[StBernard] Film To Be Made About John Ehret Basketball Team

[Westley Annis]

Film To Be Made About John Ehret Basketball Team
TheNewOrleansChannel.com
updated 10:01 p.m. CT, Fri., March. 14, 2008
NEW ORLEANS - In March 2006, just seven months after Hurricane Katrina
devastated much of New Orleans, the basketball team from John Ehret High
School, consisting of players from five different high schools who were
displaced after Katrina, won the 5A state championship, a feat that many
said they found amazing. On April 14, their story will take the first steps
to becoming a movie, titled "Patriots." 

"It's got all the elements. Unfortunately, for New Orleans, it's got
disaster, and it's got a bunch of kids that overcame a lot of obstacles, and
it's got the aspect of the underdog," said Mike Fisher, who will be the
basketball coordinator for the film. 


Fisher is no stranger to sports-themed movies. He was the basketball
coordinator for "Glory Road" and the football coordinator for "Remember the
Titans." 

"I think the whole aspect of Katrina makes it unlike any other movie. The
hardship that this coach and these kids faced is unlike anything you've seen
before," Fisher said. "My major responsibility is to make the basketball
authentic and make the audience feel like they're seeing the real deal." 

Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker will be playing the part of head coach
Al Collins. 

"I think Forrest Whitaker has a great challenge," Fisher said. "He's a great
actor, and he'll bring coach to light, and I think that's what's going to
really drive the film." 

Two casting calls will be held for the film in two different locations for
Caucasian and African-American men between the ages of 18 and 23. Those who
will participate in the casting call must be 6 feet or taller and an
excellent basketball player and dressed and prepared to play basketball. 

The casting calls will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at: 

Karr High School 

3332 Huntlee Drive 

New Orleans, LA 70131 

and 

John Ehret High School Gymnasium 

4300 Patriot St. 

Marrero, LA 70072 

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23641744/