No Set Path
Episode 58 · Aug 21, 2025

Breaking into Producing with Mike Orion Downing

Highest 2 Lowest, AIR, Bolt from the Blue

From Paramount lot clerk to a development and producing career.

Runtime
01:14:18
Released
Aug 21, 2025
Guest
Mike Orion Downing
Path
Producing & Development

Show notes

Michael Orion Downing is an LA-based, Alaskan-raised producer and Director of Development at A/Vantage Pictures, with credits spanning Netflix, Mandalay, A24, and Apple projects alongside independent films on Tubi. His work includes Ben Affleck’s AIR, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, and Sundance award-winning Under Darkness, as well as producing Maika Monroe’s directorial debut short at TIFF.
Today we dive into how he went from a Paramount lot clerk to producing and developing major films, while constantly creating independent projects and seeking out new filmmaking collaborators.

Keep Up With Mike

IG: @mike_orion

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