SPORTS FAITH
Full Count The faith-based sports drama shines light on the power of hope By Mi chae l J . Pa l l e r i no
that the people who fared the best are those who lean into relationships with family, friends and their community. I think Full Count reinforces some of those same core beliefs.” The crux of the film centers on the fact that we never really know what the people around us are dealing with in their daily lives — a plot line that Eagar says is highly relatable. “Sometimes, someone unexpectedly comes into your life out of nowhere and it changes you forever. The message we want moviegoers to walk away with is that the secret to happiness is to be content regardless of our circumstances.” As founder of the Buckhead Film Group, a full- service production company, the former graduate of the Hollywood Film Institute has more than 15 years of experience working in Atlanta’s film community, both in front and behind the camera. Over the years, Eagar has earned several screenwriting awards and was involved in the locally filmed TV series Savannah and several made for TV movies, including Momma Flora’s Family . His locally filmed short, The Ticket , won “The Audience Choice Award” at the 2010 Atlanta Underground Film Festival. All of this played into Full Count’s connection to the Georgia film community, which mostly staffed the cast and crew. “The local talent and resources were readily available, easily accessible and offered an experienced [pool to draw from],” says Eagar, who also studied at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater. “We are very grateful for Alex Perschka, tourism director, who was so accommodating and able to provide 80 percent of the locations needed. The Georgia Film Commission and tax credits were helpful as well.” Along with Kakos and Boyer, the cast is rounded out by Emmy winner Natalia Livingston (“General Hospital”) , E. Roger Mitchell (“American Made,” “The Equalizer”) , three-time Emmy winner Rick Hearst (“General Hospital”) , Afemo Omilami (“Forrest Gump,” “Hidden Figures”) , Victoria Staley (“I’m Not Ashamed,” “Prisoners”) and Jason London (“The Second Coming of Christ,” “Dazed and Confused”). On the production side, Eagar is joined by Martin Kelley, Eddie Singleton and Bennie Swint serve as producers, while Jamie Wingler and Laron Austin are co-producers. Veteran faith-based filmmaker Joth Riggs (“Heartfall”, “Push”) rounds out the producing team as consulting producer.
Above: Members of the cast including E. Roger Mitchell, John Paul Kakos and Victoria Staley
return home and test his faith. The fate of the Young family is changed when an angelic drifter named David (Adam Boyer, from Ozark and Superfly ) arrives on the farm to provide a helping hand. What emerges is a story about perseverance, faith, triumph, and the struggle to never let go of your dream. Featuring a treasure trove of faith, integrity themes, and content, the film recently received a “Dove Seal of Approval”. The designation, which helps viewers quickly determine if a movie is right for their family, was an affirmation for Eagar, who had an acting role in another notable faith-based movie, Disney’s Remember the Titans. “It was important for me in this particular film for parents and churches to know Full Count had been reviewed, approved and the content deemed worthy of The Dove Foundation.” In a time when Eagar says people could use a jolt of inspiration, he believes that Full Count offers the kind of story that can deliver on that premise. “I think audiences want to be entertained, but a large percentage also want to come away with a feeling of hope and to know that tomorrow is going to be better than today. Studies show
W e are all flawed and broken in different ways. To some, the tell is easy to see. For others, not so much. In the faith-based sports drama Full Count Atlanta-based writer, director, and executive producer Robert Eagar delivers a heartwarming story about perseverance and triumph — a parable where lives intersect on the road where reflection and self-discovery reside. The film, slated for U.S. theatrical and VOD release in North America on October 25, 2019, is being distributed by Vertical Entertainment. Filmed in various locations across Georgia; including Atlanta, Gwinnett County, LaGrange, Macon, and Watkinsville; the story follows high school phenom pitcher Milton Young (played by Gwinnett County’s John Paul Kakos in his film debut). With dreams of breaking free from the family farming business, Young sets off for college. His journey is upended by a series of seemingly insurmountable hardships that force him to
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