help of Dillon, to convert their down and out roommate Bogroe from being a walking advertisement for welfare into a straightforward, taxpaying good man, and Christ believer. Landon frequently brings up Christianity to their former high school principal, whom they also do student teacher courses under this principal's tenure. Landon shows a heightened animosity towards Bogroe and his laziness of hogging the couch and by forcing him to apply for 10 jobs a week with e-mail confirmations sent. Often a fun guy to watch an anime or a play a basketball game 1-on-1, he helps coach his [[high school]] freshman neighbor Griffin, often meeting with him on the courts and afterwards for talks on strategy. His girlfriend, Tara Giordano, is referred to multiple times but only seen once.

 

'''Savannah Swanson'''. Played by Rylee Cravens. A blonde, [[High School]] Sophomore. Savannah is the most popular girl at the high school East Valley Academy and a riled up [[gossip]] girl.Savannah lives the luxury life in the Upper East Side of the burbs with her dad and freshman sister Thea. When with her friends, notably Sydney or Teagan, she points out others downfalls or creates rumor starting stories to their achievements to make them appear as superficial achievements. Typically her arguments, rumors, or frustration is toward student rivals Erin, Miri, or less popular girls who have gained a certain importance she feels is infringing on her as the main focal point of attention. Ms. Fritz meets Savannah in the teachers lounge and essentially treats Savannah as the teacher's pet giving her the requirements on what the judges will be looking for to make the madrigal show [[choir]] squad. There is a rumor going around school with some students that a show choir is being formed and Savannah divulges the information to a known nerd Miri, who is friends with [[Erin O'Byrne]] that Savannah tries to deceitfully encourage the two to try out, ultimately to make a fool out of them during the auditions. Her boyfriend is Shane and her best friend is Sydney. Savannah has that red dress effect, often wearing one that makes her pop out as the beautiful girl moving into womanhood. The red summer dress effect she's wearing so often, is essentially a putative phenomenon in which the teen sophomore is perceived to be more alluring than when than when she's wearing other more conservative clothing or colors. According to Erin, Savannah dressed like a stripper to impress Shane one time, showing a possible expansion of a love triangle outside of Savannah with Shane and Shane with Londyn. Savannah fequently speaks her guy troubles to Sydney who are both inseparable even to the point where the two have no regard for the teachers lesson in class to move and talk all class long next to each other while also openly tormenting [[Erin O'Byrne]].

'''Savannah Swanson'''. Played by Rylee Cravens. A blonde, [[High School]] Sophomore. Savannah is the most popular girl at the high school East Valley Academy and a riled up [[gossip]] girl.Savannah lives the luxury life in the Upper East Side of the burbs with her dad and freshman sister Thea. When with her friends, notably Sydney or Teagan, she points out others downfalls or creates rumor starting stories to their achievements to make them appear as superficial achievements. Typically her arguments, rumors, or frustration is toward student rivals Erin, Miri, or less popular girls who have gained a certain importance she feels is infringing on her as the main focal point of attention. Ms. Fritz meets Savannah in the teachers lounge and essentially treats Savannah as the teacher's pet giving her the requirements on what the judges will be looking for to make the madrigal show [[choir]] squad. There is a rumor going around school with some students that a show choir is being formed and Savannah divulges the information to a known nerd Miri, who is friends with [[Erin O'Byrne]] that Savannah tries to deceitfully encourage the two to try out, ultimately to make a fool out of them during the auditions. Her boyfriend is Shane and her best friend is Sydney. Savannah has that red dress effect, often wearing one that makes her pop out as the beautiful girl moving into womanhood. The red summer dress effect she's wearing so often, is essentially a putative phenomenon in which the teen sophomore is perceived to be more alluring than when than when she's wearing other more conservative clothing or colors. According to Erin, Savannah dressed like a stripper to impress Shane one time, showing a possible expansion of a love triangle outside of Savannah with Shane and Shane with Londyn. Savannah fequently speaks her guy troubles to Sydney who are both inseparable even to the point where the two have no regard for the teachers lesson in class to move and talk all class long next to each other while also openly tormenting [[Erin O'Byrne]].

'''Griffin Sundin'''. Played by Matthew Becker. Griffin Sundin is a show choir singer, talented [[dancer]], and basketball player who gets private lessons from East Valley High varsity coach Landon Lofton during his high school freshmen year. Griffin lives in an apartment across from Landon and Dillon with his Mother Jaris and sisters Hayley and Roxy. Griffin has a twin sister, Hayley Sundin. Griffin is best friends with Khalil, a classmate in a higher grade level at the local high school. His girlfriend Erin is one year ahead of him in school although they are about the same age, boldly he is found making out with his new girlfriend while in detention by Principal Guidry and plays it cool when caught.In the next to last episode, Griffin proclaims his love for Erin, knowing she is leaving for acting school in Ireland for the upcoming summer break. Griffin mentions to Dillon that East Valley Academy recently retired his father’s Basketball Jersey number, the son of the late Johan Sundin, a [[Swedish]] basketball league great in the Ligan, meaning simply the “League” in [[Sweden]]. He quickly swept away his girlfriend [[Erin O'Byrne]], but is noticeably down and out when she tells him officially she'll be back for summer break to be with him after getting accepted to the Abby school of acting in Ireland, placing their openly romantic relationship on hold.

'''Griffin Sundin'''. Played by Matthew Becker. Griffin Sundin is a show choir singer, talented [[dancer]], and basketball player who gets private lessons from East Valley High varsity coach Landon Lofton during his high school freshmen year. Griffin lives in an apartment across from Landon and Dillon with his Mother Jaris and sisters Hayley and Roxy. Griffin has a twin sister, Hayley Sundin. Griffin is best friends with Khalil, a classmate in a higher grade level at the local high school. His girlfriend Erin is one year ahead of him in school although they are about the same age, boldly he is found making out with his new girlfriend while in detention by Principal Guidry and plays it cool when caught.In the next to last episode, Griffin proclaims his love for Erin, knowing she is leaving for acting school in Ireland for the upcoming summer break. Griffin mentions to Dillon that East Valley Academy recently retired his father’s Basketball Jersey number, the son of the late Johan Sundin, a [[Swedish]] basketball league great in the Ligan, meaning simply the “League” in [[Sweden]]. He quickly swept away his girlfriend [[Erin O'Byrne]], but is noticeably down and out when she tells him officially she'll be back for summer break to be with him after getting accepted to the Abby school of acting in Ireland, placing their openly romantic relationship on hold.

 

'''Sydney Ashdown'''. Played by Sydney Thomas. A "solo-[[pianist]]-singer”, a bit of an american desi girl, but will avoid being called it in place of being known as a [[keratin]] treatment idea she once capitalizes on from her former friend Londyn. Sydney has an amazing, unique and sweet personality when she wants to, but is prone to fall into the rich, backup her bestie at all costs high school girl, prone to sarcastic remarks. She comes prepared to talk to her best friend Savannah Swanson during class even while teachers are giving a lesson. Sydney is seen talking through the entire class on the phone and face to face with friends, even telling the teacher "why are you teaching during my conversation" when confronted by Mrs. Hialeah. Sydney often goes by the nickname Syd, especially by the students she is surrounded by. She and her best friend Savannah are always hanging around guys or sipping coffee at a local café, during, before, and after school. Sydney, is instrumental, literally, in the first year school madrigal show choir making it to finals as a pianist and vocalist. She takes the advice of rival student Londyn Downey, to get [[Keratin]] treatments at a high end salon when her close friend Teagan Janney, meets up with her. Teagan mentions she is surprised the two aren't meeting up with Savannah and Thea at Starskie's, Sydney states "No..No.. Savannah needs time to reflect, she's thinking about Shane non-stop." Jake, Sydney's current boyfriend, indicates the two have been going out for a while, reminding her its been 8 months when she mistakenly said it was 6 months late in  the series. Sydney mentions Jake's parents offered her a job as a solo-artist singer under a small record label in [[Seattle]] upon graduation. Jake makes a heartfelt move to solidify his relationship with Sydney by surprising her with a promise [[ring]]. Sydney is very happy by the sweet gesture and accepts the ring with a kiss for Jake. Later, when talking with Savannah, she reveals that she is torn between having feelings for Jake and Landon, a college psychology student teaching and observing at her school.

'''Sydney Ashdown'''. Played by Sydney Thomas. A "solo-[[pianist]]-singer”, a bit of an american desi girl, but will avoid being called it in place of being known as a [[keratin]] treatment idea she once capitalizes on from her former friend Londyn. Sydney has an amazing, unique and sweet personality when she wants to, but is prone to fall into the rich, backup her bestie at all costs high school girl, prone to sarcastic remarks. She comes prepared to talk to her best friend Savannah Swanson during class even while teachers are giving a lesson. Sydney is seen talking through the entire class on the phone and face to face with friends, even telling the teacher "why are you teaching during my conversation" when confronted by Mrs. Hialeah. Sydney often goes by the nickname Syd, especially by the students she is surrounded by. She and her best friend Savannah are always hanging around guys or sipping coffee at a local café, during, before, and after school. Sydney, is instrumental, literally, in the first year school madrigal show choir making it to finals as a pianist and vocalist. She takes the advice of rival student Londyn Downey, to get [[Keratin]] treatments at a high end salon when her close friend Teagan Janney, meets up with her. Teagan mentions she is surprised the two aren't meeting up with Savannah and Thea at Starskie's, Sydney states "No..No.. Savannah needs time to reflect, she's thinking about Shane non-stop." Jake, Sydney's current boyfriend, indicates the two have been going out for a while, reminding her its been 8 months when she mistakenly said it was 6 months late in  the series. Sydney mentions Jake's parents offered her a job as a solo-artist singer under a small record label in [[Seattle]] upon graduation. Jake makes a heartfelt move to solidify his relationship with Sydney by surprising her with a promise [[ring]]. Sydney is very happy by the sweet gesture and accepts the ring with a kiss for Jake. Later, when talking with Savannah, she reveals that she is torn between having feelings for Jake and Landon, a college psychology student teaching and observing at her school.

'''Hayley Sundin'''. Played by Molly Cravens. 15-year-old "verbally-vivacious" Freshman girl at East Valley Academy high school. She has a twin brother, Griffin Sundin whom she often places blame for everything towards. Her infamous catchphrase is a very sarcastic and distinctive phrase ("Do we have to start like this") that she normally says after a rude or snide comment. Her father, a Swedish professional basketball player died at a young age and she relies upon her single mother and neighbor Dillon for parental influences. Among three children of a widowed mom, she appears to be affected the most in grieving for her deceased father when dreaming of past memories that have a profound outcome. She is in the East Valley Academy show choir after a strong solo singing performance for the try out auditions, but is noticeably gone when a Laryngitis epidemic forces several students to miss the State finals competition. She's a cute natural blonde and knows it with her own confidence and attitude when she tells Bogroe "I'm cute duh, I can walk into your apartment at any time, you're not the man of the house, Dillon and Landon are."

'''Hayley Sundin'''. Played by Molly Cravens. 15-year-old "verbally-vivacious" Freshman girl at East Valley Academy high school. She has a twin brother, Griffin Sundin whom she often places blame for everything towards. Her infamous catchphrase is a very sarcastic and distinctive phrase ("Do we have to start like this") that she normally says after a rude or snide comment. Her father, a Swedish professional basketball player died at a young age and she relies upon her single mother and neighbor Dillon for parental influences. Among three children of a widowed mom, she appears to be affected the most in grieving for her deceased father when dreaming of past memories that have a profound outcome. She is in the East Valley Academy show choir after a strong solo singing performance for the try out auditions, but is noticeably gone when a Laryngitis epidemic forces several students to miss the State finals competition. She's a cute natural blonde and knows it with her own confidence and attitude when she tells Bogroe "But I'm cute duh! I can walk whenever I wan't! You're not the man of the house, Landon and Dillon are."

==="Supporting characters"===  

==="Supporting characters"===  

!Episode Name || Date of Release || Director(s) || Writer(s) ||  Story outline

!Episode Name || Date of Release || Director(s) || Writer(s) ||  Story outline

|-

|-

|'"Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness"|| October 25, 2014|| Bryan Kreutz || Joanna Ferbrache, Bryan Kreutz ||  Roommates Dillon Magnum and Landon Lofton are moving out of an apartment and into a new apartment in St. Louis, likely to be further away from Saint Louis University (SLU), the college they have already been attending. The two have been talking about moving ever since they've been Freshman psychology students.  Dillon states Landon is up for graduation and a final internship for himself as they finish college. One last internship elective they must take together is Applied Developmental Psychology: Variability in teacher-student interactions for SLU college credit at East Valley Academy High School. The high school is where they also graduated from four years earlier.  Dillon, with the aid of longtime tenured High school teacher Neil Rowley, observes differences in clashing personalities between students Erin, the drama department class president, and Savannah the most popular student. Bogroe, a former high school roommate of the two college students crashes on their couch as freeloader. When Landon reluctantly challenges Bogroe to prove he is more responsible than in the past while they were in school, Bogroe takes exception and makes his couch proclamation to stay rather permanently.

|'''''Superiority of the High and Mighty Kind-ness'''''|| October 25, 2014|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || <center>Joanna Ferbrache, Bryan Kreutz</center> ||  Roommates Dillon Magnum and Landon Lofton are moving out of an apartment and into a new apartment in St. Louis, likely to be further away from Saint Louis University (SLU), the college they have already been attending. The two have been talking about moving ever since they've been Freshman psychology students.  Dillon states Landon is up for graduation and a final internship for himself as they finish college. One last internship elective they must take together is Applied Developmental Psychology: Variability in teacher-student interactions for SLU college credit at East Valley Academy High School. The high school is where they also graduated from four years earlier.  Dillon, with the aid of longtime tenured High school teacher Neil Rowley, observes differences in clashing personalities between students Erin, the drama department class president, and Savannah the most popular student. Bogroe, a former high school roommate of the two college students crashes on their couch as freeloader. When Landon reluctantly challenges Bogroe to prove he is more responsible than in the past while they were in school, Bogroe takes exception and makes his couch proclamation to stay rather permanently.

|-

|-

|'"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders"|| November 1, 2014|| Tommy Callahan, Bryan Kreutz|| Joanna Ferbrache, Bryan Kreutz || Upon hearing the Sundin family neighbors yelling and putting on a sibling argument in early morning, the roommates are beginning to get accustom to the routine, although they’re not happy about it. After knocking on the neighbors door, Dillon offers to the widowed mother Jaris that she can come talk to him or Landon next door and that they work at East Valley academy during the day where two of her three kids go to school. Later widow neighbor and mother Jaris receives a call from Dillon that he is driving her son Griffin home instead of letting him ride the bus due to his newly contracted sickness. Dillon takes it a step further to invite the family, not just Griffin over to watch old pro basketball videos of Griffin's deceased father and Jaris' husband.  

|'''''Friends, Family, and Freeloaders'''''|| November 1, 2014|| <center>Tommy Callahan, Bryan Kreutz</center>|| <center>Joanna Ferbrache, Bryan Kreutz</center> || Upon hearing the Sundin family neighbors yelling and putting on a sibling argument in early morning, the roommates are beginning to get accustom to the routine, although they’re not happy about it. After knocking on the neighbors door, Dillon offers to the widowed mother Jaris that she can come talk to him or Landon next door and that they work at East Valley academy during the day where two of her three kids go to school. Later widow neighbor and mother Jaris receives a call from Dillon that he is driving her son Griffin home instead of letting him ride the bus due to his newly contracted sickness. Dillon takes it a step further to invite the family, not just Griffin over to watch old pro basketball videos of Griffin's deceased father and Jaris' husband.  

Savannah and Shane as a couple have high points and a rather questionable two- timing moment when Shane is seen with his Ex, Londyn, on what appears to be a date. Shane comments that he's torn between liking both Savannah and Londyn.

Savannah and Shane as a couple have high points and a rather questionable two- timing moment when Shane is seen with his Ex, Londyn, on what appears to be a date. Shane comments that he's torn between liking both Savannah and Londyn.

|-

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|'"Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2"|| November 8, 2014|| Tommy Callahan|| Bryan Kreutz || Carefully observing and helping teach classes, Student teacher Dillon shows his frustration asking how his elders deal with students in the breakroom. The advice he seeks is from two most senior teachers at East Valley Academy. One teacher slips in a suggestion for Dillon to try the Bible for answers insinuating patience and guidance comes from the good book. He tells Dillon "This is how I cope".

|'''''Friends, Family, and Freeloaders, Part 2'''''|| November 8, 2014|| <center>Tommy Callahan</center>|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || Carefully observing and helping teach classes, Student teacher Dillon shows his frustration asking how his elders deal with students in the breakroom. The advice he seeks is from two most senior teachers at East Valley Academy. One teacher slips in a suggestion for Dillon to try the Bible for answers insinuating patience and guidance comes from the good book. He tells Dillon "This is how I cope".

Upon overhearing a music class side conversation about a new show choir, Miri, Erin’s best friend, tracks down Savannah to get the details for her and Erin to gain an edge on an early scoop about the audition. Nervous butterflies and insults ensue as many of the girls wait for their turn to go on the audition stage while guys and teachers look on with an official state judge. A multi-talented group of students audition for the new East Valley Academy show-choir where the results are left as a cliffhanger. Finding it difficult to deal with family tragedies, Khalil, slits his writs in front of the class and passes out.

Upon overhearing a music class side conversation about a new show choir, Miri, Erin’s best friend, tracks down Savannah to get the details for her and Erin to gain an edge on an early scoop about the audition. Nervous butterflies and insults ensue as many of the girls wait for their turn to go on the audition stage while guys and teachers look on with an official state judge. A multi-talented group of students audition for the new East Valley Academy show-choir where the results are left as a cliffhanger. Finding it difficult to deal with family tragedies, Khalil, slits his writs in front of the class and passes out.

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|'"Fued of Friends and Foes"|| November 15, 2014|| Tommy Callahan|| Tommy Callahan, Bryan Kreutz || Singled out by Mrs. Hialeah and standing front and center in class as do not do examples, the school's most popular girl Savannah and smartest girl Erin have gone too far in their obvious hate for each other. Mrs. Hialeah's philosophy of student discipline goes too far in they eyes of Avril, Erin's mom, as she makes an in school visit to confront the teacher and Principal Guidry. Meanwhile Savanna's best friend Sydney and Ellise (Ellie) meet on her behalf with Londyn to discuss who the highly sought after guy Shane considers his girlfriend. Meanwhile Bogroe successfully sets up Landon on a blind date to entice him to leave his current girlfriend Tara so he can have her. Unbeknownst to Landon this blind date, Vanessa, Bogroe's former high school Ex, is in on the fun with Bogroe. Tara questions Landon's unusual behavior when she suspects something is going on.

|'''''Fued of Friends and Foes'''''|| November 15, 2014|| <center>Tommy Callahan</center>|| <center>Tommy Callahan, Bryan Kreutz</center> || Singled out by Mrs. Hialeah and standing front and center in class as do not do examples, the school's most popular girl Savannah and smartest girl Erin have gone too far in their obvious hate for each other. Mrs. Hialeah's philosophy of student discipline goes too far in they eyes of Avril, Erin's mom, as she makes an in school visit to confront the teacher and Principal Guidry. Meanwhile Savanna's best friend Sydney and Ellise (Ellie) meet on her behalf with Londyn to discuss who the highly sought after guy Shane considers his girlfriend. Meanwhile Bogroe successfully sets up Landon on a blind date to entice him to leave his current girlfriend Tara so he can have her. Unbeknownst to Landon this blind date, Vanessa, Bogroe's former high school Ex, is in on the fun with Bogroe. Tara questions Landon's unusual behavior when she suspects something is going on.

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|'"The Quintessence of a Situation"|| November 22, 2014|| Bryan Kreutz || Bryan Kreutz, Emma Jane Mitchell, Lec Zorn || Landon cracks down on Bogroe's laziness. Erin gets accepted to a prestigious acting school in Ireland, to the dismay of Savannah, who's already devastated from being cheated on by Shane. Kaidence reaches out to comfort Savannah, one on one, as well as Khalil, who is bummed about the results of the show choir. The teens involved in the schools madrigal show choir, ie. Savannah, begin to encounter moral and ethical dilemmas in the high school setting. Confident and armed with sheet music, Savannah in a change of heart, in what seems to be a good gesture, tells the show choir teacher, Fritz, she wants to sing a solo lead. Particularly boasting of her vocal talents, she takes Hialeah's advice giving the solo to her best friend Sydney in the first show choir performance. Londyn tries to build herself up in front her and her sister Berlin's friends by charging off in a blaze of glory with her ex-boyfriend, then demanding her sister lie to their parents about her whereabouts.

|'''''The Quintessence of a Situation'''''|| November 22, 2014|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center>|| <center>Bryan Kreutz, Emma Jane Mitchell, Lec Zorn</center> || Landon cracks down on Bogroe's laziness. Erin gets accepted to a prestigious acting school in Ireland, to the dismay of Savannah, who's already devastated from being cheated on by Shane. Kaidence reaches out to comfort Savannah, one on one, as well as Khalil, who is bummed about the results of the show choir. The teens involved in the schools madrigal show choir, ie. Savannah, begin to encounter moral and ethical dilemmas in the high school setting. Confident and armed with sheet music, Savannah in a change of heart, in what seems to be a good gesture, tells the show choir teacher, Fritz, she wants to sing a solo lead. Particularly boasting of her vocal talents, she takes Hialeah's advice giving the solo to her best friend Sydney in the first show choir performance. Londyn tries to build herself up in front her and her sister Berlin's friends by charging off in a blaze of glory with her ex-boyfriend, then demanding her sister lie to their parents about her whereabouts.

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|'"Underlying agreements"|| March 14, 2015|| Bryan Kreutz || Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn || Kaidence meets Jaris at home for the first time and the two quickly become friends. Erin and Griffin quickly become a couple of forevers. Bogroe is caught by the nosy neighbors on his way out to a money making side gig. Catcalls and bribery from Hayley force his hand to the coercion of cash to keep his secret gig an unknown to Dillon and Landon. A show-choir competition before the state finals reveals Ellie is giving Ms.Fritz pointers from her previous championship year before transferring. The group show-choir competition between East Valley Academy and Mount Vernon High-school appear flawlessly performed with the cliffhanger results left to be read by Principal Guidry.

|'''''Underlying agreements'''''|| March 14, 2015|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || <center>Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn</center> || Kaidence meets Jaris at home for the first time and the two quickly become friends. Erin and Griffin quickly become a couple of forevers. Bogroe is caught by the nosy neighbors on his way out to a money making side gig. Catcalls and bribery from Hayley force his hand to the coercion of cash to keep his secret gig an unknown to Dillon and Landon. A show-choir competition before the state finals reveals Ellie is giving Ms.Fritz pointers from her previous championship year before transferring. The group show-choir competition between East Valley Academy and Mount Vernon High-school appear flawlessly performed with the cliffhanger results left to be read by Principal Guidry.

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|'"In the Middle of It All"|| April 11, 2015 || Bryan Kreutz || Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn || East Valley's Show Choir competes on the road in the state competition at the St.Louis city-line high-school stage. Bogroe officially introduces his girlfriend Gemma, who cooks a masterpiece of food and charm. With Borgoe gone more, Dillon and Landon begin to wonder about a possible money making mystery when Bogroe is smiling, mocking, and sure of himself when asked about applying to the 10 jobs a week. Bogroe applies for jobs under Landon's ultimatum. However, Landon and Dillon are even more suspicious when they ask neighbor Brody if he knows something they don't about Bogroe latest act. Savannah and Erin endure their required school project together. Mr. Neil's covering for Mr. Stu's accused class wrongdoings are brought to the forefront by Hialeah who believes he's interfering with an upcoming school board hearing about his best friends recent dismissal from teaching duties. Jaris, surrounded by family and friends goes into what seems to be a complicated and painful labor early while at home.

|'''''In the Middle of It All'''''|| April 11, 2015 || <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || <center>Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn</center> || East Valley's Show Choir competes on the road in the state competition at the St.Louis city-line high-school stage. Bogroe officially introduces his girlfriend Gemma, who cooks a masterpiece of food and charm. With Borgoe gone more, Dillon and Landon begin to wonder about a possible money making mystery when Bogroe is smiling, mocking, and sure of himself when asked about applying to the 10 jobs a week. Bogroe applies for jobs under Landon's ultimatum. However, Landon and Dillon are even more suspicious when they ask neighbor Brody if he knows something they don't about Bogroe latest act. Savannah and Erin endure their required school project together. Mr. Neil's covering for Mr. Stu's accused class wrongdoings are brought to the forefront by Hialeah who believes he's interfering with an upcoming school board hearing about his best friends recent dismissal from teaching duties. Jaris, surrounded by family and friends goes into what seems to be a complicated and painful labor early while at home.

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|'"Gone, But Not Forgotten'"|| October 19, 2015|| Bryan Kreutz || Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn || When the results at the hospital appear seemingly glum, Jaris trusts in her faith and believes its a blessing in disguise. Recent family tragedies trigger traumatic experiences and even some confusing dreams of past memories for Hayley. With Mr.Neil close enough to vouch for its accuracy, Erin tries her own in class societal social structure comparison of her situation with Savannah and Sydney to make a point. Jake makes a heartfelt move to solidify his relationship with Sydney not knowing she had plans to break up with him. Griffin proclaims his love for Erin, knowing she is leaving for acting school in Ireland for the upcoming summer. Suspicion of Borgoe's secret side life become more evident when Landon texts Brody to come over and discuss posted pictures among other knowledge about their freeloading roommate.

|'''''Gone, But Not Forgotten'''''|| October 19, 2015|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || <center>Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn</center> || When the results at the hospital appear seemingly glum, Jaris trusts in her faith and believes its a blessing in disguise. Recent family tragedies trigger traumatic experiences and even some confusing dreams of past memories for Hayley. With Mr.Neil close enough to vouch for its accuracy, Erin tries her own in class societal social structure comparison of her situation with Savannah and Sydney to make a point. Jake makes a heartfelt move to solidify his relationship with Sydney not knowing she had plans to break up with him. Griffin proclaims his love for Erin, knowing she is leaving for acting school in Ireland for the upcoming summer. Suspicion of Borgoe's secret side life become more evident when Landon texts Brody to come over and discuss posted pictures among other knowledge about their freeloading roommate.

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|''All Good Things Must Come to an End"|| October 26, 2015|| Bryan Kreutz || Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn || Savannah and Erin's cooperative class project for Mrs. Hialeah becomes the talk of the school and even has the principal discussing and Mr. Neil watching from afar. Sydney surprised as ever to see her best friend Savannah finally make peace with her class rival in the auditorium, is moved by the moment, and takes a risk herself with Landon. With the ongoing feud now mutually over between Erin and Savannah, Thea tries to overshadow it by bringing Erin in on what she thinks is inside info on Sydney and Landon's age difference relationship. Erin has clearly grown beyond the underclassmen style of gossip and walks out on Thea with her older sister by her side. Bogroe is busted by blabbing neighbors revealing the truth of his money making and is literally foot chased by his roommates. In hot pursuit of Bogroe, Dillon attempts to catch a glimpse of Bogroe's money making DJ-ing gig at a St.Louis club. Dillon wants answers now, Bogroe is fleeing for more time to consider a plan when tipped off that he is going to be confronted by his roommates.

|'''''All Good Things Must Come to an End'''''|| October 26, 2015|| <center>Bryan Kreutz</center> || <center>Bryan Kreutz, Lec Zorn</center> || Savannah and Erin's cooperative class project for Mrs. Hialeah becomes the talk of the school and even has the principal discussing and Mr. Neil watching from afar. Sydney surprised as ever to see her best friend Savannah finally make peace with her class rival in the auditorium, is moved by the moment, and takes a risk herself with Landon. With the ongoing feud now mutually over between Erin and Savannah, Thea tries to overshadow it by bringing Erin in on what she thinks is inside info on Sydney and Landon's age difference relationship. Erin has clearly grown beyond the underclassmen style of gossip and walks out on Thea with her older sister by her side. Bogroe is busted by blabbing neighbors revealing the truth of his money making and is literally foot chased by his roommates. In hot pursuit of Bogroe, Dillon attempts to catch a glimpse of Bogroe's money making DJ-ing gig at a St.Louis club. Dillon wants answers now, Bogroe is fleeing for more time to consider a plan when tipped off that he is going to be confronted by his roommates.

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==Marketing and budget==

==Marketing and budget==

Generally, the marketing of independent television series is characterized by limited release, but can also have major marketing campaigns. Up on High Ground had a wide release and heavy presence in the U.S. Central and East regions via Television syndication, additionally its North American presence being available online via Pure Flix. In the summer of 2015, when Up on High Ground's distribution platform “I Am Flix” announced it was being acquired by [[Pure Flix]], the launch of their newly re-branded SVOD (subscription video on demand) service made the program available on mobile devices, Roku, as well as the IOS or Android apps for increased viewership. Moreover, the program was now available through on-demand and video streaming for viewership to an even wider audience demographic.

Generally, the marketing of independent television series is characterized by limited release, but can also have major marketing campaigns. Up on High Ground had a wide release and heavy presence in the U.S. Central and East regions via Television syndication, additionally its North American presence being available online via Pure Flix. In the summer of 2015, when Up on High Ground's distribution platform “I Am Flix” announced it was being acquired by [[Pure Flix]], the launch of their newly re-branded SVOD (subscription video on demand) service made the program available on mobile devices, Roku, as well as the IOS or Android apps for increased viewership. Moreover, the program was now available through on-demand and video [[streaming]] for viewership to an even wider [[audience]] demographic.

The particularly unique factors about marketing of independent TV shows is capturing an audience and ramping up viewers that use social media before the premiere. Up on High Ground had three trailers released before the show premiered in the fall of 2014. Timing is incredibly important – Up On High Ground had to build up as much hype in the short space of time leading up to and around the launch as possible.

The particularly unique factors about [[marketing]] of independent TV shows is capturing an audience and ramping up viewers that use social media before the premiere. Up on High Ground had three trailers released before the show premiered in the fall of 2014. Timing is incredibly important – Up On High Ground had to build up as much hype in the short space of time leading up to and around the launch as possible.

Using a multitude of different taping locations and unlike most major productions, where insurance is typically procured to protect against accidents, Executive Producer Bryan Kreutz found ways around using any insurance budget where location management requirements would hinder the effectiveness of the episode budget to agree and purchase insurance. This very strict budget allocation strengthened each production into making the series and in house production company stronger.

Using a multitude of different taping locations and unlike most major productions, where [[insurance]] is typically procured to protect against accidents, Executive Producer Bryan Kreutz found ways around using any insurance [[budget]] where location management requirements would hinder the effectiveness of the episode budget to agree and purchase insurance. This very strict budget allocation strengthened each production into making the series and in house production company stronger.

==Locations==

==Locations==

'''Primary locations overview'''

'''Primary locations overview'''

During the production of the series, most settings were utilized at a house in the Dutchtown, St. Louis neighborhood in the city of St. Louis, Missouri for the apartment settings and utilized classrooms in Arnold, Missouri as its primary settings for the program. Many of the off school campus scenes were shot on location at the Hotel Ignacio, Cafe Pinxtos and The Moto Museum buildings on Olive Street and Grand Center in the art district of St. Louis near the Fox Theater and St.Louis University.

During the production of the series, most settings were utilized at a house in the Dutchtown, [[St. Louis]] neighborhood in the city of St. Louis, [[Missouri]] for the apartment settings and utilized classrooms in Arnold, Missouri as its primary settings for the program. Many of the off school campus scenes were shot on location at the Hotel Ignacio, Cafe Pinxtos and The Moto [[Museum]] buildings on Olive Street and Grand Center in the art district of St. Louis near the Fox Theater and St.Louis University.

'''Secondary locations overview'''

'''Secondary locations overview'''

Secondary settings for apartment doorways, corridors, and B Roll were shot before the series or used from still images that were located in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Two scenes of the apartment interiors were also shot at the Pontoon Beach, Illinois location. One very short take of character Brody speaking in Granite City, Illinois was used to compliment him showing a picture on his phone that precedes a Cut-in (Insert Shot). This only shot in Granite City, Illinois is the earliest footage used in the final cut of the series that was intended to be a dress rehearsal walk-through in August 31, 2013.

Secondary settings for apartment doorways, corridors, and B Roll were shot before the series or used from still images that were located in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Two scenes of the apartment interiors were also shot at the Pontoon Beach, [[Illinois]] location. One very short take of character Brody speaking in Granite City, Illinois was used to compliment him showing a picture on his phone that precedes a Cut-in (Insert Shot). This only shot in Granite City, Illinois is the earliest footage used in the final cut of the series that was intended to be a dress rehearsal walk-through in August 31, 2013.

'''Classroom and East Valley school locations'''

'''Classroom and East Valley school locations'''

The classroom settings were taped at the same location, but in four different actual church Sunday school rooms in Arnold Missouri. Most of these school rooms had green retractable walls for the crew to have more space to shoot the scenes. On September 7, 2013 the very first scene of the series was taped in one of these large classrooms that ended up being used in its entirety for episode 4 Fued of Friends and Foes. In the same building location as the classrooms, the series taped the school hallways, lockers, library, Erin/Miri's room phone conversations, Principal Guidry's office, Most teacher board rooms, and an indoor basketball court gym. Adjacent to this building is where the scenes where shot for the school show choir stages and backstage's, college cafe, fuse ball room, teachers lounge, and counseling office for Minister George Ross.

The classroom settings were taped at the same location, but in four different actual church Sunday school rooms in Arnold Missouri. Most of these school rooms had green retractable walls for the crew to have more space to shoot the scenes. On September 7, 2013 the very first scene of the series was taped in one of these large classrooms that ended up being used in its entirety for episode 4 ''"Fued of Friends and Foes"''. In the same building location as the classrooms, the series taped the school hallways, lockers, library, Erin/Miri's room phone conversations, Principal Guidry's office, Most teacher board rooms, and an indoor basketball court gym. Adjacent to this building is where the scenes where shot for the school show choir stages and backstage's, college cafe, fuse ball room, teachers lounge, and counseling office for Minister George Ross.

'''Location proximity and management'''

'''Location proximity and management'''

==Production History==

==Production History==

The TV series began production in 2013 as a co-venture between TV-Talk Show Producer and filmmaker Bryan Kreutz and Brayden Patterson. The production was filmed in several locations in and around St. Louis, Missouri USA, a rarity for the time of scripted TV.

The TV series began production in 2013 as a co-venture between TV-Talk Show Producer and filmmaker Bryan Kreutz and Brayden Patterson. The production was filmed in several locations in and around St. Louis, Missouri USA, a rarity for the time of scripted TV.