Obamas’ Higher Ground Acquires Telluride Short Baseball Doc ‘The Turnaround’ From Oscar Winner Ben Proudfoot

As a seasoned movie critic hailing from Philadelphia, where the love for our beloved Phillies runs deep, I must say that “The Turnaround” has piqued my interest like no other documentary short film in recent memory. The story of Jon McCann, a fellow Philadelphian and passionate Phillies superfan, resonates deeply with me, as I too have felt the highs and lows of being a fan of this storied franchise.

The production company led by Barack and Michelle Obama, Higher Ground Productions, has obtained “The Turnaround,” a short documentary film set to debut at the Telluride Film Festival. Barack and Michelle Obama, alongside Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis from Higher Ground Productions, are now serving as executive producers for this project.

Under the guidance of Kyle Thrash and Academy Award-winner Ben Proudfoot, “The Turnaround” narrates the tale of Jon McCann, an ardent fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. This dedicated supporter played a pivotal role in sparking an unexpected standing ovation for shortstop Trea Turner in 2023, which significantly contributed to the team’s revival following a significant obstacle on their journey.

The documentary is part of a trio of short films showcased in Telluride’s main lineup. Notably, Proudfoot has been honored with two Academy Awards in the documentary short category for “The Queen of Basketball” (released in 2022) and “The Last Repair Shop” (premiered in 2024).

In 2019, the previous president and his wife debuted Higher Ground and entered into a content creation agreement with Netflix. Later in June, Higher Ground strengthened its creative alliance with Netflix. At present, their production company holds a multi-year first-look contract with Netflix, allowing them to present all of their movies and TV series on the platform initially.

instead of booing Turner, the fans should give him a standing ovation. His idea quickly spread, culminating in a thunderous ovation by 42,000 people that reshaped not only Turner’s career but also the Phillies’ overall game.

“Growing up near Philadelphia and being a dedicated Phillies enthusiast all my life, I’m amazed by how well Kyle and Ben have encapsulated the essence and spirit of the city,” expresses Malhotra, head of Higher Ground. “Their exceptional viewpoint, offering a rarely witnessed insight into a story destined for baseball legend, ‘The Turnaround’, will lead you on an emotional journey, exploring the depths of the mental health struggles faced by our cherished players and their ardent supporters who unwaveringly cheer them on every day.”

In their combined declaration, Thrash and Proudfoot stated, “Jon’s narrative resonates as an American tale that reflects our current era. Each of us has the power to decide how we face the world and its obstacles. Do you opt for negativity? Or do you offer love in abundance? Jon’s response motivated us to create this movie.”

I had the privilege of collaborating on the creation of this short film, working alongside Nicholas Ruff from Breakwater Studios (“The Mad Whale”) and Josh Rosenberg (“The Last Repair Shop”). The editing was skillfully done by Dillon M. Hayes, while David Bolen handled the cinematography. The unique score that adds depth to our work is the creation of Ari Balouzian. Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios – a subsidiary of DICK’S Sporting Goods – and Major League Baseball have also shown their support for this documentary.

2024-08-29 21:46

Obamas’ Higher Ground Acquires Telluride Short Baseball Doc ‘The Turnaround’ From Oscar Winner Ben Proudfoot

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