As inspirational college sports movies go, “Heart of the Champions” doesn’t go, or row, nearly far enough off the beaten path. It’s every bit as boilerplate as its generic title might indicate, distinguished only by its focus on an underdog rowing team rather than the amateur baseball, basketball, football or hockey players usually involved in similar scenarios. There’s just so much even a fine actor like Michael Shannon can do to freshen such stale material, even when he’s given a plum role as a demanding coach who expects the impossible from his young charges. Of course, he might have been able to do more had he also been given more screen time, but, alas, we’ll never know.
The time is 1999-2000, and the place is the fictional Beeston University, an institution of higher learning that desperately needs a new coach after its rowing team finishes...
The time is 1999-2000, and the place is the fictional Beeston University, an institution of higher learning that desperately needs a new coach after its rowing team finishes...
- 10/29/2021
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to Swing, the indie coming-of-age drama set in the world of elite rowing. Michael Mailer directed and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon stars in the film, which is getting a fall theatrical platform release after a planned festival run.
The screenplay is from Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the U.S. Army who was an oarsman at Columbia University. Set in in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year at an Ivy League college whose lives are changed forever when an Army veteran (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team. Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton and Alex MacNicoll also star along with Ash Santos, Lilly Krug and David James Elliott.
Daniel Dávila, Lucas Jarach, Gjaja, Robert Ogden Barnum, Frank Buchs, Shannon and Byron Wetzel produced Swing, whose executive producers include Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss,...
The screenplay is from Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the U.S. Army who was an oarsman at Columbia University. Set in in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year at an Ivy League college whose lives are changed forever when an Army veteran (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team. Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton and Alex MacNicoll also star along with Ash Santos, Lilly Krug and David James Elliott.
Daniel Dávila, Lucas Jarach, Gjaja, Robert Ogden Barnum, Frank Buchs, Shannon and Byron Wetzel produced Swing, whose executive producers include Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss,...
- 8/19/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Laura D. Smith (It Follows), Kristin Mann (Midnight Special) produced.
International Film Trust (Ift) has picked up international rights to SXSW 2020 selection The Quarry starring Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham and begins talks with Efm buyers this week.
Shannon plays a small town Texas police chief who becomes suspicious when a mysterious preacher (Whigham) arrives to take over the local church. As the congregation is drawn to the newcomer’s unorthodox sermons, it is not long before the two men are locked in a game of cat and mouse.
The cast includes Catalina Sandino Moreno from Maria Full Of Grace and TV series The Affair.
International Film Trust (Ift) has picked up international rights to SXSW 2020 selection The Quarry starring Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham and begins talks with Efm buyers this week.
Shannon plays a small town Texas police chief who becomes suspicious when a mysterious preacher (Whigham) arrives to take over the local church. As the congregation is drawn to the newcomer’s unorthodox sermons, it is not long before the two men are locked in a game of cat and mouse.
The cast includes Catalina Sandino Moreno from Maria Full Of Grace and TV series The Affair.
- 2/19/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Mr. Mercedes star Breeda Wool is set to star opposite Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney, and Ann Dowd in Mass, an indie drama from first-time feature director Fran Kranz. Written by Kranz, the pic takes place in the aftermath of a violent tragedy that affects the lives of two couples in different ways. 7 Eccles Street financed the pic and will produce with Kranz and Casey Wilder Mott of 5B Productions. Wool, who will be co-starring in the Marianna Palka-directed film, Collection, recently recurred on the third season Netflix’s Glow. The Innovative and Bold Management & Production repped actress also starred in the indie feature, Mother’s Little Helpers, which premiered at SXSW.
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Anjali Bhimani has been added to the cast of Universal’s All My Life, the film inspired by the life of Jenn Carter and her husband Solomon Chau. Jessica Rothe and...
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Anjali Bhimani has been added to the cast of Universal’s All My Life, the film inspired by the life of Jenn Carter and her husband Solomon Chau. Jessica Rothe and...
- 12/20/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jag alum David James Elliott is set to co-star opposite Michael Shannon and Alexander Ludwig in Swing, the indie drama that follows Ivy League college crew team whose lives are changed in their final year when an army vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team.
Elliott will play Mr. Singleton, the school’s athletic director. He holds a lot of power over his son Alex Singleton (Ludwig), and his high expectations for Alex make him go toe to toe with Coach Murphy to get what he wants.
Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the United States Army, wrote the screenplay based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Michael Mailer is directing.
Elliott co-stars in Tiff drama The Obituary of Tunde Johnson and can be seen in the upcoming Netflix series, Spinning Out. He’s repped by Link and Gersh.
Elliott will play Mr. Singleton, the school’s athletic director. He holds a lot of power over his son Alex Singleton (Ludwig), and his high expectations for Alex make him go toe to toe with Coach Murphy to get what he wants.
Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the United States Army, wrote the screenplay based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Michael Mailer is directing.
Elliott co-stars in Tiff drama The Obituary of Tunde Johnson and can be seen in the upcoming Netflix series, Spinning Out. He’s repped by Link and Gersh.
- 11/15/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
“Riverdale” star Charles Melton has closed a deal to star in “Swing” opposite Michael Shannon and Alexander Ludwig, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
Michael Mailer is directing the rowing drama, written by Vojin Gjaja. “Swing” follows a group of friends and rowing teammates during their last year at an Ivy League college in 1999. When an army vet takes over as their coach, their entire lives are changed.
Gjaja wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Shannon is also serving as a producer on the film, alongside Robert Ogden Barnum, Lucas Jarach and Byron Wetzel.
Also Read: 'Riverdale' Season 2: New Cast Member Was Told Not to Watch the Show
Melton is best known for his role in CW’s “Riverdale” as Reggie Mantle. He also most recently starred in “The Sun Is Also a Star” opposite Yara Shahidi,...
Michael Mailer is directing the rowing drama, written by Vojin Gjaja. “Swing” follows a group of friends and rowing teammates during their last year at an Ivy League college in 1999. When an army vet takes over as their coach, their entire lives are changed.
Gjaja wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Shannon is also serving as a producer on the film, alongside Robert Ogden Barnum, Lucas Jarach and Byron Wetzel.
Also Read: 'Riverdale' Season 2: New Cast Member Was Told Not to Watch the Show
Melton is best known for his role in CW’s “Riverdale” as Reggie Mantle. He also most recently starred in “The Sun Is Also a Star” opposite Yara Shahidi,...
- 10/23/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Alexander Ludwig is getting ready to Swing. The Vikings actor is set to join Michael Shannon for the Ivy League rowing drama.
Directed by Michael Mailer and written by Vojin Gjaja, Swing follows a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year at an Ivy League college in 1999. Their lives are changed when an army vet takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team. Ludwig is set to play Alex Singleton, the team leader who aspires to make the Olympic rowing team. He is described as “cocky and arrogant with a mean streak”. His teammates aren’t too fond of him but he is the strongest rower among them and his father is the school Athletic Director.
Gjaja is a former armor officer in the United States Army and his screenplay is based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Shannon, who also serves...
Directed by Michael Mailer and written by Vojin Gjaja, Swing follows a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year at an Ivy League college in 1999. Their lives are changed when an army vet takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team. Ludwig is set to play Alex Singleton, the team leader who aspires to make the Olympic rowing team. He is described as “cocky and arrogant with a mean streak”. His teammates aren’t too fond of him but he is the strongest rower among them and his father is the school Athletic Director.
Gjaja is a former armor officer in the United States Army and his screenplay is based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. Shannon, who also serves...
- 10/15/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar nominated actor Michael Shannon is now on board the movie Swing that is described as a “romantic coming-of-age drama set in the world of elite varsity rowing.” The movie is being directed by Howard Deutch and written by Vojin Gjaja, “a former armor officer in the United States Army, the screenplay is based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University.”
The story is said to be similar to Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society. “Set in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.”
This sounds like Shannon will be playing sort of a heartwarming role. I think this will be a stretch, as he is generally super creepy. If he can pull it off, I’ll be impressed. I...
The story is said to be similar to Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society. “Set in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.”
This sounds like Shannon will be playing sort of a heartwarming role. I think this will be a stretch, as he is generally super creepy. If he can pull it off, I’ll be impressed. I...
- 5/13/2019
- by Jessica Fisher
- GeekTyrant
Michael Shannon is set to star in a romantic coming-of-age drama from director Howard Deutch (“Pretty in Pink”) that Fortitude will present to buyers at the Cannes Film Festival, the company announced Wednesday.
Shannon will star in “Swing,” which has been compared to “Friday Night Lights” and “Dead Poets Society.” The story is set in 1999 and tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Vojin Gjaja, a Ranger-qualified former armor officer in the United States Army, wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University.
Shannon will star in “Swing,” which has been compared to “Friday Night Lights” and “Dead Poets Society.” The story is set in 1999 and tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Vojin Gjaja, a Ranger-qualified former armor officer in the United States Army, wrote the screenplay based on his own experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University.
- 5/8/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Oscar nominee Michael Shannon has boarded Swing, a romantic coming-of-age drama set in the world of elite varsity rowing. Howard Deutch is directing with principal photography set for September in New Jersey. Fortitude International will introduce the project to buyers in Cannes.
Written by Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the United States Army, the screenplay is based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. The story is said to be in the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society. Set in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Swing is produced by Lucas Jarach, Robert Ogden Barnum, Daniel Dávila, Shannon and Byron Wetzel. Fortitude’s Nadine de Barros is exec producing alongside writer Gjaja.
Written by Vojin Gjaja, a former armor officer in the United States Army, the screenplay is based on his experiences as an oarsman at Columbia University. The story is said to be in the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society. Set in 1999, it centers on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Swing is produced by Lucas Jarach, Robert Ogden Barnum, Daniel Dávila, Shannon and Byron Wetzel. Fortitude’s Nadine de Barros is exec producing alongside writer Gjaja.
- 5/8/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
In a pre-Cannes Film Festival deal, Michael Shannon has come on board to star in the romantic coming-of-age drama “Swing” with Howard Deutch directing.
Principal photography is scheduled to commence in September in New Jersey. Fortitude will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming Cannes market, which opens May 14.
Shannon is also producing along with Lucas Jarach, Robert Ogden Barnum, Daniel Dávila and Byron Wetzel. Fortitude’s Nadine de Barros is executive producing alongside writer Vojin Gjaja.
The film, described as being in the tradition of “Friday Night Lights” and “Dead Poets Society,” is set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999. The story is centered on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet, played by Shannon, takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Gjaja, a former officer in the United States Army,...
Principal photography is scheduled to commence in September in New Jersey. Fortitude will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming Cannes market, which opens May 14.
Shannon is also producing along with Lucas Jarach, Robert Ogden Barnum, Daniel Dávila and Byron Wetzel. Fortitude’s Nadine de Barros is executive producing alongside writer Vojin Gjaja.
The film, described as being in the tradition of “Friday Night Lights” and “Dead Poets Society,” is set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999. The story is centered on a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet, played by Shannon, takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Gjaja, a former officer in the United States Army,...
- 5/8/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Fortitude CEO Nadine de Barros announced today that Academy-award nominee
Michael Shannon has come on board to star in the romantic coming-of-age drama Swing, which Fortitude will introduce to buyers next week in Cannes.
Howard Deutch will direct the film, described as being in the vein of the Dead Poets Society and Friday Night Lights.
Set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, Swing tells of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of university whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Former soldier Vojin Gjaja...
Michael Shannon has come on board to star in the romantic coming-of-age drama Swing, which Fortitude will introduce to buyers next week in Cannes.
Howard Deutch will direct the film, described as being in the vein of the Dead Poets Society and Friday Night Lights.
Set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, Swing tells of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of university whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team.
Former soldier Vojin Gjaja...
- 5/8/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Michael Shannon is on board to star in the romantic coming-of-age drama Swing, to be directed by Howard Deutch (The Replacements, The Great Outdoors, Pretty in Pink).
Fortitude will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes next week.
In the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society, the film, set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team. Written by Vojin Gjaja, a ranger-qualified ...
Fortitude will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes next week.
In the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society, the film, set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team. Written by Vojin Gjaja, a ranger-qualified ...
Michael Shannon is on board to star in the romantic coming-of-age drama Swing, to be directed by Howard Deutch (The Replacements, The Great Outdoors, Pretty in Pink).
Fortitude will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes next week.
In the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society, the film, set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team. Written by Vojin Gjaja, a ranger-qualified ...
Fortitude will be introducing the film to buyers in Cannes next week.
In the tradition of Friday Night Lights and Dead Poets Society, the film, set in the world of elite varsity rowing circa 1999, tells the story of a group of friends and crew teammates in their last year of college, whose lives are changed forever when a Vietnam vet (Shannon) takes over as coach of their dysfunctional team. Written by Vojin Gjaja, a ranger-qualified ...
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