alumni news J. Todd Harris Õ74 (jtoddharris@gmail.com) produced a movie called Crooked Arrows, scheduled to be released in theaters May 18, 2012. The movie tells the story of a mixed-blood Native American, Joe Logan, who is eager to modernize his reservation. But first, he must prove himself to his father, the traditionalist Tribal Chairman, by rediscovering his spirit. Joe is tasked with coaching the reservationÕs high school lacrosse team which competes against the better equipped and better trained players of the elite Prep School League.
Paul Weitz Õ80 directed and wrote the screenplay for ÒBeing FlynnÓ starring Robert DeNiro, Julianne Moore, and Paul Dano. The movie is based on a memoir by Nick Flynn. ÒDuring his twenties, a young man works at various homeless shelters in Boston, where he often intersects with his brilliant but troubled father.Ó The film was released in theaters on March 2, 2012
When asked what motivated him to produce Crooked Arrows, Mr. Harris explained that he was inspired by the script and felt the film would draw the hugely passionate lacrosse fan and players to support it. His friend, Mitchell Peck, grew up in Virginia playing lacrosse, and although Mr. Harris didnÕt play lacrosse, he has always enjoyed the sport as a spectator. A-S director of alumni relations Anthony Kapp had the opportunity to pose a few additional questions to Mr. Harris. Here are his responses.
Q: The film is modeled after other underdog sports movies, like Mighty Ducks, and Bend It Like Beckham. Do you consider yourself an underdog? A: ÒAll Allen-Stevenson boys are underdogs Ð we were always the smallest school! But that just means we fought harder to win. I think there are many lessons in this movie; about sports, heritage, being true to oneself and more. The father-son aspect of this story should particularly resonate with A-S boys. ItÕs a story about learning how to take the best of both worlds and make it work, and itÕs really geared towards 8 to 14 year olds.Ó
Q: YouÕve had a very successful career in the film industry. What advice do you have for young alumni who are looking to break into the business? A: ÒGet into the swim and do it. DonÕt hesitate. Come to Hollywood, make a movie, and think about who in the world might want to see the movie you want to make!Ó
Q: What are your favorite memories of A-S? A: ÒGearing up every day to go out to RandallÕs Island and play football or baseball, or getting on the bus to go out to Riverdale for hockey, where the rink always smelled like the cookie bakery next door. A-S was a great five years of my life. I learned how to learn there. That, along with some tough love from Mr. Nichols and Mr. Landis, lasted me a lifetime. You really havenÕt lived until youÕve been taken by the scruff of the neck and had Mr. Landis wag his finger in your face and say ÔListen, ladÉÕ.Ó
Erik Cliette Õ81 (cliette06@yahoo.com) and his wife, Dawn Hankin-Cliette, welcomed daughter, Dylan Joi, on December 19, 2011.
Larry Greer Õ81 (larry.greer@trailblazers.com) was promoted to assistant coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Greer has spent the past four seasons as an advance scout with the team. Previously, he served as advance scout for Houston from 2005-07. A graduate of Northeastern University in 1989, Greer spent the first 16 years of his career in college basketball, including assistant coaching roles with Wright State (2003-05) and Boston University (1994-2003).
For more information about Crooked Arrows, visit ww.crookedarrows.com.
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Darab Lawyer Õ82 (darkev69@gmail.com) recently co-authored Sun of Apollo, the first book in a series titled Revelation 911, with his