THE COUCH
a comedy short film
written by Cheryl Hughes
Dave Johnson, an OSU football diehard dad, spirals into a comedic crisis when his wife, Becky, sells his game‑day couch to a Michigan fan on their daughter's graduation, forcing him to choose the cushions that bind him or the marriage that needs him.
We’re creating The Couch, a heartfelt family comedy short film that uses humor to spark something meaningful: healthier living, stronger family connections, and the reminder that sometimes the biggest step we can take is simply getting off the couch.
At its core, The Couch is 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.
The Couch is fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productions
Couch was first developed in a scene study class, then premiered on stage as a short play in January 2025 at an Off-Off-Broadway theater, The Hudson Guild, in NYC, with The New York Theater Festival. CHECK OUT the YouTube link to watch it with a live audience.
Writer and Producer: Cheryl Hughes
Director: Craig David Rosen
Stage Manager: Robert Kruzykowski
Cast:
Dave: Tim Brandt
Becky: Allison Valentino
Jill: Cheryl Hughes
Carol: Sheri Rak
Tom: Craig David Rosen
Since then, Couch has been rewritten for the screen and placed in ten screenwriting festivals. Click the link to CHECK OUT our proof of concept AI film trailer. COUCH TRAILER
MEET THE CAST OF
THE COUCH SHORT FILM
Meet Becky Johnson
Cheryl Hughes
creator of The Couch
writer, actor, producer, comedian
Meet Dave Johnson
Tim Brandt
actor, singer
Meet the daughter, Jill Johnson
Christina Rose Yasi
actor, comedian
Meet the neighbor, Tom Barnes
aka MICHIGAN Tom
Craig David Rosen
director, actor
Meet the neighbor, Carol Barnes
Sheri Rak
actor
Meet the neighbor's son, Mike Barnes
David Beckles, Jr.
comedian, actor, podcaster
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 is just that.
HELP US MOVE THE COUCH
We are 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 our fiscal sponsor, 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 that help the film reach wider audiences
Every contribution helps us share a message that families everywhere can relate to: life gets better when we stand up, show up, and spend real time together.
THANK YOU
TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND DONORS
