FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Hollywood Quad

Quadriplegic Actor/Writer Jim Troesh (HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN)
Writes, Directs and Stars in a TV Sitcom Pilot
Guest-Starring Bryan Cranston (MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE)

What do Bryan Cranston (Hal from "Malcolm in the Middle.") tossing grapes in a quadriplegic's mouth, gorgeous bikini models, and an amorous illegal alien have in common?

They all collide in "The Hollywood Quad", the semi-autobiographical TV pilot produced, directed and starring Jim Troesh, the quadriplegic actor best known for playing the disabled attorney on TV's "Highway to Heaven" starring Michael Landon, and co-writing the recent theatrical release about a black Jesus, "Color of the Cross."

Currently in post, the comedy is based on Troesh's successful Internet podcast "The Hollywood Quad" chronicling his journey toward success in Tinseltown.

Troesh says the laughs come fast and furious yet are gently woven with a few poignant moments that color his unique story. The only actor/writer/director with his disability in the business, Troesh has learned -- using comedy to show his truth -- how to succeed in a world where glitz is often chosen over substance.

"Quadriplegic is a scary word, " said Troesh. "The tension is palpable the moment I roll in an executive's office. They wonder if I can do the job, if I can work long hours. They're worried they might say or do the wrong thing. I found out early on that the best way to disarm their initial qualms is to make them laugh. Everything changes once they get to know me."

"By producing my own pilot and putting it on the desks of every show runner in town, it answers all their questions before they ever ask. Plus it gives them an opportunity to get to know me before they meet me."

Troesh plays himself in a Seinfeld-esque story that opens with his girlfriend walking out on him after catching him at the Wrap Party of a promo he shot with bikini models.

The conclusion finds Troesh at a pitch meeting with Burton Melrose (Cranston), a network executive who makes every possible faux pas when interacting with a disabled person. Troesh breaks the fourth wall by talking to the camera and, in a refreshing twist, pitches his idea for a sitcom called "The Hollywood Quad" to Melrose describing the episode we've just seen … playing all the characters in costume -- including the bikini models!

Troesh hopes "The Hollywood Quad" will be snatched up and made into a series in the very near future and will begin shopping his pilot shortly after the WGA strike. You can find out more about "The Hollywood Quad" at thehollywoodquad.com, as well as view the podcasts the pilot is based on. There is a hilarious interview available featuring Troesh and Cranston.