Autistic hoops star scores movie deal - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brad Russ · 04-20-2006, 06:10 AM

By Tatiana Siegel

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Columbia Pictures has acquired the life rights to Jason McElwain, an autistic teenager who morphed from a basketball benchwarmer into an international media sensation after hitting six three-pointers in the final four minutes of a high school game.

Basketball great Earvin "Magic" Johnson will serve as an executive producer.

McElwain, a Rochester, N.Y., senior nicknamed "J-Mac" by his friends, never made the varsity team because of his size and instead served as its student manager. But in the waning minutes of the final game of the regular season in February, his coach rewarded McElwain's dedication and attitude by putting him into the game.

McElwain's first three-point attempt was an air ball, which he followed with a missed layup. He then scored six three-pointers, his last one the final shot of the game -- a feat that Johnson said would be nearly impossible for a seasoned pro to accomplish, nevermind a high schooler not accustomed to playing time.

"When I first saw the highlights on ESPN and then heard Jason's back story, I said, 'Man, I've got to be a part of this.' This story touched me, my kids, my wife," said Johnson. "When we go to the movies, this is the type of story we want to see."

McElwain's feat quickly snowballed from a local story to a media frenzy, with footage of his scoring outburst making its way to ESPN's "SportsCenter" and ABC's "Good Morning America."

Sources say the story sparked a heated bidding war, which came down to Columbia, the Weinstein Co., New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures/Imagine Entertainment.

"Forget sports for a moment -- you have to be ready for your moment," said Johnson, who also executive produced the hoops drama "Passing Glory." "This story represents everything I talk about as a motivational speaker. You have to be prepared for your one chance."

The project will be produced by Laura Ziskin ("Spider-Man"), while Mary Martin is also executive producing.

Brad Russ · 04-20-2006, 06:15 AM

Here's a three minute segment that 60 Minutes did on this amazing story not too long ago. This kid is definitely an inspiration!! Watch video

I couldn't decide whether this thread should go in the sports, or movie section, so I just put it here. I thought this was something that sports fans would really be able to appreciate. If the moderators think this would be better in the movie section, please feel free to move it. Thanks!!

GARFIELDKOOL · 04-21-2006, 08:31 PM

This is in my hometown, Little Mel. This kid is treated like a celebrity here. He was all on the front page of the local newspaper, he met president Bush, when Bush came here a month ago, he went to the final four in Indianapolis to receive a check for autistic kids, and Magic Johnson is coming to town to meet him because they are suppose to do a movie on him. I am tired of all the "J-Mac" hype. He even signed autographs at his highschool!

04-20-2006, 06:10 AM	#1
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Autistic hoops star scores movie deal By Tatiana Siegel LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Columbia Pictures has acquired the life rights to Jason McElwain, an autistic teenager who morphed from a basketball benchwarmer into an international media sensation after hitting six three-pointers in the final four minutes of a high school game. Basketball great Earvin "Magic" Johnson will serve as an executive producer. McElwain, a Rochester, N.Y., senior nicknamed "J-Mac" by his friends, never made the varsity team because of his size and instead served as its student manager. But in the waning minutes of the final game of the regular season in February, his coach rewarded McElwain's dedication and attitude by putting him into the game. McElwain's first three-point attempt was an air ball, which he followed with a missed layup. He then scored six three-pointers, his last one the final shot of the game -- a feat that Johnson said would be nearly impossible for a seasoned pro to accomplish, nevermind a high schooler not accustomed to playing time. "When I first saw the highlights on ESPN and then heard Jason's back story, I said, 'Man, I've got to be a part of this.' This story touched me, my kids, my wife," said Johnson. "When we go to the movies, this is the type of story we want to see." McElwain's feat quickly snowballed from a local story to a media frenzy, with footage of his scoring outburst making its way to ESPN's "SportsCenter" and ABC's "Good Morning America." Sources say the story sparked a heated bidding war, which came down to Columbia, the Weinstein Co., New Line Cinema and Universal Pictures/Imagine Entertainment. "Forget sports for a moment -- you have to be ready for your moment," said Johnson, who also executive produced the hoops drama "Passing Glory." "This story represents everything I talk about as a motivational speaker. You have to be prepared for your one chance." The project will be produced by Laura Ziskin ("Spider-Man"), while Mary Martin is also executive producing.
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song.

04-20-2006, 06:15 AM	#2
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Here's a three minute segment that 60 Minutes did on this amazing story not too long ago. This kid is definitely an inspiration!! Watch video I couldn't decide whether this thread should go in the sports, or movie section, so I just put it here. I thought this was something that sports fans would really be able to appreciate. If the moderators think this would be better in the movie section, please feel free to move it. Thanks!!

04-21-2006, 08:31 PM	#3
GARFIELDKOOL Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 02, 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 7,204	This is in my hometown, Little Mel. This kid is treated like a celebrity here. He was all on the front page of the local newspaper, he met president Bush, when Bush came here a month ago, he went to the final four in Indianapolis to receive a check for autistic kids, and Magic Johnson is coming to town to meet him because they are suppose to do a movie on him. I am tired of all the "J-Mac" hype. He even signed autographs at his highschool!