Former NFL Pro Bowler Simeon Rice discusses directorial debut, 'Unsullied'
Former pro-bowler Simeon Rice may have retired from football, but he's taken up a new career in filmmaking.
Former NFL pro-bowler Simeon Rice may have retired from the League, but he’s taken up a new career in filmmaking.
The defensive end spent 6 of his 12 years in the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and upon his exit from the NFL, Rice decided to pursue his interests in the film industry. Rice took courses at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles school and then wrote his new thriller, Unsullied. A short time later, after casting the right group of actors, Rice began filming the thriller in Seminole, Florida.
During post production of the film, Rice attempted to find distribution for his film, but there were few options. The first-time director turned to Kickstarter at one point, explaining in a video potential distributors pushed back on the movie because it starred black actress Murray Gray.
TheGrio sat down with both Rice and Gray to discuss their first big projects. This is Rice’s first project that he has written and directed, and this is Gray’s first time in a lead role. Gray took on the role of Reagan Farrow, a professional track athlete whose car breaks down on a desolate Florida road. Two brothers, played by James Gaudioso and Rusty Joiner, stop  and offer Reagan a ride. She is hesitant but eventually gives in to their offer of help.
Reagan quickly finds out her helpers have become captors, and she needs to fight for her life.
A former soccer player herself, Gray said their athletic backgrounds and teamwork mentalities created a productive atmosphere.
Unsullied opened in select theaters August 28. You can check out the film’s website for theater locations and more info.
Check out the full trailer below.
UNSULLIED – IN THEATERS AUGUST 28, 2015 ​ from Dustin Coyner on Vimeo.
