Q+A with Woodlawn movie director Andy Erwin

Andy Erwin is a producer, director and filmmaker and along with his brother Jon, form The Erwin Brothers. They are the production team behind such movies as October Baby and Mom's Night Out.  The brothers began their career as teenagers, working as camera operators for ESPN. The brothers eventually worked on numerous events, including ESPN College Football Primetime, NFL, X Games, and NBA. In 2005, the brothers ventured into directing commercials and music videos. They found great success in the world of music, directing music videos and producing concerts and television programs for platinum artists including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, and Skillet. They have received 12 nominations and three consecutive wins for Music Video of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards.

Their latest movie is Woodlawn, in theaters on Friday October 16, 2015. The film is based upon the true story surrounding the 1974 Banks vs. Woodlawn High School football game at Birmingham’s Legion Field. It still holds the record for largest attendance at an Alabama high school football game. The film follows Woodlawn star and future Miami Dolphins RB, Tony Nathan’s recruitment by famed University of Alabama Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant during a period when the state was still embroiled in racial tensions.

I've been fortunate to view a screening of the film and highly recommend you see it. It's a great movie. I believe the story of redemption and standing for something bigger than yourself will resonate through all of us. Plus there's football!

Andy Erwin was gracious enough to talk with me about the film and his path from ESPN camera operator to movie director.

Me: How did Woodlawn get conceived?

Andy: Woodlawn was a story my brother Jon and I heard as a bedtime story as kids. My dad Hank worked as a sports chaplain for the team under a local evangelist in Birmingham, Wales Goebel. He would act out all the parts telling us the story of the spiritual awakening at the school and the amazing things that happened with this team and Tony Nathan. It was always larger than life. 

Me: What was it like creating a backdrop of 1973 Alabama?

Andy: It was amazing to recreate it but we purposefully did it with light brush strokes. We called it 70s light. The desire was to create a period film that allowed you to forget about it being period mid way through the film. We wanted the audience to see that this story still has a lot to say in our present day. 

Me: You and I were once colleagues at ESPN and we didn't even know it. What was your time like with the Worldwide Leader?

Andy: Loved my time working for the mouse. Disney and ESPN are great companies. I was on the Saturday Night Prime Crew for years and my brother was on the ESPN 2 Prime Crew. It allowed us to chase this crazy dream of directing films. I learned a lot from so many while there. Cameramen Tim Tew, Mike Falgout, Jason Jobes, and Larry Faircloth taught me how to tell a story thru how you film a game. I think you'll see that reflected in Woodlawn. It captures the adrenaline we felt on the sidelines for all those years. We put you in the game. Also had many mentors there like director Scott Johnson who encouraged me to make the jump from ESPN to my first film almost a decade ago. Told me to chase my dream and that I'd always have a place at ESPN if I needed it. Grateful for that advice!

Me: What was the main reason for your decision to leave ESPN and pursue your own film career?

Andy: Jon and I are story tellers. Filmmakers have to do what they do. It's a compulsion. We are captivated by a story and it won't relent until we express that. Woodlawn is such a story that has captivated us since we were kids. We had been directing music videos and docs while at ESPN but it became to time consuming to do both. I loved my job filming football and held onto it several years longer than Jon did. I am grateful Scott advised me to go for it!

Me: Tell me about your walk of faith? How it started, where it is now?

Andy: I came to Christ after two years of Bible college. I had grown up in a strong Christian home and knew all the right answers but it wasn't until I was 21 that I was willing to humble myself and admit my sinfulness and desperate need for Jesus as my Savior and Lord. God has been teaching me for the past 16 years the difference between intellectual faith and putting my dependance in Christ as my righteousness. Heart knowledge.

Me: Recently, we've seen a Christian movie like War Room reach No. 1 at the box office. What are your thoughts on faith-based movies reaching a wider audience?

Andy: I think God is really moving in the entertainment industry. We are grateful to be a part of that. Honored by those that have plowed the way like Stephen and Alex Kendrick, Mark and Roma Downey, and so many others that have worked hard to prove there is an underserved market. Hollywood has taken notice and as one of us wins, we all win as Believers in the industry. War Room has done amazing and we are excited to be up next. God is on the move!

Me: Why should people go see Woodlawn?

Andy: Woodlawn has all of the ingredients to be a special movie. It is a story where Christianity and the historical Jesus Movement is the DNA of the story. You cannot strip Jesus out of this story. It is powerful. And on top of that we build an extremely entertaining film. Football as you've never seen with a powerful civil rights story of Tony Nathan, plus Bear Bryant! You'll be excited to go back with your friends and neighbors after seeing it. 

Me: You were able to get actors like Jon Voight, Sean Astin and C. Thomas Howell to have roles in Woodlawn, how did the casting process work to have them be a part of this film?

Andy: We set out to find these characters in real life. We wanted to find actors that disappeared into the role they played. We were able to get some of the best because they fell in love with the story we were telling. Jon Voight playing Bear was a real treat. I knew if I didn't get that right they wouldn't let me stay in Birmingham, haha. He delivers in the role. Very proud of it.

Me: What's been the most rewarding experience for you as you get set for the release of Woodlawn on October 16.

Andy: I think to see how relevant the story of Woodlawn is today. Because of events over the past year I think this true story has so much to say. My opinions don't mean anything but these people's experience means everything. I'm excited for the impact and encouragement it could have on people's lives.

Me:  What's God challenging you on right now?

Andy: Trust, to be in the moment and release the results. He's got a great plan. All he needs us to do is be still and let Him work. Sometimes that is the hardest thing to do.

Me: You've worked on films such as October Baby, Mom's Night Out and now Woodlawn. What's next for the Erwin Brothers?

Andy: Well deserved rest, haha! But after that, bringing the next story that captures our heart. We are developing some good ones! Stay tuned.

Watch Woodlawn trailer below:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_tq-NbPuaI[/embed]