Josh Swindell/Mind Riot
Exclusive: Josh Swindell, the former pro skater who will be the centerpiece of a skating biopic produced by MindRiot Entertainment, has signed with London's BKS Agency.
The agency is responsible for Swindell's literary representation and is currently submitting Swindell's memoirs, which are the basis for the Mind Riot biopic, to publishers.
Swindell was one of the most famous professional skaters of his generation and was considered the future of the sport by such greats as Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, and Steve Caballero. He also branched out into motocross and is still sponsored by Vans. However, in October 1995, Swindell was found guilty of second-degree murder for bludgeoning Keith Ogden 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 nearly 20 years in prison. The case has been at the center of controversy for years, and the judge who presided over the case, George W. Trammell, later pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to be working with Jason Bartholomew and the entire team at BKS Agency,” said Swindell.
“I'm really happy that they find unique value in my story and share my vision of helping others. Between BKS Agency and Mind Riot Entertainment, we have the ability to reach a wide audience. We hope to reach people and show the world that every life has value and is redeemable.”
BKS co-founder Jason Bartholomew added: His story is gritty, honest, heartbreaking, and totally moving. We can't wait to match Josh with the right global publisher for him. His stories resonate with readers around the world. We're also excited to have Jonathan Kesey selected as the screenwriter and to work closely with the team at MindRiot Entertainment to bring Josh's story to the big screen. ”
For the Yard This is part of MindRiot's upcoming projects. salvaged, E. Brian Dobbins (blackish, blackish), a project in development centered around Seattle's underground rap scene. Last year, Mindriot also opened an office in Ireland, headed by Justin MacGregor, head of film at Trinity College, Dublin. MindRiot's staff also includes his COO, Randa Minkarah. She previously served as director of business development for Fisher Communications in North America, where she led sales teams for ABC, Fox, and Univision.