Travis Kelce, the talented Kansas City Chiefs tight end, is set to make his debut as an executive producer in the upcoming dramedy ‘My Dead Friend Zoe.’ According to Variety, this SXSW-bound indie film boasts an impressive cast including Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, and Sonequa Martin-Green.
Kelce’s venture into the world of movies marks an exciting new chapter in his career. As an executive producer on ‘My Dead Friend Zoe,’ he will have a hand in shaping the creative direction and overall vision of the film. This opportunity showcases Kelce’s versatility and willingness to explore new avenues beyond his successful football career.
“Hollywood is risky, right? On a scale of one to 10, Hollywood, it is a 9.5. Especially in terms of independent film,” says “My Dead Friend Zoe” producer Ray Maiello, who runs California-based Radiant Media Studios with Field. “These federal tax credits take the risk down to like a five.”
The investors in the low-budget dark comedy, which include Kelce, are the first to take advantage of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act to finance a film. (“My Dead Friend Zoe” cost less than $10 million.)
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Kelce, Maiello and Field are using the same strategy to finance a second film, the Jean-Michel Basquiat documentary “King Pleasure.” The Boardwalk Pictures film is being helmed by Quinn Wilson, the former creative director for Lizzo, and is being made with the cooperation of the late artist’s estate. Kelce, Maiello and Field could spark a trend in Hollywood of employing the Inflation Reduction Act as a way to raise funds and bolster the flagging indie film sector.
“My Dead Friend Zoe,” which was directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, centers on a female Afghanistan soldier (Morales) who confronts her grandfather (Harris), a Vietnam veteran, at the family’s lakeside home. CAA is handling the film’s distribution. It will have its world premiere on March 9 at SXSW. Legion M is a producer on the movie as well.
As Travis Kelce takes on this new challenge in his career, it showcases his versatility and willingness to explore different creative avenues beyond football. Fans can look forward to seeing him make his mark in the realm of filmmaking with ‘My Dead Friend Zoe,’ which is sure to generate excitement among both sports enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.
Though Kelce has already stated that he will return for the 2024-25 NFL season to help the Chiefs possibly three-peat as Super Bowl champions, he is now making inroads into Hollywood, much like Tom Brady, who recently played himself in the hit comedy “80 for Brady” and has also been producing. Kelce is represented by CAA.
