EXCLUSIVE: Iconic, in partnership with Southern Isles Pictures and State Line Films, will distribute the sports dramedy Signing Tony Raymond, about the high-stakes world of college football recruiting.
Written and directed by Glen Owen, the film is being lined up for a U.S. theatrical run next year following its world premiere at the Austin Film festival on Friday, October 24.
Set in the Deep South, the film follows Coach Walt McFadden, played by Michael Mosley (Ozark), a talented but idealistic assistant coach at Louisiana University who’s out of second chances. After failing to land a top recruit the previous year, Walt is given one last shot at redemption: signing the nation’s number one defensive end, Tony Raymond — or losing his job. His pursuit takes him deep into the backwoods of Alabama, where he discovers that money, not talent, often determines who wins.
Cast includes Oscar winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) and Rob Morgan (Mudbound) along with NFL legends Marshawn Lynch, Champ Bailey, Richard Sherman, and college football great Brian “The Boz” Bosworth.
The film is produced by John Thomas and Kristy Clabaugh of Southern Isles Pictures, and Don Mandrik and Glen Owen of State Line Films. Executive producers include Seth Ingram, Mitch Olson, Tiffany FitzHenry, Champ Bailey, Dan A.R. Kelly, and Kevin Greene.
The theatrical deal was negotiated by Southern Isles Pictures producer John Thomas along with Glen Owen and Kristy Clabaugh and by Iconic’s Steve Menkin.
Writer-director Owen, a University of Georgia alum (and SEC basketball letterman), is best known for sports doc Comeback: A March Madness Story (TBS), which earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Short Documentary.
“Signing Tony Raymond stands out as a smart, character-driven story that offers both authenticity and great entertainment,” said Steven Menkin, President and co-founder of Iconic Events Releasing. “Glen Owen’s perspective brings a rare mix of insight and humor to the realities of college football today, and we’re proud to partner with Southern Isles and State Line Films to present his debut features in theatres.”
“Releasing independent films in today’s market is an incredibly unpredictable journey, but our partnership with Iconic gave us the confidence to trust our instincts with this film. They believed in its value and the audience we know it will reach,” added the film’s producing team. “We’re grateful for Iconic’s thought leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication in helping bring Signing Tony Raymond to theaters, and we can’t wait to share this story with audiences everywhere.”
