‘Four Down’ Doc Based on Nick Schuyler’s Book ‘Not Without Hope’ to Open Sunscreen Film Festival (EXCLUSIVE)

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The documentary titled “Four Down,” derived from the best-selling book “Not Without Hope” by Nick Schuyler and Jere Longman, is scheduled to kick off the 20th annual Sunscreen Film Festival on April 24, taking place in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Under the guidance of director Steven Cantor, this documentary delves into Schuyler’s harrowing ordeal during his rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard, 43 hours after a devastating boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico that took the lives of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith, as well as Schuyler’s best friend and former University of South Florida teammate Will Bleakley. In the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles offshore, Schuyler was discovered in critical condition, holding onto the engine mount of the overturned boat.

The 95-minute hybrid movie was shot on-site in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and Lantica Studios in the Dominican Republic. To capture the reenactment scenes, Cantor recruited active U.S. Coast Guard personnel and officers. Additionally, interviews were conducted for the documentary with Schuyler, members of the NFL community, as well as U.S. Coast Guard members who participated in the extensive search and rescue mission.

Schuyler’s representative, Rick French from Prix Productions, who worked as a producer for “Four Down,” stated that it was quite clear to choose the world premiere of the movie at the Sunscreen Film Festival.

French stated that it was crucial to premiere this movie in St. Petersburg since the film’s narrative and the U.S. Coast Guard sector are both based there. Moreover, the deceased’s loved ones, along with Nick, hail from the city. The production of this documentary aims to highlight not just how these individuals met their end, but rather how they struggled to survive. A significant aspect of the story revolves around the family members who refused to lose hope and the Coast Guard that miraculously found Nick alive despite overwhelming odds. This determination is what drove us to attend the Sunscreen Film Festival.

Tony Armer, founder of Sunscreen Fest, stated, “This 20th edition of the Sunscreen Film Festival provides an opportunity for both contemplation and jubilation. It seems fitting to honor resilience, remember those we’ve lost, and shine a light on the extraordinary courage displayed by our local heroes through stories that resonate with these themes.

Gala Film provided the $5 million for this documentary’s production. Eric Schiermeyer, founder and CEO of Gala Film, along with Jonathan Hazeldine, SVP of content and partnerships at Gala Film, were among the executive producers. They collaborated with Schuyler, Snoop Dogg, Sara Ramaker from Death Row Pictures, as well as Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and Archie Gips from Unrealistic Ideas, in producing this film.

According to Gips, “Mark, Lev, and myself are thrilled to be involved in this exceptionally impactful documentary.” He added that the movie offers a deeply immersive experience that will undoubtedly stay with viewers long after they’ve left the theater.

French describes the doc as an “immersive experience.”

French explained that when he uses the term ‘immersive,’ it’s not suggesting a comfortable viewing experience. Instead, it plunges the viewer directly into the water amidst the men struggling for survival. It’s quite an exceptional and distinctive feeling.

Although the movie could leave viewers feeling uneasy, French is confident that it won’t have difficulties securing a release.

French mentioned they’re confident about selling the project, as Netflix had initially invested in its development during the early stages. However, they’re unsure if that will be the final destination. They have the freedom to choose. So, they plan to gauge the market demand first.

The upcoming festival release of the doctor’s film precedes the much-anticipated cinematic tale “Not Without Hope,” based on Schuyler and Longman’s book, featuring Josh Duhamel and Zachary Levi in the starring roles. Following the accident, French took over representing Schuyler and played a key role in securing his book deal. He now co-owns the intellectual property rights to the book and its adaptations, acting as one of the producers for “Not Without Hope.

Following its publication in 2010, I received numerous offers for the movie adaptation rights. Eventually, I collaborated with Mark Wahlberg who owned the rights at that time for approximately 18 months. Subsequently, we moved the project to Relativity Media and secured Dwayne Johnson for the role of Schuyler. Unfortunately, “Not Without Hope” got entangled in Relativity’s bankruptcy proceedings when they filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2015. At one juncture, it was planned that Miles Teller would star in the film, but production delays due to COVID-19 disrupted those plans.

French said that “Not Without Hope” will likely come out in the U.S. later this year.

French mentioned we’ve got several local proposals for a broad launch this autumn. We’re still mulling it over and haven’t made up our minds or accepted any of the two serious offers we’re currently evaluating.

The goal, French said, is “to have both the documentary and the narrative support one another.”

Stick Figure Productions, French, Cantor, and a team from Dakota Media Group consisting of Stanley Buchthal and David Koh, are the creators of ‘Four Down’.

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2025-02-25 02:18