Randall Miller, Director Convicted in Fatal Accident, Gets $1.5 Million From California for New Indie Feature

As a seasoned film enthusiast, I find myself both intrigued and dismayed by the news of Randall Miller‘s latest project, “Supercrip.” Intrigued because it sounds like an engaging story, and dismayed due to Miller’s troubled past and ongoing legal issues.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Director Randall Miller, still under probation following the tragic incident on the set of “Midnight Rider,” has managed to secure a substantial $1.5 million in California state tax incentives for his upcoming independent film project.

Miller and his crew received a tax credit for creating “Supercrip,” a tale centered around a quadriplegic Uber driver who undergoes a significant transformation after crossing paths with a self-absorbed celebrity, as per the summary.

While Miller is currently serving his probation, he’s unable to take on the role of a movie director. In a recent interview, he mentioned that he penned the screenplay, but he himself isn’t in charge of directing. As of now, no one has been assigned as the director for the project.

He mentioned that the shooting is set to start on March 1st, but he’s currently arranging the funding. After March 9th, his probation ends, freeing him from any legal constraints regarding his activities.

In 2015, Miller admitted his guilt for involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of camera assistant Sarah Jones. He was held responsible for arranging a shot on a railway bridge in Jesup, Georgia, without obtaining approval from the railroad company. A freight train struck and injured seven people, including Jones, who unfortunately lost her life.

Miller spent a year behind bars and was additionally given a probation term lasting ten years. Ever since accepting the plea deal, Miller has made multiple attempts to shorten his punishment, with the latest attempt happening in April.

In accordance with my probation conditions, I’m barred from holding positions such as a director or first assistant director, and any roles that place responsibility for safety on set upon me.

In 2020, authorities aimed to rescind his probation and re-imprison him due to his involvement in directing a movie in Serbia. Initially named “Higher Grounds,” this film was eventually distributed on streaming services under the new title “Coffee Wars” in 2023.

Miller and his legal team maintained that he should be permitted to make films, provided another party handles safety matters. During a hearing regarding the potential revocation of his probation, Miller expressed remorse for any confusion that may have arisen.

Judge Anthony L. Harrison decided to give Miller a stern warning rather than put him in jail.

“You’re not to act as a director, period,” Harrison said at the time.

After that incident, Miller attempted to terminate his probation on two separate occasions, and additionally requested for his case to be reviewed by a new judge, claiming bias from the current one (Harrison). However, Harrison dismissed all these petitions.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I found myself in a courtroom setting, where my father, Richard Jones, vehemently opposed the early termination of Miller’s case. He argued before the judge that Miller seemed to be experiencing “regret over his deal,” a sentiment often referred to as “buyer’s remorse.” In essence, he wished Miller would simply “accept his due penalty.

In a ruling in June, Harrison sided with Jones.

“Miller is serving the sentence for which he bargained,” the judge wrote.

Jody Savin, who’s married to Miller, is the one responsible for producing the upcoming movie. This filming is scheduled to take place in Orange County and San Diego. Toby Forrest, a family member of Miller’s through his wife, has been cast as the quadriplegic Uber driver in this production.

In a press release issued by the California Film Commission on Tuesday, Forrest, who is a performer with a disability and a recipient of the Christopher Reeve Acting Award, expressed his understanding of the hurdles and advantages associated with inclusivity in the entertainment sector. As a native Californian and wheelchair user, he takes immense pride in being part of the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which is dedicated to fostering diversity. This tax credit will empower us to establish inclusive workplaces and genuine casting, while simultaneously promoting education and awareness that could inspire entertainment companies to embrace diversity throughout all levels of production.

The movie is projected to assemble an 85-member team, work for thirty days, and allocate approximately $5.7 million on expenses not including salaries (below-the-line costs).

2024-09-14 19:17

Randall Miller, Director Convicted in Fatal Accident, Gets $1.5 Million From California for New Indie Feature

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