This week on #BTLRadioShow we’re going from the Great Depression with 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS and writer/director TY ROBERTS to Chinatown in Los Angeles with screenwriter CHRIS JOHNSON and BAD DETECTIVES.
Joining us live this week at the midpoint of the show is executive producer and screenwriter CHRIS JOHNSON talking about his new film – and first feature – BAD DETECTIVES, a thriller mystery about two former friends who inherit their grandfathers’ detective agency in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles. Now forced to “tolerate” each other, the two set out on their first case – proving their grandfathers were murdered. Take a listen as Chris talks about the inspiration for this culturally diverse story that incorporates elements of the beloved film noir genre, a diverse group of characters and actors, efficiency and effectiveness of production design and locations, his collaborative relationship with director Presley Paras, development of the project and bringing it to life, and more. Plus, we get some hints about Chris’ next project which is adapted from a 1789 stage play and should be released later in 2021.
But first, take a listen to my exclusive conversation with writer/director TY ROBERTS talking about his latest film, 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS. You’ve heard me mention the film the past several weeks on #BTLRadioShow, encouraging you to see it. Now the film is out across the nation and you’ve had a chance to see what Ty and I talk about with the specifics of making the film. The Mighty Mights were the football team of a Fort Worth orphanage during the Great Depression who went from playing without shoes – or even a football – to playing for the Texas state championships. It was thanks to coach Rusty Russell and his belief and encouragement in these young men that they not only found inner worth and confidence, but their resilient spirit became an inspiration to the entire country at a time it was most needed. (And for all of you football fans out there, Rusty Russell is the coach credited with the now-familiar “spread formation” in the game.)
From adapting Jim Dent’s book about this real-life story of Rusty Russell and the Mighty Mights for the big screen to casting not only Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen, and Wayne Knight but the Mighty Might football team and opponents, to cinematography and the importance of color palette, capturing the Texas light and tone of the 1930s and 40s Depression Era, and the challenges of shooting football games, to reteaming with some cast and crew from his first feature film The Iron Orchard, and so much more, Ty and I cover it all. On seeing The Iron Orchard while still on the fest circuit, Ty Roberts hit my radar as a filmmaker to watch. With 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS his second narrative feature, I’m even more excited about him as I see his growth from already being a strong storyteller to becoming even an even stronger one with more nuance in both story and visuals. It’s exciting to speak with Ty again about the touchdown-winning 12 MIGHTY ORPHANS.
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