Avoke Productions seeks to entertain as it delivers a positive message
working to create a movie that better lights the world with characters that have much to offer
Our Partners
Bringing Light to the World
At Avoke Productions, we believe that every story deserves to be told. We are a passionate team of filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives dedicated to creating a film that sheds light on the stories and experiences of underrepresented characters. Our mission is to lift up these characters and showcase the gifts they offer to the world, fostering a better understanding and appreciation for the diversity of the human experience.
In Down syndrome, a third copy of the chromosome #21 leads to distinct physical features and developmental challenges, which can lead others to underestimate, rather than celebrate, these joyful, amazing people who often lead active, productive, and interesting lives.
By casting Drew as the heroine of this adventure-filled movie, Drew’s World celebrates these extraordinary human beings in a way that’s never been done before and will change our perception of those living with Down syndrome forever.
Meet The Team
Steve Vandrilla
Steve Vandrilla
Steve Vandrilla
Producer and Creator
Steve has a diverse career becoming the 1st popularly elected official under the age of 21 in U.S. history.
He has developed several innovative concepts including multiple U.S. patents. Also, he has worked as a top marketing and reorganization consultant with major companies such as Milliken and Aetna. Steve’s creative perspective gives this project a unique dynamic.
Ryan Bellgard
Steve Vandrilla
Steve Vandrilla
Director
Ryan has directed eight feature films including four family films released by Lionsgate. He and his team are known for their work creating fun and exciting CGI characters and animation. His film The Adventures of Jurassic Pet has aired multiple times on Disney XD. He was recently named an “Oklahoma Film Icon” by the prestigious Dead Center Film Festival in his home state. He has also earned the Dove Seal-of-Approval for several of his films.
Rene Gutteridge
Rene Gutteridge
Rene Gutteridge
Writer
Rene Gutteridge is the multi-genre author of 25 novels and books, including several novelizations of motion pictures. She has been a freelance writer, screenwriter, and novelist for over twenty years, and
is currently head writer at Skit Guys Studios. She is the co-writer of Family Camp, a family comedy, which is a Movieguide award-winner and nominee.
Max Howard
Rene Gutteridge
Rene Gutteridge
Executive Producer
Max Howard is a film producer and studio executive, based in Los Angeles. He has run studios for Walt Disney Feature Animation in London, Paris, Orlando and Los Angeles, and was President of Warner Bros. Feature Animation. He has worked on some of the industry’s most successful films including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and Space Jam.