We've created The Couch, a heartfelt family comedy short film about a devoted football dad whose love for his couch has taken over his life, and what happens when his family finally nudges him toward balance, presence, and real togetherness. Through laughter and relatable family moments, the film encourages audiences to rethink comfort, reconnect with loved ones, and choose movement over stagnation.
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Couch was first developed in a scene study class and premiered on stage as a short play in January 2025 at an Off-Off-Broadway theater, The Hudson Guild, NYC, with The New York Theater Festival. Since then, it has been written for the screen and placed in 11 screenwriting festivals, three IMDb qualifying. CHECK OUT the YouTube link to watch it with a live audience.
Writer/Producer - Cheryl Kessler-Hughes
Director - Craig David Rosen
Stage Manager - Robert Kruzykowski
Cast
Tim Brandt
Allison Valentino
Cheryl Kessler-Hughes
Sheri Rak
Craig David Rosen
FINALLY... we have a trailer.
Couch Trailer
fiscally sponsored by
MEET THE CAST OF THE COUCH SHORT FILM
Becky Johnson
CHERYL KESSLER- HUGHES
creator of The Couch
writer, actor, producer, comedian
Dave Johnson
TIM BRANDT
actor, singer
The daughter, Jill Johnson
CHRISTINA ROSE YASI
actor, comedian
The neighbor, "MICHIGAN TOM"
CRAIG DAVID ROSEN
director, actor
The neighbor, Carol Barnes
SHERI RAK
actor
The neighbor's son, Mike Barnes
DAVID BECKLES, JR.
comedian, actor, podcaster
CANDY APPLE
set muse
The inspiration for this story comes from my own couch situation, a sanctuary and a prison all in one, just like a marriage.
Unbeknownst to my family, I sold the family couch on Craigslist and had it removed while they were out. They came home, noticed, calmly and wordlessly, went to the basement, and brought up our original petri dish castaway couch to fill the void, which solved NOTHING. While I was disappointed, I didn’t get a bigger reaction; it did spark an idea to write about the response I would’ve gotten if it were my dad or grandpa.
When I was a kid, it was an unspoken rule that I didn’t disturb my dad and grandpa during football games. My grandma ignored that rule and set off little sparks that turned into fires. She would dust the TV and vacuum in front of it, which sent my grandpa into a frenzied state. “Why, Josephine, why?” he would say. “You’re already mad, and there were crumbs”, was her reply.
It was entertaining and funny to watch them get so excited over football, and then to have a wrench thrown in during a key moment of the game sent it over the top. I wanted to explore what happens when you hit a common nerve, and football and the couch in many homes are that.
HELP US MOVE THE COUCH
We're inviting supporters who believe in storytelling that uplifts families and promotes healthier habits to join us in bringing this project to life.
All contributions are tax‑deductible through From The Heart Productions.
Your donation will directly fund:
Production costs that keep our cast and crew safe, supported, and fairly compensated
Post-production costs for the editing process
Festival submissions and screenings
Every contribution helps us share a message that families everywhere can relate to: life gets better when we stand up, show up, and spend time together.
Follow us in pre-launch to get access to film updates, one-of-a-kind custom merch, and artwork when we go live.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND DONORS
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