Enter the contest below for the chance to win a pair of passes to attend an advance screening of A Million Miles Away on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00am at the Emagine Royal Oak!
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
About The Film Genre: Drama,...
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
About The Film Genre: Drama,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
A Million Miles Away trailer: Michael Peña stars in the story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández
The drama A Million Miles Away, which is based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, is set to be released through the Prime Video streaming service on September 15th – and with that date exactly one month away, a trailer for the film has arrived online and can be seen in the embed above.
Alejandra Márquez Abella, whose previous credits include Mal de tierra, Semana Santa, The Good Girls, Northern Skies Over Empty Space, and episodes of Narcos: Mexico, directed A Million Miles Away from a screenplay she crafted with Bettina Gilois and Hernán Jiménez. Michael Peña of the first two Ant-Man films takes on the role of José Hernández, and the film follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles...
Alejandra Márquez Abella, whose previous credits include Mal de tierra, Semana Santa, The Good Girls, Northern Skies Over Empty Space, and episodes of Narcos: Mexico, directed A Million Miles Away from a screenplay she crafted with Bettina Gilois and Hernán Jiménez. Michael Peña of the first two Ant-Man films takes on the role of José Hernández, and the film follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles...
- 8/15/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Click here to read the full article.
The Shield alum Michael Chiklis has signed with Gersh for representation.
The Winning Time actor is currently recurring as infamous Celtic owner Red Auerbach in the HBO drama from producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. Chiklis recently starred in and directed an episode of Howard Gordon’s Fox anthology series The Accused, and he will appear in the upcoming indie feature The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Mark Ciardi.
Chiklis played detective Vic Mackey in The Shield for FX, which earned him an Emmy. He also played the action hero The Thing/Ben Grimm in the Fantastic Four film franchise.
His other film credits include Eagle Eye, opposite Shia Labeouf, a turn in feature film Don’t Look Up, playing Curly in The Three Stooges, Larry Peerce’s Wired, and the Netflix family feature Hubie Halloween, which he appeared opposite Adam Sandler.
The Shield alum Michael Chiklis has signed with Gersh for representation.
The Winning Time actor is currently recurring as infamous Celtic owner Red Auerbach in the HBO drama from producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. Chiklis recently starred in and directed an episode of Howard Gordon’s Fox anthology series The Accused, and he will appear in the upcoming indie feature The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Mark Ciardi.
Chiklis played detective Vic Mackey in The Shield for FX, which earned him an Emmy. He also played the action hero The Thing/Ben Grimm in the Fantastic Four film franchise.
His other film credits include Eagle Eye, opposite Shia Labeouf, a turn in feature film Don’t Look Up, playing Curly in The Three Stooges, Larry Peerce’s Wired, and the Netflix family feature Hubie Halloween, which he appeared opposite Adam Sandler.
- 11/29/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Michael Chiklis has signed with Gersh for representation.
Chiklis plays Boston Celtics owner Red Auerbach in HBO’s hit series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which has been renewed for a second season. He also recently filmed a leading role, as well as directed an episode of Howard Gordon’s Fox anthology series The Accused. He’ll next be seen in the independent feature film, The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Mark Ciardi.
Related Story Julie Choi Joins Buchwald's Unscripted Department Related Story 'Accused': Michael Chiklis, Margo Martindale Among Cast Featured In First Promo For Fox Anthology Drama Series Related Story 'Kindred' Star Micah Stock Signs With Gersh
Chiklis is maybe best known for his portrayal of Detective Vic Mackey in FX’s critically acclaimed series The Shield, which earned him both an Emmy and Golden Globe for best actor.
Chiklis plays Boston Celtics owner Red Auerbach in HBO’s hit series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which has been renewed for a second season. He also recently filmed a leading role, as well as directed an episode of Howard Gordon’s Fox anthology series The Accused. He’ll next be seen in the independent feature film, The Senior, directed by Rod Lurie and produced by Mark Ciardi.
Related Story Julie Choi Joins Buchwald's Unscripted Department Related Story 'Accused': Michael Chiklis, Margo Martindale Among Cast Featured In First Promo For Fox Anthology Drama Series Related Story 'Kindred' Star Micah Stock Signs With Gersh
Chiklis is maybe best known for his portrayal of Detective Vic Mackey in FX’s critically acclaimed series The Shield, which earned him both an Emmy and Golden Globe for best actor.
- 11/29/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Garret Dillahunt (Sprung) is the newest addition to Prime Video’s film A Million Miles Away, starring Narcos: Mexico‘s Michael Peña, which is in production in Mexico City.
The film directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California — dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his family’s support and his unrelenting determination, pushing through 11 rejections from NASA, Jose’s story is a tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish an impossible dream.
A Million Miles Away‘s ensemble also includes Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Julio César Cedillo, Veronica Falcón, Sarayu Blue and Eric Johnson, as well as Jordan Dean, Ashley Ciarra, Michelle Krusiec, Emma Fassler, Michael Adler,...
The film directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California — dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his family’s support and his unrelenting determination, pushing through 11 rejections from NASA, Jose’s story is a tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish an impossible dream.
A Million Miles Away‘s ensemble also includes Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Julio César Cedillo, Veronica Falcón, Sarayu Blue and Eric Johnson, as well as Jordan Dean, Ashley Ciarra, Michelle Krusiec, Emma Fassler, Michael Adler,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Bobby Soto (Narcos: Mexico), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Narcos: Mexico), Veronica Falcón (Ozark), Sarayu Blue (I Feel Bad) and Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades franchise) are among the newest additions to Prime Video’s Michael Peña starrer A Million Miles Away, which has entered production in Mexico City. Others rounding out the ensemble of the Alejandra Márquez Abella-helmed film include Jordan Dean (Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace), Ashley Ciarra (Chupa), Michelle Krusiec (Hollywood), Emma Fassler (Recovery Road), Michael Adler (Super Pumped), Carlos S. Sanchez (Chicago Fire) and Isaac Arellanes (Ghostwriter).
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
- 8/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Erwin Brothers’ Kingdom Story Company banner has acquired the rights to Eric Blehm’s book Fearless, with Jason Hall to pen the film’s screenplay and Andrew Erwin to direct.
The film will adapt Blehm’s 2012 book about Seal Team 6 commando Adam Brown, a Navy soldier who overcame struggles, including drug addiction and jail time, to become a member of the elite Navy Seal team best known for killing Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.
Hall’s earned an Oscar nomination for penning American Sniper and most recently wrote Gran Turismo for Sony Pictures. Kevin Downes will join Andrew Erwin in producing the feature set on the front lines of the Navy Seals’ battle in Afghanistan, along with Mark Ciardi and Jon Erwin.
Kingdom Story Company — the banner founded by brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin and the team behind faith-based box office hits...
The Erwin Brothers’ Kingdom Story Company banner has acquired the rights to Eric Blehm’s book Fearless, with Jason Hall to pen the film’s screenplay and Andrew Erwin to direct.
The film will adapt Blehm’s 2012 book about Seal Team 6 commando Adam Brown, a Navy soldier who overcame struggles, including drug addiction and jail time, to become a member of the elite Navy Seal team best known for killing Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.
Hall’s earned an Oscar nomination for penning American Sniper and most recently wrote Gran Turismo for Sony Pictures. Kevin Downes will join Andrew Erwin in producing the feature set on the front lines of the Navy Seals’ battle in Afghanistan, along with Mark Ciardi and Jon Erwin.
Kingdom Story Company — the banner founded by brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin and the team behind faith-based box office hits...
- 7/26/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Michael Peña is heading into orbit.
The actor will play true-life Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez in A Million Miles Away, a drama that Alejandra Màrquez Abella is directing for Amazon Studios.
The feature project is based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away in 2020, wrote the initial script that has since been worked on by Hernán Jiménez and Abella.
Mark Ciardi, who produced true-life tales McFarland and American Underdog, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
Hernandez is described as the first migrant farmworker to travel into space. The man, who didn’t learn English until the age of 12, spent his childhood moving from town to town and working fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California with his family. Not giving up his dream of...
Michael Peña is heading into orbit.
The actor will play true-life Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez in A Million Miles Away, a drama that Alejandra Màrquez Abella is directing for Amazon Studios.
The feature project is based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away in 2020, wrote the initial script that has since been worked on by Hernán Jiménez and Abella.
Mark Ciardi, who produced true-life tales McFarland and American Underdog, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
Hernandez is described as the first migrant farmworker to travel into space. The man, who didn’t learn English until the age of 12, spent his childhood moving from town to town and working fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California with his family. Not giving up his dream of...
- 7/19/2022
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Sports content studio game1 has optioned film rights to attorney Rachael Denhollander’s memoir What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics, tapping Janine Eser to handle the screenplay adaptation.
The film will follow Denhollander, recounting her life from the time she met former USA Gymnastics Team and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar, through the subsequent fight to bring justice for his serial abuse of young girls seeking medical care. Despite powerful institutions attempting to cover up his abuse, the one-time gymnast launched an investigation that would ultimately unmask one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history, while building an army of survivors that would take him down. Following her leadership, more than 300 women participated in the criminal prosecution and sentencing of Nasser, leading to his life imprisonment.
Hollander’s courageous tenacity...
The film will follow Denhollander, recounting her life from the time she met former USA Gymnastics Team and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar, through the subsequent fight to bring justice for his serial abuse of young girls seeking medical care. Despite powerful institutions attempting to cover up his abuse, the one-time gymnast launched an investigation that would ultimately unmask one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history, while building an army of survivors that would take him down. Following her leadership, more than 300 women participated in the criminal prosecution and sentencing of Nasser, leading to his life imprisonment.
Hollander’s courageous tenacity...
- 7/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
101 Studios, the company behind series including “Yellowstone” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” has inked a first-look deal with Pzaj, Variety can exclusively reveal.
Pzaj, a global film and television production label formed by Phillip Glasser, Jason Brown, and Ash Greyson, is owned by Nasdaq-listed Vinco Ventures Inc. Vinco Ventures is currently merging with Zash Global Media.
Already in development under the new partnership are a feature film adaptation of LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke’s “Paradise Found,” a story about a small California town ravaged by fires that finds new hope in a football team that rises from the ashes of the devastation.
“Paradise Found” is set to be produced by Select Films’ Mark Ciardi, 101 Studios’ David C. Glasser and Pzaj’s Phillip Glasser and Jason Brown. 101’s David Hutkin and Bob Yari will exec produce alongside Ash Greyson of Pzaj and Ted Farnsworth and Ron Burkle.
101’s recently announced...
Pzaj, a global film and television production label formed by Phillip Glasser, Jason Brown, and Ash Greyson, is owned by Nasdaq-listed Vinco Ventures Inc. Vinco Ventures is currently merging with Zash Global Media.
Already in development under the new partnership are a feature film adaptation of LA Times columnist Bill Plaschke’s “Paradise Found,” a story about a small California town ravaged by fires that finds new hope in a football team that rises from the ashes of the devastation.
“Paradise Found” is set to be produced by Select Films’ Mark Ciardi, 101 Studios’ David C. Glasser and Pzaj’s Phillip Glasser and Jason Brown. 101’s David Hutkin and Bob Yari will exec produce alongside Ash Greyson of Pzaj and Ted Farnsworth and Ron Burkle.
101’s recently announced...
- 6/13/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ray Romano will star and produce a new film about the extraordinary life of American basketball coach and broadcaster Jim Valvano.
The script will be written by Jim Strouse, whose credits include Grace Is Gone and The Winning Season. Romano will produce with game1’s Basil Iwanyk, Greg Economou and Mark Ciardi (The Rookie). The Valvano family will provide key resources for the film, serving as executive producers.
Jimmy V’s life is the ultimate underdog story, peppered with courage and optimism when facing long odds. It starts with Valvano’s meteoric coaching ascent, including his astonishing run to the 1983 NCAA Championship with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The team won a last-second victory over a heavily favored Houston Cougars team that had all time NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler on its roster.
Valvano’s optimism never wavered, even when he received a tragic cancer diagnosis. His...
The script will be written by Jim Strouse, whose credits include Grace Is Gone and The Winning Season. Romano will produce with game1’s Basil Iwanyk, Greg Economou and Mark Ciardi (The Rookie). The Valvano family will provide key resources for the film, serving as executive producers.
Jimmy V’s life is the ultimate underdog story, peppered with courage and optimism when facing long odds. It starts with Valvano’s meteoric coaching ascent, including his astonishing run to the 1983 NCAA Championship with the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The team won a last-second victory over a heavily favored Houston Cougars team that had all time NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler on its roster.
Valvano’s optimism never wavered, even when he received a tragic cancer diagnosis. His...
- 5/9/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sports content studio game1 has rounded out its executive team with the addition of Kyle Convissar, Beverly Nuako and Will Flynn as Vice Presidents of Development for both Scripted and Unscripted projects.
As a development executive and producer at game1, Convissar will work predominantly in scripted content, while undertaking a fair amount of work on the unscripted side. Nuako will develop and produce scripted film and television, focusing on both domestic and international stories, with Flynn leaning heavily into developing and producing scripted programming and long-form unscripted programming for film and TV. Each will report to game1 President & Chief Content Officer, Mark Ciardi.
“Our goal is to create best-in-class sports content that lives across the upper echelon of the content distribution landscape. The only way to achieve this objective is to assemble a world-class team that can develop and oversee the production of great sports stories,” said game1’s Co-Founder and Chairman,...
As a development executive and producer at game1, Convissar will work predominantly in scripted content, while undertaking a fair amount of work on the unscripted side. Nuako will develop and produce scripted film and television, focusing on both domestic and international stories, with Flynn leaning heavily into developing and producing scripted programming and long-form unscripted programming for film and TV. Each will report to game1 President & Chief Content Officer, Mark Ciardi.
“Our goal is to create best-in-class sports content that lives across the upper echelon of the content distribution landscape. The only way to achieve this objective is to assemble a world-class team that can develop and oversee the production of great sports stories,” said game1’s Co-Founder and Chairman,...
- 3/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Imagine being the son of NBA great Dwyane Wade – one of the game’s all-time greats – and wanting to play basketball too.
That’s the reality for Zaire Wade, Dwyane’s eldest son, who was drafted last October by the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. Zaire, who turns 20 on Friday, has got some skills like his father, who just turned 40.
“Now, when I ask him to play [1-on-1],” Zaire said in a recent interview, “he doesn’t want to play me no more. He says he’s too old.”
Joking aside, those are some big shoes to fill. The six-part documentary series Legacy: In the Shadow of Greatness, launching on the Discovery+ streaming platform on March 8, explores what it’s like to be the offspring of a famous athlete and, like your dad, wanting to excel in sport.
Jonathan Hock, winner of 11 Emmys, directs the series...
That’s the reality for Zaire Wade, Dwyane’s eldest son, who was drafted last October by the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. Zaire, who turns 20 on Friday, has got some skills like his father, who just turned 40.
“Now, when I ask him to play [1-on-1],” Zaire said in a recent interview, “he doesn’t want to play me no more. He says he’s too old.”
Joking aside, those are some big shoes to fill. The six-part documentary series Legacy: In the Shadow of Greatness, launching on the Discovery+ streaming platform on March 8, explores what it’s like to be the offspring of a famous athlete and, like your dad, wanting to excel in sport.
Jonathan Hock, winner of 11 Emmys, directs the series...
- 2/3/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ziffren Brittenham partner Eric Sherman has left to become Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel of Thunder Road Films and game1. Sherman will oversee business and legal affairs for both Thunder Road Films and game1, as well as Asbury Park Pictures.
“We have relied on Eric’s wisdom, counsel, and decency as one of our outside lawyers for more than a decade. Now we are blessed that Eric joins us at both Thunder Road and game1 to continue the rapid growth of both companies,” says Basil Iwanyk, founder and CEO.
Said Sherman: “I have worked side by side with Basil, Erica and their team at Thunder Road for over ten years. Basil’s acumen as a producer in both the studio system and in the independent world is a combination that is rarely seen today in the film making business. Continuing my journey with him in a more hands-on role,...
“We have relied on Eric’s wisdom, counsel, and decency as one of our outside lawyers for more than a decade. Now we are blessed that Eric joins us at both Thunder Road and game1 to continue the rapid growth of both companies,” says Basil Iwanyk, founder and CEO.
Said Sherman: “I have worked side by side with Basil, Erica and their team at Thunder Road for over ten years. Basil’s acumen as a producer in both the studio system and in the independent world is a combination that is rarely seen today in the film making business. Continuing my journey with him in a more hands-on role,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The official trailer and poster for American Underdog starring Zachary Levi has been released, and you can check them out right here on CinemaNerdz (see above).
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith,...
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith,...
- 11/17/2021
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Exclusive: Mary Stuart Masterson (Blindspot), Rob Corddry (The Unicorn), Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), Corey Knight (We Are Who We Are) and Terayle (Judas and the Black Messiah) are joining Michael Chiklis in The Senior, a football drama that Rod Lurie is directing from a screenplay by Bob Eisele (The Great Debaters), which is entering production in Texas this fall.
The film from Wayfarer Studios and Select Films is based on the true story of Mike Flynt (Chiklis), who was kicked off his collegiate football team 37 years ago for an altercation with another teammate. Now, at age 59, Mike decides to go back to college to finish his degree and try out for the varsity team in an attempt to redeem his past.
Masterson will play Mike’s wife Eileen, a voice of reason who offers tough love, while supporting her husband’s dream.
Corddry will play Sam Weston,...
The film from Wayfarer Studios and Select Films is based on the true story of Mike Flynt (Chiklis), who was kicked off his collegiate football team 37 years ago for an altercation with another teammate. Now, at age 59, Mike decides to go back to college to finish his degree and try out for the varsity team in an attempt to redeem his past.
Masterson will play Mike’s wife Eileen, a voice of reason who offers tough love, while supporting her husband’s dream.
Corddry will play Sam Weston,...
- 10/13/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Ciardi is joining sports content studio, game1, as the company’s President & Chief Content Officer. His mandate is to aggressively expand both the scripted and unscripted division of game1, as well as focusing on the company’s growing list of athlete and team partnerships, podcasts, branded content, and the burgeoning Nil space.
“It is amazing to be able to join forces with Basil and Greg at game1,” said Ciardi. “The company is uniquely positioned in all areas of sports content – I am incredibly excited to be a part of building something special.”
Ciardi’s track record when it comes to sports-oriented film content speaks for itself with some of his most successful credits including Secretariat, Miracle, Invincible, The Rookie, McFarland USA and Million Dollar Arm.
“Mark is one of the best storytellers in sports across all platforms. It’s a huge coup to have him join forces with Greg and me,...
“It is amazing to be able to join forces with Basil and Greg at game1,” said Ciardi. “The company is uniquely positioned in all areas of sports content – I am incredibly excited to be a part of building something special.”
Ciardi’s track record when it comes to sports-oriented film content speaks for itself with some of his most successful credits including Secretariat, Miracle, Invincible, The Rookie, McFarland USA and Million Dollar Arm.
“Mark is one of the best storytellers in sports across all platforms. It’s a huge coup to have him join forces with Greg and me,...
- 9/27/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Michael Chiklis (The Shield) has signed on to star in The Senior, a football drama that Rod Lurie is directing from a screenplay by Bob Eisele (The Great Debaters), which is entering production in Texas this fall.
The film is based on the true story of Mike Flynt (Chiklis) who, 37 years ago, was kicked off his collegiate football team for an altercation with another teammate. Now at 59, Mike continues to carry that burden. But when he learns he still has a year of eligibility, he decides to go back to school to get his degree and try out for the team to redeem his past. As he puts on the pads one more time, Mike slowly starts to earn the respect of his much younger teammates, ultimately leading him on a journey to address his masculinity and resolve his generational trauma put upon by his father,...
The film is based on the true story of Mike Flynt (Chiklis) who, 37 years ago, was kicked off his collegiate football team for an altercation with another teammate. Now at 59, Mike continues to carry that burden. But when he learns he still has a year of eligibility, he decides to go back to school to get his degree and try out for the team to redeem his past. As he puts on the pads one more time, Mike slowly starts to earn the respect of his much younger teammates, ultimately leading him on a journey to address his masculinity and resolve his generational trauma put upon by his father,...
- 9/15/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday at CinemaCon, Lionsgate said that it is opening the Erwin Brothers-directed American Underdog on Christmas Day. The pic was previously set to open on December 10, with the release timed to the climax of the NFL season.
“This movie perfectly aligns with the emotions of the holiday season: The power of faith. A drive to bring out the best in all of us. The strength of family. And of course, the height of the NFL championship season. When you take all of that together, the perfect release date for this movie is Christmas day, and that’s where we have decided to date it,” said Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.
“This movie perfectly aligns with the emotions of the holiday season: The power of faith. A drive to bring out the best in all of us. The strength of family. And of course, the height of the NFL championship season. When you take all of that together, the perfect release date for this movie is Christmas day, and that’s where we have decided to date it,” said Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.
- 8/26/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen have signed on for the Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin-directed sports drama, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story, along with Ser’Darius Blain, Adam Baldwin, Bruce McGill, Danny Vinson, Chance Kelly, and Hayden Zaller. The new additions join Zachary Levi in the role of Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay based on interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. The pic chronicles Kurt’s journey from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Quaid will play St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil, while Kelly playing the Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Madsen will play Sue Warner,...
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay based on interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. The pic chronicles Kurt’s journey from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Quaid will play St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil, while Kelly playing the Rams’ offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. Madsen will play Sue Warner,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Anna Paquin has joined the cast of “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story,” the biopic about the all-star NFL quarterback that will star Zachary Levi.
Paquin in the film will play Warner’s wife Brenda Warner.
Lionsgate is releasing “American Underdog,” the next film under the Kingdom Story Company banner and from directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin.
The drama is a biopic and sports film about the life of Kurt Warner and how he went from humble roots stocking supermarket shelves to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Famer. David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”) wrote the screenplay with Jon Gun and Jon Erwin, and the screenplay is based on interviews with Warner and his own memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.”
The Erwin brothers and Kevin Downes are producing for Kingdom Story, as will Mark Ciardi, known for...
Paquin in the film will play Warner’s wife Brenda Warner.
Lionsgate is releasing “American Underdog,” the next film under the Kingdom Story Company banner and from directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin.
The drama is a biopic and sports film about the life of Kurt Warner and how he went from humble roots stocking supermarket shelves to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Famer. David Aaron Cohen (“Friday Night Lights”) wrote the screenplay with Jon Gun and Jon Erwin, and the screenplay is based on interviews with Warner and his own memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season.”
The Erwin brothers and Kevin Downes are producing for Kingdom Story, as will Mark Ciardi, known for...
- 1/13/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: We have just learned that The Piano Best Oscar winner Anna Paquin has landed the lead in Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate’s American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story opposite Zachary Levi.
The drama, which Lionsgate is releasing, chronicles the true story of Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback. Paquin will play Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife.
The feature is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe), and it’s based upon interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. Kurt Warner and Brenda Warner are co-producing.
American Underdog re-teams Levi with brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are directing the movie. Levi recently starred in...
The drama, which Lionsgate is releasing, chronicles the true story of Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback. Paquin will play Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife.
The feature is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe), and it’s based upon interviews with Warner as well as Warner’s memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. Kurt Warner and Brenda Warner are co-producing.
American Underdog re-teams Levi with brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are directing the movie. Levi recently starred in...
- 1/13/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
If you’re a sports fan, there’s nothing quite like the rush of watching a half-court buzzer-beater or a Super Bowl-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game. There’s just something remarkable about a group of individuals uniting to accomplish something greater than themselves. It’s a trait that’s inherently cinematic, however, simply recreating the excitement of game day for a feature film isn’t enough. All the best sports movies understand that the power and impact of their story represent more than a game.
Continue reading ‘Safety’: Mark Ciardi & Ray-Ray McElrathbey Talk New Disney+ Film And The Power Of Sports Movies [The Fourth Wall] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Safety’: Mark Ciardi & Ray-Ray McElrathbey Talk New Disney+ Film And The Power Of Sports Movies [The Fourth Wall] at The Playlist.
- 12/11/2020
- by Griffin Schiller
- The Playlist
Safety may not be a Christmas movie as such, but it’s a film made for all the family to enjoy – and what’s more, it’s full of hope and optimism, and what’s more Christmassy than that? The film is launching this weekend on Disney+ and to mark the occasion we took part in a mega virtual junket, where we spoke to leading stars Jay Reeves, Corinne Fox as well as Hunter Sansone and newcomer Thaddeus J. Mixon II. We even had the chance to speak to those behind the lens, chatting to director Reginald Hudlin, with producer Mark Ciardi and the real-life man this entire project was based on, Ray-Ray McElrathbey. Be sure to watch both interviews in their entirety below as we discuss the project at length, and even speak to director Hudlin about his time collaborating with the late, great actor Chadwick Boseman when they worked together on Marshall.
- 12/9/2020
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The true story of Mexican American astronaut is getting the feature treatment from Netflix and filmmaker Alejandra Márquez Abella.
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The true story of Mexican American astronaut is getting the feature treatment from Netflix and filmmaker Alejandra Márquez Abella.
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After a shoulder injury cut Mark Ciardi's professional baseball career short — the pitcher made it to the majors for a few games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987 — he set his sights on Hollywood, where he led off by producing a film about his onetime teammate Jim Morris. That movie, The Rookie, became a huge hit for Disney, and Ciardi has since produced a successful run of real-life sports dramas including Miracle, Invincible and Secretariat. But, the producer notes, in recent years major studios have lost interest in his genre of choice.
He has spent more than a decade trying to ...
He has spent more than a decade trying to ...
After a shoulder injury cut Mark Ciardi's professional baseball career short — the pitcher made it to the majors for a few games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1987 — he set his sights on Hollywood, where he led off by producing a film about his onetime teammate Jim Morris. That movie, The Rookie, became a huge hit for Disney, and Ciardi has since produced a successful run of real-life sports dramas including Miracle, Invincible and Secretariat. But, the producer notes, in recent years major studios have lost interest in his genre of choice.
He has spent more than a decade trying to ...
He has spent more than a decade trying to ...
Gunpowder & Sky has acquired the worldwide rights to “UFC 1: Origins of the Octagon,” a documentary from the producers of “The Last Dance” about the beginnings of the pro mixed martial arts league UFC, it was announced Wednesday.
The documentary traces the roots of the UFC back to its tumultuous first event in 1993. Gunpowder & Sky will release the film this fall through a pay-per-view streaming event and a digital release to follow one week later.
Mike Tollin, who produced the hit ESPN docu-series “The Last Dance” about the ’98 Chicago Bulls, is a producer on “Origins of the Octagon.” It follows how a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter in Royce Gracie teamed with used car salesman Art Davie and Bob Meyrowitz’s pay-per-view company Seg to mount the first UFC fight.
Also Read: Magic Johnson Scores His Own 'The Last Dance' With New Feature Documentary in Development
Mason Gordon directed the film.
The documentary traces the roots of the UFC back to its tumultuous first event in 1993. Gunpowder & Sky will release the film this fall through a pay-per-view streaming event and a digital release to follow one week later.
Mike Tollin, who produced the hit ESPN docu-series “The Last Dance” about the ’98 Chicago Bulls, is a producer on “Origins of the Octagon.” It follows how a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter in Royce Gracie teamed with used car salesman Art Davie and Bob Meyrowitz’s pay-per-view company Seg to mount the first UFC fight.
Also Read: Magic Johnson Scores His Own 'The Last Dance' With New Feature Documentary in Development
Mason Gordon directed the film.
- 7/29/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
‘Shazam’ star Zachary Levi is set to star in the biopic ‘American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story’ based on the life of the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback.
The film will be based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, ‘All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.’ Telling the story of his rise from shelf stacker to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Levi will star as Warner while Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct and produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin penned the film. Mark Ciardi is also producing with Kevin Downes.
Also in news – Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick team up for Netflix original series
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith — in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” said Levi. “When I read Kurt’s story,...
The film will be based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, ‘All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.’ Telling the story of his rise from shelf stacker to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Levi will star as Warner while Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct and produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin penned the film. Mark Ciardi is also producing with Kevin Downes.
Also in news – Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick team up for Netflix original series
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith — in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” said Levi. “When I read Kurt’s story,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
6 Jan 2002: Kurt Warner of the St.Louis Rams during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Dome at America’s Center in St.Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Falcons 31-13. Credit: Elsa/Getty Images
Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate announced today that Zachary Levi will star as two-time NFL Mvp and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. The film will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and is expected to begin production later this year.
American Underdog will be Levi’s next project, teaming him with the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), who will direct and produce through their Kingdom banner. The film is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe). Mark Ciardi is producing. The film is also produced by Kevin Downes. The screenplay will be based upon...
Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate announced today that Zachary Levi will star as two-time NFL Mvp and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. The film will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and is expected to begin production later this year.
American Underdog will be Levi’s next project, teaming him with the Erwin Brothers (Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin), who will direct and produce through their Kingdom banner. The film is written by David Aaron Cohen (Friday Night Lights), Jon Gunn (I Still Believe) & Jon Erwin (I Still Believe). Mark Ciardi is producing. The film is also produced by Kevin Downes. The screenplay will be based upon...
- 7/1/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Zachary Levi will star as NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.”
The film, from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story, is expected to begin production later this year. Brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct and produce.
Warner played in the NFL from 1994 to 2008, and is regarded as one of the top undrafted players in NFL history. He was a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback. The screenplay is based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.”
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith — in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” said Levi. “When I read Kurt’s story, I identified with the quiet strength he found to persevere – that’s something I think anybody can recognize in their own lives.
The film, from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story, is expected to begin production later this year. Brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin will direct and produce.
Warner played in the NFL from 1994 to 2008, and is regarded as one of the top undrafted players in NFL history. He was a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback. The screenplay is based on interviews with Warner, as well as his memoir, “All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the First Miracle Season.”
“Kurt’s story is one of relentless faith — in his own abilities but even more so in a higher power,” said Levi. “When I read Kurt’s story, I identified with the quiet strength he found to persevere – that’s something I think anybody can recognize in their own lives.
- 7/1/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Shazam!” star Zachary Levi is set to star as two-time NFL Mvp and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner in the biopic “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story,” it was announced Wednesday by Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate.
“I Still Believe” directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin are directing the sports biopic “American Underdog” that will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and that expects to begin production later this year.
“American Underdog” is Levi’s next project, and the drama chronicles the true story of Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp.
Also Read: Zachary Levi to Star in Music-Driven Family Comedy 'Undercover' With Cole Sprouse at Lionsgate
The Erwin brothers are also producing through their Kingdom Story banner. David Aaron Cohen of “Friday Night Lights” fame wrote the film along with the Erwin brothers based on interviews with Warner as well as his own memoir,...
“I Still Believe” directors Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin are directing the sports biopic “American Underdog” that will be distributed wide by Lionsgate and that expects to begin production later this year.
“American Underdog” is Levi’s next project, and the drama chronicles the true story of Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a Super Bowl Mvp.
Also Read: Zachary Levi to Star in Music-Driven Family Comedy 'Undercover' With Cole Sprouse at Lionsgate
The Erwin brothers are also producing through their Kingdom Story banner. David Aaron Cohen of “Friday Night Lights” fame wrote the film along with the Erwin brothers based on interviews with Warner as well as his own memoir,...
- 7/1/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Zachary Levi is tackling the role of NFL Mvp and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner in the forthcoming American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story biopic from Lionsgate and I Still Believe producer Kingdom Story Company. The Erwin Brothers — Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin — will direct the film, which is expected to being production this year.
The brothers will also produce through their Kingdom banner, alongside Mark Ciardi and Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay, which is based on interviews with Warner and his memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. It chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Kingdom Story and Lionsgate have been ramping up their faith-inspired canon.
The brothers will also produce through their Kingdom banner, alongside Mark Ciardi and Kevin Downes. Kurt and Brenda Warner will co-produce.
David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin penned the screenplay, which is based on interviews with Warner and his memoir, All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football and the First Miracle Season. It chronicles the incredible true story of Kurt, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to become a two-time NFL Mvp, Super Bowl Mvp, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Kingdom Story and Lionsgate have been ramping up their faith-inspired canon.
- 7/1/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Let Him Go” will open against “Bill and Ted Face the Music”; “Paradise Found” is in the works; “The Irishman” leads the way for Aacta International Awards nominations; and principal photography has wrapped on “Quiet in My Town.”
Release Date
Focus Features has set an Aug. 21 release date for the Kevin Costner-Diane Lane suspense thriller “Let Him Go,” opening against “Bill and Ted Face the Music.”
Costner plays a retired sheriff and Lane will portray his wife. After the loss of their son, the couple leaves their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of a dangerous family living off the grid in the Dakotas. When they arrive, they discover the family has no intention of letting the child go.
The two collaborated on “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” as the parents of Superman.
Release Date
Focus Features has set an Aug. 21 release date for the Kevin Costner-Diane Lane suspense thriller “Let Him Go,” opening against “Bill and Ted Face the Music.”
Costner plays a retired sheriff and Lane will portray his wife. After the loss of their son, the couple leaves their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of a dangerous family living off the grid in the Dakotas. When they arrive, they discover the family has no intention of letting the child go.
The two collaborated on “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” as the parents of Superman.
- 12/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
David Glasser's 101 Studios is developing a screen adaptation of the true story of the football team from Paradise, California, the small town destroyed by 2018's Camp Fire.
Based on the Bill Plaschke book Paradise Found, the story centers on a high school football team under the dedication of its longtime coach, Rick Prinz, who helped their mountain town rise from the ashes, inspiring a community and a nation with its grit and perseverance.
Mark Ciardi, whose credits include The Rookie, Miracle and Million Dollar Arm, will produce via his Select Films banner. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari will ...
Based on the Bill Plaschke book Paradise Found, the story centers on a high school football team under the dedication of its longtime coach, Rick Prinz, who helped their mountain town rise from the ashes, inspiring a community and a nation with its grit and perseverance.
Mark Ciardi, whose credits include The Rookie, Miracle and Million Dollar Arm, will produce via his Select Films banner. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari will ...
- 12/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
David Glasser's 101 Studios is developing a screen adaptation of the true story of the football team from Paradise, California, the small town destroyed by 2018's Camp Fire.
Based on the Bill Plaschke book Paradise Found, the story centers on a high school football team under the dedication of its longtime coach, Rick Prinz, who helped their mountain town rise from the ashes, inspiring a community and a nation with its grit and perseverance.
Mark Ciardi, whose credits include The Rookie, Miracle and Million Dollar Arm, will produce via his Select Films banner. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari will ...
Based on the Bill Plaschke book Paradise Found, the story centers on a high school football team under the dedication of its longtime coach, Rick Prinz, who helped their mountain town rise from the ashes, inspiring a community and a nation with its grit and perseverance.
Mark Ciardi, whose credits include The Rookie, Miracle and Million Dollar Arm, will produce via his Select Films banner. Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari will ...
- 12/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
101 Studios has acquired film and TV rights to Paradise Found, the nonfiction book written by Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke about the small town of Paradise, CA, which was ravaged by the Camp Fire of 2018 but which found hope in its high school football team and longtime coach, Rick Prinz. The distributor-financier is already in the works on a screen adaptation.
The project, also titled Paradise Found, will be produced by sports film and TV regular Mark Ciardi (The Rookie) of Select Films and executive produced by 101’s David Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari.
Prinz said, “11/8/18 at 8:34 Am I sent this text message to the football team- ‘the plan is to practice at 3:00 today. If it is too smoky, we will modify our activity. I will keep you informed if anything changes.’ Eleven minutes later, we were running for our lives. These young men...
The project, also titled Paradise Found, will be produced by sports film and TV regular Mark Ciardi (The Rookie) of Select Films and executive produced by 101’s David Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari.
Prinz said, “11/8/18 at 8:34 Am I sent this text message to the football team- ‘the plan is to practice at 3:00 today. If it is too smoky, we will modify our activity. I will keep you informed if anything changes.’ Eleven minutes later, we were running for our lives. These young men...
- 12/10/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
101 Studios has acquired the film and TV rights to “Paradise Found,” a non-fiction book written by Bill Plaschke about a group of survivors caught in the 2018 fire that ravaged Paradise, California, the studio announced Tuesday.
The book is the story of a high school football team and coach, Rich Prinz, who were caught in the blaze of the Camp Fire from last year and who then came together to help others in the community.
“Paradise Found” will be produced as a film by Mark Ciardi of Select Films and executive produced by 101’s David Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari. Plaschke will also serve as a consultant on the film.
Also Read: Ron Howard to Direct Paradise Wildfire Documentary for National Geographic
On Nov. 8, 2018, Prinz sent a text message to his football team saying, “the plan is to practice at 3:00 today. If it is too smoky, we will modify our activity.
The book is the story of a high school football team and coach, Rich Prinz, who were caught in the blaze of the Camp Fire from last year and who then came together to help others in the community.
“Paradise Found” will be produced as a film by Mark Ciardi of Select Films and executive produced by 101’s David Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari. Plaschke will also serve as a consultant on the film.
Also Read: Ron Howard to Direct Paradise Wildfire Documentary for National Geographic
On Nov. 8, 2018, Prinz sent a text message to his football team saying, “the plan is to practice at 3:00 today. If it is too smoky, we will modify our activity.
- 12/10/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) once had a life filled with promise. In high school, he was a basketball phenom with a full university scholarship, when suddenly, for reasons unknown, he walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Now years later, Jack is spiraling down, triggered by an unspeakable loss, and drowning in the alcoholism that cost him his marriage and any hope for a better life. When he is asked to coach the basketball team at his alma mater, which has fallen far since his glory days, he reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself. As the boys start to come together as a team and win, Jack may have finally found a reason to confront the demons that have derailed him. But will it be enough to fill the void, heal the deep wounds of his past, and set him on the road to redemption?
Academy Award...
Academy Award...
- 11/15/2019
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Joseph Baxter Nov 14, 2019
Ben Affleck stars in drama The Way Back, reuniting with The Accountant director Gavin O’Connor for a story that’s close to home.
The Way Back may be a Warner Bros. Pictures drama starring Ben Affleck, but the film, which focuses on a high school basketball coach battling alcoholism, also seems to be a therapeutic performance exercise for its star, who, in recent years, has made headlines for that very issue.
Gavin O’Connor directed The Way Back, reuniting with Ben Affleck, whom he directed in the acclaimed 2014 action drama, The Accountant, for which sequel plans are still in the works. O’Connor worked off a screenplay by Brad Ingelsby, who’s known from 2013’s Out of the Furnace, 2015’s Run All Night, 2018’s American Woman and The Friend, a drama that releases this weekend, starring Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson.
The Way Back Trailer
The...
Ben Affleck stars in drama The Way Back, reuniting with The Accountant director Gavin O’Connor for a story that’s close to home.
The Way Back may be a Warner Bros. Pictures drama starring Ben Affleck, but the film, which focuses on a high school basketball coach battling alcoholism, also seems to be a therapeutic performance exercise for its star, who, in recent years, has made headlines for that very issue.
Gavin O’Connor directed The Way Back, reuniting with Ben Affleck, whom he directed in the acclaimed 2014 action drama, The Accountant, for which sequel plans are still in the works. O’Connor worked off a screenplay by Brad Ingelsby, who’s known from 2013’s Out of the Furnace, 2015’s Run All Night, 2018’s American Woman and The Friend, a drama that releases this weekend, starring Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson.
The Way Back Trailer
The...
- 11/14/2019
- Den of Geek
Ben Affleck reteams with his director on “The Accountant” Gavin O’Connor for his latest film, “The Way Back.” This time, though, he’s not a mild-mannered math whiz battling super spies. Instead, he’s forced to fight his own alcoholism.
“The Way Back” is a sobering and inspirational turn for Affleck, in which he plays Jack Cunningham, a former high school basketball phenom struggling with alcohol addiction and gets the opportunity to coach his old high school team. In trying to get them back on the winning path, he might be able to find his own redemption.
“I spent a lot of time hurting myself. I made a lot of bad decisions. I have a lot of regrets,” Affleck says in the trailer. “You guys earned this tonight.”
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
Warner Bros. in association with Bron Creative is releasing the film,...
“The Way Back” is a sobering and inspirational turn for Affleck, in which he plays Jack Cunningham, a former high school basketball phenom struggling with alcohol addiction and gets the opportunity to coach his old high school team. In trying to get them back on the winning path, he might be able to find his own redemption.
“I spent a lot of time hurting myself. I made a lot of bad decisions. I have a lot of regrets,” Affleck says in the trailer. “You guys earned this tonight.”
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
Warner Bros. in association with Bron Creative is releasing the film,...
- 11/14/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, Stellan Skarsgard’s drama gets U.S. distribution, James DuMont gets cast, “Beautiful in the Morning” opens the La Femme International Film Festival and Sony sets up multi-lingual comedy “Este Dia.”
Acquisition
Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to the drama “Out Stealing Horses,” starring Stellan Skarsgard and directed by Hans Petter Moland.
The film, based on Per Petterson’s award-winning novel, premiered in competition at the 2019 Berlinale and is Norway’s official Oscar entry for best international feature. Magnolia is planning a theatrical release for next year.
Skarsgard portrays a 67-year-old man who, after the death of his wife, retires to a desolate place in the east of Norway. As winter arrives he discovers he has a neighbor, a man he knew during the summer of 1948.
“Hans Petter Moland has delivered an incredibly well-shot and acted adaptation of a greatly loved novel,...
Acquisition
Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to the drama “Out Stealing Horses,” starring Stellan Skarsgard and directed by Hans Petter Moland.
The film, based on Per Petterson’s award-winning novel, premiered in competition at the 2019 Berlinale and is Norway’s official Oscar entry for best international feature. Magnolia is planning a theatrical release for next year.
Skarsgard portrays a 67-year-old man who, after the death of his wife, retires to a desolate place in the east of Norway. As winter arrives he discovers he has a neighbor, a man he knew during the summer of 1948.
“Hans Petter Moland has delivered an incredibly well-shot and acted adaptation of a greatly loved novel,...
- 10/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Joris Jarsky, Sheila Houlahan and Sofia Vassilieva are the latest to join Warner Bros’ thriller The Little Things starring Oscar winners Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek. Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, the plot follows Deke (Washington), a burned-out Kern County, CA deputy sheriff who teams with Baxter (Malek), a crack Lasd detective, to nab a serial killer. Deke’s nose for the “little things” proves eerily accurate, but his willingness to circumvent the rules embroils Baxter in a soul-shattering dilemma. Meanwhile, Deke must wrestle with a dark secret from his past. Jarsky is repped by Grandview; Houlahan by Hartman Entertainment; Vassilieva by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and Lighthouse Management.
Matthew Glave (First Man) and Hunter Sansone (Star Girl) have joined Reginald Hudlin’s Disney+ drama Safety, which is inspired by the...
Matthew Glave (First Man) and Hunter Sansone (Star Girl) have joined Reginald Hudlin’s Disney+ drama Safety, which is inspired by the...
- 9/26/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar nominee Reginald Hudlin has commenced production on his latest project, Safety, a Disney+ drama inspired by the true story of former South Carolina Clemson Tigers safety Ray McElrathbey. Jay Reeves, who co-starred on the first season of the CW football drama All American, will star as Ray, with Thaddeus J. Mixson (The Grind) and Corinne Foxx (47 Meters Down: Uncaged) also starring.
The pic, which will shoot on location in South Carolina as well as Atlanta, centers on Ray, a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose faith and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities and play football on scholarship at Clemson University, all while struggling to raise and care for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Mixson).
Luke Tennie (Deadly Class) has also been cast in a supporting role.
Randy McKinnon and Nick Santora penned the screenplay which is being produced by Mark Ciardi. The film...
The pic, which will shoot on location in South Carolina as well as Atlanta, centers on Ray, a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose faith and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities and play football on scholarship at Clemson University, all while struggling to raise and care for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Mixson).
Luke Tennie (Deadly Class) has also been cast in a supporting role.
Randy McKinnon and Nick Santora penned the screenplay which is being produced by Mark Ciardi. The film...
- 9/13/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that the Gavin O’Connor-directed Ben Affleck movie The Way Back (ne Torrance) is jumping from its Oct. 18 release to March 6, 2020.
In the movie, Affleck stars as a former basketball all-star, who after struggling with addiction, attempts to comeback by becoming the coach of a disparate high school basketball team at his alma mater. We hear that test results for The Way Back were solid and that it’s a commercial film. On its new date, the adult-demo targeted The Way Back will have more breathing room versus the crowded fall marketplace. The March launch date also allows Warners to take advantage of the start of basketball season and promote it during that time during Ncaa and NBA.
Those wide releases left standing on Oct. 18 is Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Sony’s Zombieland 2: Double Tap. On its new March date, The Way Back...
In the movie, Affleck stars as a former basketball all-star, who after struggling with addiction, attempts to comeback by becoming the coach of a disparate high school basketball team at his alma mater. We hear that test results for The Way Back were solid and that it’s a commercial film. On its new date, the adult-demo targeted The Way Back will have more breathing room versus the crowded fall marketplace. The March launch date also allows Warners to take advantage of the start of basketball season and promote it during that time during Ncaa and NBA.
Those wide releases left standing on Oct. 18 is Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Sony’s Zombieland 2: Double Tap. On its new March date, The Way Back...
- 8/5/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Reginald Hudlin, the Oscar-nominated Django Unchained producer who directed the Thurgood Marshall film Marshall, has signed on to helm an untitled Clemson sports drama for Disney+.
The project is based on the true story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, who, as a freshman football player for Clemson University, started secretly raising his 11-year-old brother on campus due to his mother’s issues with addiction. The story made national news in 2006.
Randy McKinnon is the current writer. Mark Ciardi, whose credits include numerous sports dramas such as The Rookie and Million Dollar Arm, is producing.
Disney+ is Disney’s streaming service that is ...
The project is based on the true story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, who, as a freshman football player for Clemson University, started secretly raising his 11-year-old brother on campus due to his mother’s issues with addiction. The story made national news in 2006.
Randy McKinnon is the current writer. Mark Ciardi, whose credits include numerous sports dramas such as The Rookie and Million Dollar Arm, is producing.
Disney+ is Disney’s streaming service that is ...
- 7/12/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Reginald Hudlin, the Oscar-nominated Django Unchained producer who directed the Thurgood Marshall film Marshall, has signed on to helm an untitled Clemson sports drama for Disney+.
The project is based on the true story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, who, as a freshman football player for Clemson University, started secretly raising his 11-year-old brother on campus due to his mother’s issues with addiction. The story made national news in 2006.
Randy McKinnon is the current writer. Mark Ciardi, whose credits include numerous sports dramas such as The Rookie and Million Dollar Arm, is producing.
Disney+ is Disney’s streaming service that is ...
The project is based on the true story of Ray Ray McElrathbey, who, as a freshman football player for Clemson University, started secretly raising his 11-year-old brother on campus due to his mother’s issues with addiction. The story made national news in 2006.
Randy McKinnon is the current writer. Mark Ciardi, whose credits include numerous sports dramas such as The Rookie and Million Dollar Arm, is producing.
Disney+ is Disney’s streaming service that is ...
- 7/12/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Sports Illustrated TV’s Si Films and Mandalay Sports Media are teaming to produce Ufc 1: Origin of the Octagon, a feature-length documentary that traces the roots of the pro Mma league back to its tumultuous first event in 1993. A fall 2019 premiere on the Si TV digital network is in the works.
The docu, being directed by John Mason Gordon, explores the improbable story of Rorion Gracie and Art Davie, the two unlikely entrepreneurs who created the Ufc, eventually acquired in 2016 by Wme-img in a $4 billion deal.
Interviews with Mma icons including Jim Brown, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Tellia Tuli, Art Jimmerson and Gerard Gordeau help tell the tale of how Rorion Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, and Davie, a onetime used car salesman, teamed with Bob Meyrowitz’s pay-per-view company Seg to mount Ufc 1 in Denver and launch a sports phenomenon.
Mandalay Sports Media’s Mike Tollin, Select Films...
The docu, being directed by John Mason Gordon, explores the improbable story of Rorion Gracie and Art Davie, the two unlikely entrepreneurs who created the Ufc, eventually acquired in 2016 by Wme-img in a $4 billion deal.
Interviews with Mma icons including Jim Brown, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Tellia Tuli, Art Jimmerson and Gerard Gordeau help tell the tale of how Rorion Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, and Davie, a onetime used car salesman, teamed with Bob Meyrowitz’s pay-per-view company Seg to mount Ufc 1 in Denver and launch a sports phenomenon.
Mandalay Sports Media’s Mike Tollin, Select Films...
- 4/30/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Benedict Men, a new docuseries executive produced by Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media and produced by Whistle, is set at Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman’s Quibi, the new mobile subscription service, which launches next year. The project, among the first for the mobile video startup, was announced today by Katzenberg and Quibi CEO Whitman during Variety’s Innovate: AI and Data Science in Media summit.
Benedict Men will take an inside look at one of the most unique high school basketball teams in America at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey. St. Benedict’s Prep is an all-boys secondary school founded on the core belief ‘What Hurts My Brother Hurts Me,’ and aims to foster a legacy of strong character, community, leadership, and faith. As one of the top athletic high schools with a storied basketball program and the highest graduation rate in New Jersey, the series...
Benedict Men will take an inside look at one of the most unique high school basketball teams in America at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey. St. Benedict’s Prep is an all-boys secondary school founded on the core belief ‘What Hurts My Brother Hurts Me,’ and aims to foster a legacy of strong character, community, leadership, and faith. As one of the top athletic high schools with a storied basketball program and the highest graduation rate in New Jersey, the series...
- 12/5/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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