Tony Hall-Chaired Indie Ties With Off The Fence To Expand ‘Rising Phoenix’ Paralympic Games Universe
Exclusive: The rise of the Paralympic Games has been one of sport’s biggest recent triumphs, and a trailblazing content initiative charting its story is now set to take the narrative even deeper.
Harder Than You Think (Htyt), which has exclusive worldwide rights to tell the story of the Paralympics through to the 2028 Games in LA, has appointed European production and sales house Off the Fence to find partners for the next four projects coming from its Rising Phoenix Universe initiative.
British indie Htyt was set up by London 2012 Chief Marketing Officer Greg Nugent and is chaired by ex-BBC Director General Tony Hall. It has been building the Rising Phoenix Universe since launching the double Emmy-winning Netflix and Bytedance doc Rising Phoenix, about the history of the Paralympic movement, in 2020.
As part of the agreement, Zdf Studios-owned Off the Fence will also co-produce additional content commissioned outside of the core four projects.
Harder Than You Think (Htyt), which has exclusive worldwide rights to tell the story of the Paralympics through to the 2028 Games in LA, has appointed European production and sales house Off the Fence to find partners for the next four projects coming from its Rising Phoenix Universe initiative.
British indie Htyt was set up by London 2012 Chief Marketing Officer Greg Nugent and is chaired by ex-BBC Director General Tony Hall. It has been building the Rising Phoenix Universe since launching the double Emmy-winning Netflix and Bytedance doc Rising Phoenix, about the history of the Paralympic movement, in 2020.
As part of the agreement, Zdf Studios-owned Off the Fence will also co-produce additional content commissioned outside of the core four projects.
- 1/12/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Launched in 2021, Inevitable Foundation is a non-profit that invests in disabled writers and filmmakers so they can achieve artistic and financial freedom and use film and television to destigmatize disability and mental health globally. The organization announced the selection of Jenn Lloyd, Marc Muszynski, and Sheridan O’Donnell as its 2023 Accelerate Fellows.
All three were previously selected as members of Elevate Collective, Inevitable’s professional development program for disabled screenwriters, a decision that reflects the robust pipeline of disabled screenwriters that Inevitable Foundation is building with their interconnected programs. The winners join previously awarded Accelerate Fellows Monica Lucas, David Dineen-Porter, Sam Dunnewold, Anton Ray, Shaina Ghuraya, Greg Machlin, Aoife Baker, Kalen Feeney, and Shani Am. Moore.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jenn, Marc, and Sheridan to the Accelerate Fellowship,” said Inevitable Foundation co-founders Richie Siegel and Marisa Torelli-Pedevska. “The Fellowship is laser-focused on investing in disabled creatives to...
All three were previously selected as members of Elevate Collective, Inevitable’s professional development program for disabled screenwriters, a decision that reflects the robust pipeline of disabled screenwriters that Inevitable Foundation is building with their interconnected programs. The winners join previously awarded Accelerate Fellows Monica Lucas, David Dineen-Porter, Sam Dunnewold, Anton Ray, Shaina Ghuraya, Greg Machlin, Aoife Baker, Kalen Feeney, and Shani Am. Moore.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jenn, Marc, and Sheridan to the Accelerate Fellowship,” said Inevitable Foundation co-founders Richie Siegel and Marisa Torelli-Pedevska. “The Fellowship is laser-focused on investing in disabled creatives to...
- 10/26/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer and director Sheridan O’Donnell, has signed with CAA for representation.
Born in Texas and raised in New Mexico, O’Donnell is a Korean-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. As a creator, his work is known for exploring family, identity, and human connection through character-driven narratives that seamlessly balance catharsis and humor.
O’Donnell recently made waves with his directorial debut, Little Brother, which stars Jk Simmons, Daniel Diemer (The Half of It), and Philip Ettinger (First Reformed), and took home the Audience Award at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival. The film was inspired by his personal experiences with mental health and suicide, and follows Jake (Diemer) as he drives his older brother (Ettinger) across the American West after his most recent suicide attempt. Along the way, the two struggle to reconcile past traumas and forge a new bond.
O’Donnell was selected as part of Inevitable Foundation’s Winter 2022 Elevate...
Born in Texas and raised in New Mexico, O’Donnell is a Korean-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. As a creator, his work is known for exploring family, identity, and human connection through character-driven narratives that seamlessly balance catharsis and humor.
O’Donnell recently made waves with his directorial debut, Little Brother, which stars Jk Simmons, Daniel Diemer (The Half of It), and Philip Ettinger (First Reformed), and took home the Audience Award at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival. The film was inspired by his personal experiences with mental health and suicide, and follows Jake (Diemer) as he drives his older brother (Ettinger) across the American West after his most recent suicide attempt. Along the way, the two struggle to reconcile past traumas and forge a new bond.
O’Donnell was selected as part of Inevitable Foundation’s Winter 2022 Elevate...
- 7/6/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Harder Than You Think (Htyt), the company behind Emmy-winning Paralympic documentary Rising Phoenix, and P&g Studios are partnering on a new film spinning off the original work and aimed at igniting a conversation on disability equality.
L.A.-based writer and filmmaker Sheridan O’Donnell is attached to direct the documentary, working titled Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution.
He will chronicle his own story as a low vision filmmaker and his personal journey as he grows to embrace life with a disability.
In addition to the story of the director and several Paralympic athletes, the film will go beyond sport to spotlight the experiences of various entertainers, activists, influencers and world leaders.
In the process, it will explore a number of topics around the subject of disability equality including the fight for employment, the importance of representation, changing the image of disability, cultural attitudes, inclusion and the need for accessibility and rights.
L.A.-based writer and filmmaker Sheridan O’Donnell is attached to direct the documentary, working titled Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution.
He will chronicle his own story as a low vision filmmaker and his personal journey as he grows to embrace life with a disability.
In addition to the story of the director and several Paralympic athletes, the film will go beyond sport to spotlight the experiences of various entertainers, activists, influencers and world leaders.
In the process, it will explore a number of topics around the subject of disability equality including the fight for employment, the importance of representation, changing the image of disability, cultural attitudes, inclusion and the need for accessibility and rights.
- 6/22/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
RespectAbility, the non-profit that seeks to combat stigmas for people with disabilities through advocacy, has announced the participants for the 5th edition of its Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities.
The individuals who are participating in this year’s Los Angeles cohort include Iqsa Aqilah, Catherine Argyrople, Robert Burns, Michael Busza, Matthew Charles, Rick Cisario, Stephan Collins-Stepney, Jules Dameron, Katey Darling, Lorena Gordon, Annie Hayes, Jayla Hodge, Christopher James, Chrissy Marshall, Radha Mehta, Danielle Monique, Toby Parker Rees, Amelia Swedeen, Maggie Whittum and Nicole Zimmerer.
The 2023 cohort includes people ranging in age from the 20s through the 50s, with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, other disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
This year’s lab has been adapted to be in support of the WGA strike, including bringing in more writers and independent industry speakers to talk about the current climate.
“Since 2019, we have been building a community of disabled entertainment professionals...
The individuals who are participating in this year’s Los Angeles cohort include Iqsa Aqilah, Catherine Argyrople, Robert Burns, Michael Busza, Matthew Charles, Rick Cisario, Stephan Collins-Stepney, Jules Dameron, Katey Darling, Lorena Gordon, Annie Hayes, Jayla Hodge, Christopher James, Chrissy Marshall, Radha Mehta, Danielle Monique, Toby Parker Rees, Amelia Swedeen, Maggie Whittum and Nicole Zimmerer.
The 2023 cohort includes people ranging in age from the 20s through the 50s, with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, other disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
This year’s lab has been adapted to be in support of the WGA strike, including bringing in more writers and independent industry speakers to talk about the current climate.
“Since 2019, we have been building a community of disabled entertainment professionals...
- 6/8/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Inevitable Foundation has announced its inaugural five-person cohort for its newly launched Elevate Collective as well as its 2022 Caring Across Generations Care Award recipient.
Keisha Zollar, Gisselle Legere, Sheridan O’Donnell, Jenn Lloyd and Brett Maline have been selected as the winter 2022 cohort for Elevate, a program designed to support mid- and upper-level disabled writers with mentorship, coaching and networking opportunities that can literally elevate the careers of the established screenwriters. Recipients for the grant will receive a 5,000 professional development grant and Elevate Collective benefits.
“These 5,000 grants can be used for anything from professional development, such as career coaching or script analysis, to work-from-home setups, which for this audience is super important,” Inevitable Foundation co-founder Richie Siegel tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The money can also be used to option IP, and that’s an area where we think disabled writers specifically are incredibly disenfranchised...
Inevitable Foundation has announced its inaugural five-person cohort for its newly launched Elevate Collective as well as its 2022 Caring Across Generations Care Award recipient.
Keisha Zollar, Gisselle Legere, Sheridan O’Donnell, Jenn Lloyd and Brett Maline have been selected as the winter 2022 cohort for Elevate, a program designed to support mid- and upper-level disabled writers with mentorship, coaching and networking opportunities that can literally elevate the careers of the established screenwriters. Recipients for the grant will receive a 5,000 professional development grant and Elevate Collective benefits.
“These 5,000 grants can be used for anything from professional development, such as career coaching or script analysis, to work-from-home setups, which for this audience is super important,” Inevitable Foundation co-founder Richie Siegel tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The money can also be used to option IP, and that’s an area where we think disabled writers specifically are incredibly disenfranchised...
- 12/15/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Polly Draper and Natsuko Ohama are co-starring alongside Philip Ettinger, Daniel Diemer and Oscar winner J.K. Simmons in upcoming indie film “Little Brother,” written and directed by Sheridan O’Donnell.
The film follows Jake (Diemer) as he drives his older brother Pete (Ettinger) home for a family intervention after his most recent suicide attempt. While on the drive, the two brothers struggle to come to terms with the past, while trying to survive and cope with the present.
Draper plays Gail Duffy, mother of Jake and Pete and wife to the brothers’ demanding father Warren Duffy, played by J.K. Simmons. Ohama plays Mary, a farm owner who Pete and Jake meet in Idaho along their journey.
“Little Brother” is inspired by a close friend of O’Donnell’s, who took his own life — with the film aiming to destigmatize and push conversations surrounding mental health and suicide.
Draper is known...
The film follows Jake (Diemer) as he drives his older brother Pete (Ettinger) home for a family intervention after his most recent suicide attempt. While on the drive, the two brothers struggle to come to terms with the past, while trying to survive and cope with the present.
Draper plays Gail Duffy, mother of Jake and Pete and wife to the brothers’ demanding father Warren Duffy, played by J.K. Simmons. Ohama plays Mary, a farm owner who Pete and Jake meet in Idaho along their journey.
“Little Brother” is inspired by a close friend of O’Donnell’s, who took his own life — with the film aiming to destigmatize and push conversations surrounding mental health and suicide.
Draper is known...
- 11/7/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: J.K. Simmons (Being the Ricardos), Jackie Earle Haley (The First Lady), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Suicide Squad), Jessica De Gouw (The Secrets She Keeps) and Alice Lee (Brittany Runs a Marathon) have signed on to star alongside Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in the Netflix thriller Our Man from Jersey, from director Julian Farino (Ballers).
The film centers on Mike (Wahlberg), a down-to-earth construction worker from Jersey, who is quickly thrust into the world of super spies and secret agents when his high school ex-girlfriend Roxanne (Berry) recruits him on a high-stakes U.S. intelligence mission. Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Jeff Waxman will produce the pic written by David Guggenheim and Joe Barton.
Simmons won his first Oscar back in 2015 for his portrayal of cut-throat jazz instructor Fletcher in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, notching his second nom this year for his supporting turn in Aaron Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos. The...
The film centers on Mike (Wahlberg), a down-to-earth construction worker from Jersey, who is quickly thrust into the world of super spies and secret agents when his high school ex-girlfriend Roxanne (Berry) recruits him on a high-stakes U.S. intelligence mission. Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Jeff Waxman will produce the pic written by David Guggenheim and Joe Barton.
Simmons won his first Oscar back in 2015 for his portrayal of cut-throat jazz instructor Fletcher in Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, notching his second nom this year for his supporting turn in Aaron Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos. The...
- 5/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
J.K. Simmons has joined the cast of Sheridan O’Donnell’s debut dramedy feature “Little Brother,” TheWrap has learned exclusively.
The previously announced leads are Daniel Diemer (“The Half of It”) and Philip Ettinger (“The Evening Hour”). The film follows Jake and Pete Duffy, who embark on a road trip after Pete’s recent suicide attempt.
Simmons will play Warren Duffy, the brother’s father. Filming is underway.
O’Donnell wrote the script in memory of a late friend who took his own life seven years ago.
“Any filmmaker’s feature debut is special, but the opportunity to work with such a revered actor is beyond words,” O’Donnell said in a statement. “As both a director and a longtime fan, I couldn’t be more excited to work with J.K. on ‘Little Brother.'”
Chris Dodds’ Made By Limbo is producing alongside Mary Haarmeyer & Keagan Karnes’ 19 Twelve Films, and...
The previously announced leads are Daniel Diemer (“The Half of It”) and Philip Ettinger (“The Evening Hour”). The film follows Jake and Pete Duffy, who embark on a road trip after Pete’s recent suicide attempt.
Simmons will play Warren Duffy, the brother’s father. Filming is underway.
O’Donnell wrote the script in memory of a late friend who took his own life seven years ago.
“Any filmmaker’s feature debut is special, but the opportunity to work with such a revered actor is beyond words,” O’Donnell said in a statement. “As both a director and a longtime fan, I couldn’t be more excited to work with J.K. on ‘Little Brother.'”
Chris Dodds’ Made By Limbo is producing alongside Mary Haarmeyer & Keagan Karnes’ 19 Twelve Films, and...
- 9/23/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Philip Ettinger and Daniel Diemer will star in “Little Brother,” a new indie dramedy that is heading into production. The debut feature film is from Korean-American writer and director, Sheridan O’Donnell.
“Little Brother” follows Jake, played by Diemer, as he drives his older brother Pete, played by Ettinger, home for a family intervention after his most recent suicide attempt. While on the drive, the two brothers struggle to come to terms with the past, while trying to survive and cope with the present. “Little Brother” is inspired by a close friend of O’Donnell’s, who took his own life — with the film aiming to destigmatize and push conversations surrounding mental health and suicide.
Ettinger co-starred in HBO’s “I Know This Much Is True,” alongside Mark Ruffalo, and was the lead in the film, “The Evening Hour,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released this August.
“Little Brother” follows Jake, played by Diemer, as he drives his older brother Pete, played by Ettinger, home for a family intervention after his most recent suicide attempt. While on the drive, the two brothers struggle to come to terms with the past, while trying to survive and cope with the present. “Little Brother” is inspired by a close friend of O’Donnell’s, who took his own life — with the film aiming to destigmatize and push conversations surrounding mental health and suicide.
Ettinger co-starred in HBO’s “I Know This Much Is True,” alongside Mark Ruffalo, and was the lead in the film, “The Evening Hour,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released this August.
- 8/16/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
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