Angelo Pizzo, well-known screenwriter of athletic films, notably Rudy and Hoosiers, talks about his latest film ‘My All American’, and his debut as writer and director, opening November 13.
Angelo Pizzo’s screenplays connect to all people. His stories are usually truth-based, with a sports theme, providing the current to display human challenges such as – sacrifice, courage, determination, the will to win, and in this case, the will to live.
My All American is an unflinchingly true story, and not your typical Hollywood production. The film is based on the book Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story , by Jim Dent. It is a grass roots, passion project, and marks Angelo Pizzo’s directorial debut. It was an honor to speak with Angelo, exclusively.
What made you decide to put on the Director’s cap?
Angelo Pizzo: I had always worked closely in pre-production with David Anspaugh, who directed Rudy and Hoosiers. David and I were roommates in college in Indiana. That’s where we first discussed the idea of making Hoosiers. We never dreamed we would go on the attend USC Film School together. Stepping into the directors chair felt totally natural with My All American.
You haven’t made a feature film in awhile. What drew you to this project?
Angelo Pizzo: A fellow named Tony Jones approached me. He knew Jim Dent, the author of Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story, and set about getting options. He actually reached out to me through Facebook. I asked him to lay out a business plan, and to come up with at least 20 million dollars. He came back to me within 6 months, with much of the funding coming from Bud Brigham, a University of Texas alum.
Bud Brigham loved the tone and value system of Rudy and Hoosiers. As a father of teenage boys, he reached at the opportunity to be involved creating something that would be inspiring to young people, the chance to tell a story about a realistic and positive role model, a hero.
Who is Freddie Steinmark, the hero of My All American?
Angelo Pizzo: Because of who Freddie was, I was not able to write a classic composite character structure with an emotional arc. I had to show how Freddie changed the people he came in contact with. Freddie Steinmark was a great kid, he didn’t have any flaws. I interviewed everyone he knew and was close to. Everyone loved him, without exception. He had been awarded a scholarship by legendary coach Darrell K. Royal (portrayed in the film by Aaron Eckhart), and won a championship for the Texas Longhorns in 1969. Almost immediately after, he found out he had bone cancer. He had his leg amputated, but died within two years. Freddie starts out as a role model, and when his courage is tested, he emerges above and beyond. In sports, the ultimate moments are on the field of play. That’s the defining measure in competition. In life, we sometimes learn that visions and dreams can create miracles.
Who plays Freddie Steinmark in the film?
Angelo Pizzo: We were so lucky to find Finn Whittrock. It was such a pleasure to work with him, one on one. He gave me the performance I was looking for. He was able to capture the essence of Freddie, his warmth and spirit. I wasn’t surprised, considering Finn worked with Mike Nichols on Broadway, as Happy Loman in Death of a Salesman, and he is a graduate of The Juilliard School. Still, he is in every scene and that can be daunting for an actor. He was a complete pro. Aaron Eckart, who plays Coach Darrell Royal was outstanding, as was Robin Tunney, who plays Gloria Steinmark, and Freddie’s girlfriend was played by Sarah Bolger. I had a remarkable cast.
I’m aware that Richard Nixon was at the championship game. Did you include him in the film?
Angelo Pizzo: Yes, I did. I had to figure out a clever way of including that. I hate when an actor is chosen to portray a famous person. If he doesn’t quite hit the mark, he can jar an audience out of suspension of disbelief. I decided to use some actual footage showcasing Nixon at the game, and then crafted a scene where the whole family sits together later that night, and watches the scene on TV.
What would you like people to take away from this film?
Angelo Pizzo: This film is an inspiring story, and one that is long overdue. It isn’t just for sports enthusiasts.
I’m just finishing up a Masters Program at ScreenwritingU. Any advice for my screenwriting chums?
Angelo Pizzo: Write with passion, stay true to your genre so you develop your own niche, be hyper aware of details, details, details, and always give 110%.
Thanks Angelo.
Be sure to catch My All American, in theaters, November 13.
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