EXCLUSIVE: Director Jeff Celentano and producer Warren Ostergard, who recently collaborated on Dennis Quaid movie The Hill, have reunited to launch Enliven Content, a film and TV production company with a focus on “true, inspiring, and uplifting stories”.
The company’s debut development project is Cody’s Wish, the true story of champion racehorse Cody’s Wish and his endearing bond with his namesake, Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager with a rare genetic disorder and love for horse racing.
Dorman first met the horse during a Make-A-Wish visit to Gainsborough Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, when Cody’s Wish was a five-month-old foal in 2018. Unnamed at the time, the animal is said to have walked over to Dorman’s wheelchair and put his head in the boy’s lap. Dorman drew the same reaction in succeeding visits, and the horse never failed to acknowledge the young boy’s presence. When it came time to give the horse his name, Cody’s Wish took the title – in honor of Dorman and the organization that connected the two.
From there, the bond between the two continued to grow. Meanwhile, Cody’s Wish never lost a race when Dorman was in attendance. Wins included back-to-back Breeder’s Cup victories, Churchill Stakes at The Kentucky Derby, The Met Mile, and Forego Stakes at Saratoga, among others.
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Dorman died in 2023, a day after Cody’s Wish won his second Breeder’s Cup and the final race of his career.
The film will be penned by Jake Crane (Devotion) and directed by Celentano. Celentano will also share producer credits with Ostergard and Mark Ciardi (The Rookie) of Select Films. Mark Robert Ellis will co-produce. Casting is set to begin in coming months.
2023 drama The Hill, about the son of a travelling pastor who overcomes physical obstacles to pursue his dream of playing baseball in the major leagues, made $7.6M at the theatrical box office and then went on to play on Netflix.
“As the story of Cody’s Wish grew, everyone we told about it would say, ‘This will be a movie someday,’” said Kelly Dorman, Cody’s father. “We’re incredibly grateful to Enliven Content for agreeing to share the remarkable connection between our son Cody and his best friend Cody’s Wish.”
“The success of The Hill showed us how millions of people are yearning for films the whole family can enjoy,” claimed Ostergard. “Enliven Content was founded to bring true, heartfelt stories to life, and we’re honored to have ‘Cody’s Wish’ as our first original movie. This film will touch hearts around the world.”
“I was captivated by Cody’s bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, and I’m honored to be able to tell the unique and inspiring story of his connection to such a special racehorse,” added Crane.
“The extraordinary bond shared between Cody’s Wish and Cody Dorman transcends racing, transcends sport, and bears us witness to something truly magical,” commented Celentano. “Our company is dedicated to creating content that leaves its audience inspired, hopeful, and alive, and this story will do just that. It’s a beautiful story and we’re absolutely honored to tell it.”
Celentano is repped by Gersh and Zero Gravity Management. Ostergard is also repped by the latter. Enliven Content is represented by Behr Abramson Levy Johnson.
The post ‘The Hill’ Duo Launch Film & TV Company Enliven Content & Set True Race Horse Story ‘Cody’s Wish’ As First Project appeared first on Deadline.
