INSPIRATIONAL NON-FICTION BOOK ON PARADISE FOOTBALL TEAM SOLD TO 101 STUDIOS
101 Studios acquired film and television rights to Paradise Found
written by columnist Bill Plaschke
101 Studios announced the acquisition of film and television rights to ”Paradise Found,” the non-fiction book written by Bill Plaschke about the inspiration that lay in the small town of Paradise, California.
“Paradise Found” will be produced by Mark Ciardi of Select Films and executive produced by David Glasser, David Hutkin and Bob Yari.
101 has been working closely with Ciardi, Plaschke, the coach and the team to be sure that their journey is documented with respect and authenticity
“Paradise Found” is the story of Paradise, California, a small mountain town ravaged by the devastating Camp Fire of 2018, and how its high school football team under the dedication of its longtime coach, Rick Prinz, helped it rise from the ashes, inspiring a community and a nation with its grit and perseverance.
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." 11 minutes later, we were running for our lives. These young men had faced the reality of death. They had lost everything, their possessions, their homes, their town. They were living with relatives, in hotels, trailers, and cars. Some were homeless. I could see the anguish and despair in their eyes. We didn't have a school, we didn't have a practice field, we didn't have cleats, we didn't even have a football. But we had each other."
Bill Plaschke, who will also serve as a consultant on the film, said, "Imagine a small-town-football-team story that begins with no town and no team. The rebirth of the Paradise High Bobcats in the wake of a fire that decimated their small mountain village is a tale of 39 displaced kids and their coaches fighting together to overcome tragedy, forge a family, dominate a season, and bond a broken community. When they began spring practice, they didn't even have a football. When they ended their incredible season, they owned the love of a nation. Uplifting and heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant, the 2019 Paradise Bobcats wrote a comeback story for the ages."
"The Camp Fire in Paradise California last year completely devastated the homes and lives of the people who lived there but we are honored to shine a light on the inspirational reporting and storytelling by Bill Plaschke of this remarkable community, and high school football team, rebuilding their lives," David Glasser, 101 Studios, said.
"A year ago, the town of Paradise endured its complete destruction, due to the deadliest wild fire in California history. Its football team has helped it rebuild literally from the ashes, and given hope where little existed. I'm not sure I've ever seen a story with this much emotion in it. Nearly all of the players lost their homes. For these boys, football and each other, was all they had," Mark Ciardi said. "To have Bill Plaschke embedded within this community, and telling this story is a gift. No one is better."
Mark Ciardi is the Founder & CEO of Select Films. Previously, Mark had an overall first look deal with Walt Disney Studios for twelve years. Mark recently produced Chappaquiddick, and The Miracle Season, as well as the upcoming Disney film SAFETY. Mark has produced several iconic sports films including The Rookie, Miracle, Invincible, The Game Plan, Secretariat, Million Dollar Arm, and McFarland USA.
Ciardi also produced the Emmy Award winning ESPN 30 for 30 documentary entitled Big Shot as well as 42 to 1 about Buster Douglas's upset of Mike Tyson.
The deal was negotiated by David Glasser and James Allen represented by Leif Cervantes de Reinstein of Sheppard Mullin.
Mauro DiPreta at William Morrow represented by Susan Canavan and Ashley Lopez of Waxman Literary Agency.
About 101 Studios:
101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven storytelling. Formed by veteran film and television executives David Glasser and David Hutkin in 2019, the studio empowers content creators through first-class collaboration and innovation. Inaugural releases include Alfonso Gomez-Rejon's "The Current War: Director's Cut", featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon, "Burden" featuring Forest Whitaker and Garrett Hedlund and Taylor Sheridan's modern-day western series for Paramount Network Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner.
About Waxman Literary Agency:
The Waxman Literary Agency is a development-oriented firm, specializing in representing nonfiction and fiction authors with powerful stories. WLA clients are accomplished journalists, experts in their fields, celebrities and first time writers with an exceptional story or message to share. WLA has been associated with dozens of bestsellers and award winning projects, and looks forward to continuing to help bring exciting and successful new voices to American and international markets.
