On this episode of Divine Intervention, we are joined by Rick Bieber, the writer, director, and producer of the new faith-based film, The 5th Quarter, and by Steven Abbate, whose family the story is based on.
The 5th Quarter - Synopsis
Steven and Maryanne Abbate
The death of a promising young athlete just days before his 16th birthday inspires his older brother to lead his college football team to new heights in The 5th Quarter, the moving saga of the Abbate family of Marietta, Georgia. Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall, Benny and Joon), Andie MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Groundhog Day) and Ryan Merriman (Home of the Giants, Final Destination 3) star in this touching true story from writer and director Rick Bieber (Crazy, Radio Flyer).
When 15-year-old Luke Abbate (Stefan Guy) is killed in a tragic car accident, the loss leaves his close-knit family reeling with grief. Fueled by faith and their deep familial bond, the Abbates try to rebuild their lives without Luke, fulfilling his wish to help others by donating his organs to save the lives of five other people. But despite the support of loving friends and family, his death leaves a void in their lives that threatens to tear the family apart.
Struggling with the devastating loss, Luke’s older brother Jon (Ryan Merriman), a gifted football player at Wake Forest University, decides to honor his brother’s memory and love for the game by dedicating the 2006 season to him. With the added motivation of “playing for two,” he dons Luke’s beloved No. 5 jersey and inspires his teammates to play the best football of their lives—and become the most improved team in America. Predicted to finish last in their division, the Wake Forest football team surpassed all expectations by winning an unforgettable championship season.
A tribute to the power of hope and love, The 5th Quarter is an inspiring true story about a family coming together to rally a team, a school and a community to achieve more than they could ever have imagined.
The 5th Quarter is produced by Rick Bieber, and executed produced by Robert McCreary and Alan Cohen (Crazy). Joel McDonell (Crazy) and Abby Gail Palanker (Tortured) are associate producers. Doug Ames and Ryan Johnston are co-producers. Director of photography is Craig Haagensen (Vanilla Sky). Editor is Mark Conte (Turner & Hooch). Production designer is Sophia Madalana Martinez (Eyeborgs). Costume designer is Deborah Latham (Leatherheads).
RICK BIEBER
(Director, Writer, Producer of the 5th Quarter) directed, co-wrote and produced the feature film Crazy. Inspired by the controversial and legendary guitarist Hank Garland, Crazy stars newcomer Waylon Payne and Ali Larter (“Heroes”). A favorite on the festival circuit, Crazy has garnered 17 major awards to date, including 11 Best Picture nods.
Rick is currently in post-production on the independent psychological thriller, “Rehab,” which he wrote and directed. Previously, Rick produced or executive produced several feature films including Aurora Borealis, starring Josh Jackson, Juliette Lewis and Donald Sutherland; Flatliners, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Julia Roberts, Keifer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, William Baldwin and Oliver Platt; Made in America, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson; Radio Flyer, directed by Richard Donner and starring Elijah Wood, Lorraine Bracco and John Heard; Hard Promises, starring William Peterson and Sissy Spacek and The Illusion, starring Michael Goorjian and Kirk Douglas.
He has also produced or been responsible for the production of over 30 television and cable movies including "Caught In The Act," starring Lauren Holly; "Mandela," starring Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard; "Last Innocent Man," directed by Roger Spottiswood and starring Ed Harris; and many more.
In addition to his own independent production company, Bieber has served as chief executive of several prominent entertainment companies. They include Stonebridge Entertainment, a company that he formed in partnership with Michael Douglas, HBO Pictures, Fox West Pictures and Harmony Pictures.
In addition, Bieber co-founded Third Stone Music, a record label and satellite company of Atlantic Records which featured artists including Nona Gaye and Saigon Kick.
Bieber began his career in the New York offices of Columbia Pictures, after receiving a J.D. degree from Vermont Law School and an undergraduate degree from Hofstra University.
Click the links below to listen to this inspiring story of how God turned tragedy into triumph in the life of this incredible family!
Download DI # 104 Abbate-Bieber FULL SHOW
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