34: Chris Dowling & David DeSanctis - Where Hope Grows

The Doorpost

March 21, 2015

34: Chris Dowling & David DeSanctis – Where Hope Grows

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GUESTS: Chris Dowling & David DeSanctis

Writer/Director Chris Dowling and Actor David DeSanctis shatter Down Syndrome stereotypes in their new film, WHERE HOPE GROWS. Both men talk about how they broke into the entertainment industry and what is was like working together… in this episode of The Doorpost Podcast Project!

CHRIS’S BIO:

Chris received his degree in Radio-Television-Film from The University of Texas at Austin. Since moving to Los Angeles, he has optioned multiple properties that span both genre and medium.

Chris’s feature film “Where Hope Grows” (writer/director) will be released in theaters on May 15 through Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate Films. His Sony film “The Remaining” (writer) premiered in theaters worldwide in September 5, 2014. He’s in post-production on the documentary “Asperger’s Are Us” about the first comedy troupe that consists entirely of openly Autistic performers.

He recently finished the script for the prison drama “A Matter of Honor” for Cantinas Entertainment and is currently working on the feature film “Priceless” with the Grammy-Award winning band for King & Country.

Other projects that are in development with other producers and/or companies are “The Truth of Isaiah”, “Undone” and the sci-fi pilot “Prospect Point.”

DAVID’S BIO:

David DeSanctis grew up with an interest in drama, choir and broadcast journalism and participated in all three during high school. David was slowly adding to his resume as a host, often on the microphone for local events that supported people with Down syndrome, like David.

No wonder when a film came to town looking for a young man with Down syndrome for a lead role everyone said “Oh, you need to meet David.” So, they met David; and that was the beginning on an amazing journey for him, as well as his parents Bill and Julie. David was cast as Produce, in the feature film, Where Hope Grows.

Today David resides with his parents in Louisville. He is an avid reader with great computer skills. He keeps busy with Special Olympics; participates with the Louisville Adaptive Rowing Team and loves a good game of tennis. He also has a great appreciation of music, and would be happy to make you a mix CD including your favorite singers. David keeps up with family and friends on Facebook while looking forward to his next acting opportunity.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Chris – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” -Galatians 2:20

David – The titles of 3 songs:

“He Lives In You” from The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride soundtrack.

“It’s Who You Are” by Amanda Michalka from the Secretariat soundtrack.

“Firework” by Katy Perry featured in Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.

BIG BREAK:

Chris – A series of smaller breaks that kept him going and gave him the ability to support his family.

David – Getting the role of Produce on the film, Where Hope Grows.

PAST REGRET:

Chris – Firing his manager.

SUCCESS HABITS: