The actor that played Willow gets to play in another movie.......

[The Prowler]

and this is going to be HUGE.  Maybe only in Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio and West Virginia.  But, huge nontheless.

Finebaum: Nick Saban grants unusual access for upcoming film
Published: Tuesday, July 06, 2010, 6:01 AM     Updated: Tuesday, July 06, 2010, 11:10 AM
Paul Finebaum

Last fall, Nick Saban was among several prominent college coaches who had cameos in the critically acclaimed movie "The Blind Side."  The movie was nominated for Best Picture and Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for Best Actress.

This fall, Alabama's head football coach plays the leading man in a feature film that will lift the curtain on and perhaps reveal untold mysteries about one of the game's most compelling figures.


Alabama head coach Nick Saban gave unprecedented access to the documentary makers behind "Nick Saban: Gamechanger."

A film on Saban and his career will debut on the big screen in late August in a limited theatre run. The première of "Nick Saban: Gamechanger'" is scheduled for August 24 with an expected general public debut several days later.

The film, produced by Flashlight Media Group of Memphis, delves into uncharted waters with Saban and interviews those closest to the two-time national championship coach.

"We will go behind the curtain and show who he is, where he comes from and how he became the person he is today," said Grant Guffin, one of the film's producers. "We want to show the influences that shaped his organizational philosophy, how the operation runs on a day-to-day basis and how he's been able to have such great success.'"

The movie will also be available on DVD after the theater run ends. Flashlight Media Group produced a five DVD set on Alabama football in 2008 called "Defining Moments."

What's remarkable about this project is the unfettered access the intensely private Saban granted to the producers. For instance, Saban allowed a crew of three (two camera and one audio person) to camp out in his office on A-Day weekend, shooting staff meetings, film sessions and scenes in the locker room while trailing him throughout the scrimmage. The crew later filmed Saban at a gathering at his house.

The filmmakers also flew with Saban in May to California where he and Texas coach Mack Brown shot an ESPN promo for College Game Day. They followed Saban during an emotional homecoming back to West Virginia where the coach was honored by Gov. Joe Manchin, a boyhood friend. Saban even allowed the crew to spend time with him at Lake Burton, his summer vacation home in Georgia.

"There were times when we shut down in deference to the situation and to be respectful,'" Guffin said.  "But to his credit, the access has been phenomenal."

So how did this come about? How did a small production house in Memphis go where no other media outlet ever has?

It started with the success of the "Defining Moments" project.  It didn't hurt that Guffin and his partner, Trey Reynolds, had connections to the state. Guffin is from Birmingham and has worked in the media in Alabama before heading to Memphis. Reynolds is also from Alabama.

However, the real connection was Jimmy Sexton, Saban's mega-agent, who happens to live in Memphis, was aware of the "Defining Moments" project and liked the pitch.

"We created a proposal and approached Coach Saban through Jimmy," Reynolds said. Then, they met with Saban to gain his trust. And we're off.

Reynolds said there will no narration in the film. It will be a collection of video and a steady stream of interviews. Included are Saban's former boss Bill Belichick, along with Bill Parcells, Joe Namath, Bobby Bowden, Jimbo Fisher, Mal Moore, Dr. Robert Witt, Sexton and several of Saban's former players.

The producers also interviewed former Alabama coaches Ray Perkins and Gene Stallings. Several of Saban's current assistants were also interviewed.

"Documentary is the best definition of what this is," Guffin said. "We will let the participants tell the story and people can formulate their own conclusions."

The film's sponsors, including Ford and Coca-Cola, have helped underwrite production costs.

After being behind the camera for months watching Saban, were there any surprises?

"He is personable," Guffin said. "When he is away from work, he likes to have fun, cut up. On the job, he is as focused as a laser beam."

Reynolds agreed.

"The first time you're around him, I thought it would be a bit of mystery, to see what kind of person he would be. But it was cool to see him up close. He has a great sense of humor, very witty and obviously, likes to have a good time."

Reynolds said Saban likes to talk music at the lake when relaxing (The Eagles are his favorite rock group). He also likes to get his hands dirty in the garden (planting roses).

"But he pays great attention to detail," Reynolds said. "He's always on the move. Doesn't like to sit still."

That includes his daily lunch at the office.

Guffin said during lunch, while Saban is chomping down (usually a chef salad), someone is always there briefing him on recruiting or something else.

"As a fly on the wall, I was amazed at his ability to manage so many details at once," Guffin said.  "Managing a program of this size and with so many people wanting his time, Saban does a remarkable job of staying focused on what it takes to win. I think what drives him is understanding that human nature is to be mediocre, not to succeed. The driving force in his life is to succeed and have those around him succeed."

All of that, and more, will be coming to a theatre near you.

http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/07/finebaum_nick_saban_grants_unu.html

[Birmingham]

[AUChizad]

The film, produced by Flashlight Media Group of Memphis, delves into uncharted waters with Saban and interviews those closest to the two-time national championship coach.

What's remarkable about this project is the unfettered access the intensely private Saban granted to the producers.

Fuckin Finebaum...

You'd think Saban just invented the wheel with this "outside the box" documentary that is just a feature length version of Auburn Football: Every Day, instead of weekly.

[RWS]

Fuckin Finebaum...

You'd think Saban just invented the wheel with this "outside the box" documentary that is just a feature length version of Auburn Football: Every Day, instead of weekly.

Auburn invented documentaries!!!

The difference I see here is producers approached Saban and the university about doing this. It wasn't the brainchild of somebody at the university.

[JR4AU]

Auburn invented documentaries!!!

The difference I see here is producers approached Saban and the university about doing this. It wasn't the brainchild of somebody at the university.

I bet you think that's an important distinction too don't you?

[AUChizad]

Auburn invented documentaries!!!

The difference I see here is producers approached Saban and the university about doing this. It wasn't the brainchild of somebody at the university.

No Saban did!!!

[JR4AU]

No Saban did!!!

So RWS lied to further an agenda?

[RWS]

I bet you think that's an important distinction too don't you?

Really, it doesn't matter to me. I just felt the need to address where Chizad's comment was going. I mean, there have been thousands of documentaries done on thousands of people. This isn't any different.

[AUChizad]

Really, it doesn't matter to me. I just felt the need to address where Chizad's comment was going. I mean, there have been thousands of documentaries done on thousands of people. This isn't any different.

Tell that to Paul Finebaum.

Saban invented the documentary.

[Birmingham]

I'd imagine this is kinda like the 3 rules of real estate thing.  In both Auburn and Alabama's case, the target here is 1 and only 1 thing, recruiting.  Whether or not this was Saban's idea or not, he said yes to it and did so for this and only this reason.

[RWS]

Tell that to Paul Finebaum.

Saban invented the documentary.

You act as if your characterization of it was so much better than Finebaum's. It's not like AU's series for numerous reasons. It's just another documentary about another person. If somebody wants to make it out to be more or less, they are just wrong.

[The Prowler]

The difference I see here is producers approached Saban and the university about doing this. It wasn't the brainchild of somebody at the university.

No, but it was the brainchild of two people that are, more than likely, bammer fans.  bammer fans that have, more than likely, actually gone to a football game on campus of their favorite University.  They probably got the idea from the prodding of the bammer's mouthpiece, Paul Fuckhead.

[Birmingham]

No, but it was the brainchild of two people that are, more than likely, bammer fans.  bammer fans that have, more than likely, actually gone to a football game on campus of their favorite University.  They probably got the idea from the prodding of the bammer's mouthpiece, Paul Fuckhead.

I swear, I can't wait until he finally goes to a game so you guys can stop with that.

[djsimp]

I swear, I can't wait until he finally goes to a game so you guys can stop with that.

Maybe you can take him?

[Birmingham]

Maybe you can take him?

I'd take anyone, why wouldn't I?  I've even contemplating making it to Auburn this year also.  I've heard tailgating is the best in the SEC from more than one fanbase.  Figured I could at least share the winnings of last years BFTC contest with some of the winners.  Who do you think would punch me out first, dj?

[djsimp]

I'd take anyone, why wouldn't I?  I've even contemplating making it to Auburn this year also.  I've heard tailgating is the best in the SEC from more than one fanbase.  Figured I could at least share the winnings of last years BFTC contest with some of the winners.  Who do you think would punch me out first, dj?

That would be JR.

[GH2001]

I'd take anyone, why wouldn't I?  I've even contemplating making it to Auburn this year also.  I've heard tailgating is the best in the SEC from more than one fanbase.  Figured I could at least share the winnings of last years BFTC contest with some of the winners.  Who do you think would punch me out first, dj?

Trust me - he could. But he won't.

[Birmingham]

Trust me - he could. But he won't.

If getting punched by a man who was compelled to do so because of how mad he got online is included in the price of admission and 4 hour drive, you're probably right.  So how about it, should I show up and defend my honor and take everybody on and try to beat everyone up and do all the rest of the things I thought was cool when I was 10?

[The Prowler]

If getting punched by a man who was compelled to do so because of how mad he got online is included in the price of admission and 4 hour drive, you're probably right.  So how about it, should I show up and defend my honor and take everybody on and try to beat everyone up and do all the rest of the things I thought was cool when I was 10?

My Daddy can beat up your Daddy.

[wesfau2]

I'd take anyone, why wouldn't I?  I've even contemplating making it to Auburn this year also.  

Which game would you come for?

Clemson?
UGA?
LSU?

Bama?....oh, wait, that one's in Tuscaloosa this year.