Director Jeff Celentano and producer Warren Ostergard of “The Hill,” this yr’s award-winning sports activities drama starring Dennis Quaid, have reunited to launch Enliven Content material, a movie and tv manufacturing firm with an eye fixed in the direction of true, inspiring, and uplifting tales.
First up for growth on the corporate’s slate is “Cody’s Want,” the unbelievable and inspirational true story of 2023 Horse of the Yr Cody’s Want and his endearing bond along with his namesake, Cody Dorman, a Kentucky teenager with a uncommon genetic dysfunction and love for horse racing.
“The success of ‘The Hill’ confirmed us how thousands and thousands of individuals are craving for movies the entire household can get pleasure from,” Ostergard mentioned. “Enliven Content material was based to carry true, heartfelt tales to life, and we’re honored to have ‘Cody’s Want’ as our first unique film. This movie will contact hearts all over the world.”
The movie shall be penned by Jake Crane (Devotion) and directed by Celentano. Celentano may also share producer credit with Ostergard and Mark Ciardi (“The Rookie,” “Miracle,” “Invincible,” “Secretariat”) of Choose Movies. Mark Robert Ellis will co-produce.
“I used to be captivated by Cody’s bravery within the face of overwhelming odds, and I’m honored to have the ability to inform the distinctive and provoking story of his connection to such a particular racehorse,” mentioned Crane. Casting is about to start within the coming months.
“The extraordinary bond shared between Cody’s Want and Cody Dorman transcends racing, transcends sport, and bears us witness to one thing really magical,” mentioned Celentano. “Our firm is devoted to creating content material that leaves its viewers impressed, hopeful, and alive, and this story will just do that. It’s a phenomenal story and we’re completely honored to inform it.”
Dorman first met the horse throughout a Make-A-Want go to to Gainsborough Farm in Lexington, Ky. when Cody’s Want was a 5-month-old foal in 2018. Unnamed on the time, the animal walked over to Dorman’s wheelchair and put his head within the boy’s lap. Dorman drew the identical response in succeeding visits, and the horse by no means did not acknowledge the younger boy’s presence. When it got here time to provide the horse his title, Cody’s Want took the title – in honor of Dorman and the group that related the 2.
From there, the bond between the 2 continued to develop, as Cody’s Want was seemingly impressed by his namesake, by no means shedding 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, amongst others.
Dorman died in 2023, a day after Cody’s Want received his second Breeders’ Cup and the ultimate race of his profession.
“Because the story of Cody’s Want grew, everybody we instructed about it could say, ‘This shall be a film sometime,’” mentioned Kelly Dorman, Cody’s father. “We’re extremely grateful to Enliven Content material for agreeing to share the exceptional connection between our son Cody and his greatest buddy Cody’s Want.”
