Will Jones
In a city where traffic is practically a personality trait, Road to Healing finds comedy in one of Los Angeles’ most universal nightmares: learning how to drive. As short-form storytelling continues to gain traction, the series joins a growing wave of digitally native projects finding audiences online. The trailer offers a first look at the series, which premieres on the Road to Healing YouTube channel on June 13. The eight-episode comedy is a collaboration between MAD in Hollywood and Hammersaw, and marks the directorial debut of actor Maxwell Acee Donovan, who co-created the project with Clare Margaret Donovan.
At the center of Road to Healing is a dysfunctional group of Los Angeles driving instructors forced into insurance-mandated group therapy after a string of disastrous student encounters. As the instructors recount increasingly outrageous stories from behind the passenger seat, their own personal lives begin to unravel in equally chaotic fashion. The result is a fast-paced workplace comedy that feels distinctly Los Angeles, equal parts therapy session, survival guide, and cautionary tale.
“Road to Healing was born out of the absurdity of driving instructors putting their lives in the hands of strangers learning to drive,” Maxwell and Clare Donovan shared. “The result is a relatable and unhinged comedy full of flawed characters, unexpected heart, and complete chaos.”
The series features an ensemble cast including Callie Haverda, Kyle Secor, Raphael Luce, Reyn Doi, Valery Ortiz, Haley-Grace McCormick, Maurice Hall, Ashley Aufderheide, Kale Culley, Matisha Baldwin, and more. Episodes run between five and seven minutes, catering to the evolving digital audience while maintaining the production values and character work of a traditional television comedy.
Road to Healing also carries a sustainability angle. The series was produced under a Green Set Initiative sponsored by Nature’s Negotiators, the environmental nonprofit founded by Maxwell Acee Donovan, Clare Margaret Donovan, and Erin Acee Donovan.
“Road to Healing was so much fun to make,” shared Libby Boyce and Erin Acee Donovan. “It is the first project for MAD in Hollywood Productions, a partnership between two entertainment families. In addition to an amazing cast and crew, we had a fully sustainable set and only generated one bag of trash to show it CAN be done by this industry.”
That commitment to sustainability has become a defining element of MAD in Hollywood Productions, which was founded by Maxwell Acee Donovan, Clare Margaret Donovan, Erin Acee Donovan, Libby Boyce, and Maya Boyce to develop original film, television, and digital projects with social impact.
With its blend of sharp comedy, creator-driven storytelling, and environmentally conscious production practices, Road to Healing is an ambitious independent project with a sharp central hook. More importantly, it introduces Maxwell Acee Donovan as a filmmaker to watch, while showcasing Clare Margaret Donovan’s comedic voice as both writer and creator.
Road to Healing premieres June 13 across MAD in Hollywood’s digital platforms.