MindRiot Entertainment Developing Memoir Of Former Pro Skater Josh Swindell, Who Spent 19 Years In Prison For Second-Degree Murder, Into Feature Film
08.01.2024 - 19:55
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: MindRiot Entertainment, the transatlantic indie behind Danielle Deadwyler’s Parallel and the upcoming OceanGate pic Salvaged has locked the rights to adapt former pro skater Josh Swindell’s memoir into a feature film.
The memoir, which features a forward by Jay Mohr, has yet to be published. MindRiot’s Jonathan Keasey, who has been tapped to write the screenplay, described the book as “gut-wrenching.”
Swindell was one of the most celebrated pro skaters of his generation and had been regarded as the future of the sport by grandees such as Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, and Steve Caballero. He also crossed over into motocross and is still sponsored by Vans. In October 1995, however, Swindell was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of Keith Ogden, a gay man whom he beat to death outside a bar in Azusa, California. He was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison and was released in 2012 after spending almost 20 years behind bars. The case has been the center of controversy over the years, with George W. Trammell, the judge who presided over the case, later being charged and pleading guilty to federal corruption charges.
Swindell said he hand-picked Keasey to adapt his story after turning down interest from multiple producers around the town.
“I’m humbled by Swindell, Jay Mohr, and all of Swindell’s supporters, and personally, I can’t wait to ride full circle thirty-plus years later and watch the once outlawed sport of street skating shine in the City of Lights while writing this pro street skater’s epic saga,” said Keasey.
Actor, singer, and musician Ryan Link, best known for his work on Broadway in Rent, Hair, and the national tour of Once, will co-produce. Steven Banks Jr., Head of Sports