Photo credits: Ricky Vuong

A groundbreaking TV pilot is set to hit the screens, and it's not your typical laugh track affair. The Healer is a fresh, hilarious take on real-life challenges, blending humor with the inspiring journey of Dr. Chris Shelton. Directed by Victor Migalchan, produced by Chris Shelton, Parisa Shelton and Cung LE, this new type of sitcom promises to captivate audiences with its unique narrative and stellar cast.

Produced by the dynamic trio of Chris Shelton, Parisa Shelton, and Cung Le, The Healer brings together a remarkable cast, including Life Academy finalists Josslyn Banh, Ian Chen, Michael Vuong, Veronica Gnip, the newly discovered diamonds, Alaina Chen and Annie and Axie star Kimberly Tang, Indonesian-Australian actress Grace Chim and Italian-American actress Giulia Zeta, and of course Anthony Le. For the younger talents, this marks their debut in scripted television after honing their skills in Life Academy and OnAir shows. Migalchan also mentioned that he is grateful and happy to witness the parents' encouragement and love for their children's pursuits, recognizing the positive impact it has on the youngsters' development and growth.

Photo credits: Ricky Vuong

Photo credits: Ricky Vuong

Director Victor Migalchan expresses his excitement about working with this talented ensemble: "We were all delighted to work with these young talents, and for me, when I see how well they progress and work, it just makes me happy and fills my life with purpose."

The sitcom draws inspiration from the true story of Dr. Chris Shelton, who faced death twice and conquered life's toughest challenges through qigong, taiji, and traditional Chinese medicine. It is a tale of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Migalchan, a sinologist with a deep understanding of Chinese tradition, connected instantly with Shelton, setting the stage for a powerful collaboration.

The partnership with producers Chris Shelton, Parisa Shelton, and Cung Le was a harmonious fusion of shared backgrounds in martial arts and Chinese culture and faith. Migalchan emphasizes the strength of their relationship: "We have a very strong, powerful relationship with Cung Le; we are stronger than brothers. With Chris Shelton and Parisa Shelton, we got a very nice connection based on our background in martial arts and Chinese culture."

What sets this sitcom apart? "First of all, what makes this one different is the story," explains Migalchan. "We analyzed many iconic sitcoms and improved pacing, schedule, and rhythm. We win with a strong story and Swiss watch-like efficiency."

But that's not all. The Healer stands out not just for its compelling story but also for its unique elements, addressing real social issues faced by veterans, teenagers dealing with anxiety and depression, health concerns, and the challenges of transitioning. Migalchan explains, "We brought real social issues to the screen with real people."

Balancing reality with humor proved to be a challenge, but Migalchan is quick to credit his talented team of writers and crew for creating a seamless blend: "It did take us some time to infuse the true story with TV elements and humor. Great team makes great results, and I'm proud of my team of writers and my crew on set."

The cast's transition from reality shows to scripted television was a smooth journey, thanks to their dedication and preparation. Migalchan commends their growth, saying, "I love working with kids, and when I see how their personality opens up, how they grow, how they become strong and confident, it makes me happy."

One standout moment during filming was witnessing the cast's transformation. Migalchan recalls, "Seeing these kids on set, how they grew and how well they delivered was an amazing experience. Seeing how happy they were with their work and how happy their parents were is the most rewarding."

The post-production phase is now in full swing, and the team is gearing up to present the pilot to the audience, promising to bring a fresh perspective to the sitcom landscape. Migalchan expresses gratitude to the parents who supported their children throughout this journey and acknowledges the collaborative effort that shaped this exciting and heartwarming sitcom.

As we eagerly await the pilot's presentation, get ready to embark on a laughter-filled journey that combines reality, humor, and the incredible spirit of overcoming life's challenges. With a captivating story, a talented cast, and a dedicated crew, this TV pilot is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences.