“Defy the Odds” By Corry Wiens

Amateur race car driver, Bill Lester, is faced with a decision that will upend the stable office life he's trapped in. Based on the true story of Bill Lester, the first black NASCAR driver to win a race in NASCAR's Grand-Am series.

From The Director

“When I read through Bill’s memoir, Winning In Reverse, my initial reaction was: “This is a story that needs to be told.” 

Feeling trapped within a job when your heart is elsewhere is something that a lot of us can relate with. Bill’s courage to walk away from his life of comfort to pursue his dreams is truly inspirational. 

On top of that, Bill was also up against incredible adversity as he pioneered his way through the predominantly white sport of racing. Bill persevered in spite of these barriers and spent more than a decade competing at the highest levels of racing. 

As a filmmaker, I wanted to use my influence to elevate Bill’s story. His determination to choose the hard road, even when the odds were stacked against him, is something that we can all admire and learn from. 

We created this film on a shoestring budget and so many talented people came together to help bring it to life. I am incredibly thankful to every single person that contributed to getting this story told!” 

—Corry Wiens, Director

Credits

Based on the true story of Bill Lester

Starring:

Bradford Haynes

Tim Mercer

Austin Buck

Prod Co: Gear Seven

Exec Producer: Ryan Atenhan, Kirk Slawek

Producer: Gavin Buckland

Director: Corry Wiens

AD: Courtney Baucom

Dir of Photography: Quinton Brogan

Art director: Tracie Prichard

Set Design & Build: Graeme Morris, Fort Houston

AC: Jacob Cushman, Bennett Self

2nd AC: Quinn Foster

Gaffer: Matt Treager

Key Grip: Erik Kitchens

Grip: Jacob Hart

Grip Specialist: Billy Gomes

Precision Driving: Shift Dynamics

Camera Car Precision driver: Patrick Wilson

Arm Op: Sam Wetzel

Sound: Alonso Cacho

Production Manager: Cody Fisher

Studio Manager: Skylar Galayda

Precision Drivers: Ken Thwaits

LED Volume: Arc Studios

LED Volume content: Meptik

LED Volume Technical Director: Justin Wylie

VFX Supervisor/Grip Swing: Dustin Turner

BTS Photos: Matt Treager, Ryan Green

POST PRODUCTION:

Editor: Corry Wiens

Colorist: Quinton Brogan

Musical Score: Jonny Mendez

VFX: Dustin Turner

Title Design: Gavin Buckland

Sound Design: Ryan Pribyl


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