Why is the movie titled The Confessions of Al McGuire?

Several times in the movie, Coach McGuire goes to confession with a Jesuit priest as a movie technique for the audience to hear his innermost concerns about the team or a player, or a technical he received that might have swayed the outcome of a game. Al McGuire was human, after all. He often blamed himself for some of the Marquette losses due to receiving technical fouls. Al McGuire would also often joke that he needed a deaf priest or one who only spoke a foreign language to hear his last confession.

Why is this an independent film vs a studio film?

Producing an independent film presents both advantages and challenges. The funding often comes from sources like grants or crowdfunding, rather than studio investment, which makes financing and production more difficult for indie filmmakers. However, relying on independent financial support allows filmmakers to retain full authority over the creative process and maintain fidelity to their original vision. Tight budgets in indie film production foster innovation and force creative storytelling choices to achieve successful outcomes. As major studios increasingly favor sequels and reboots for commercial reasons, independent films provide a space for unique and unconventional stories that may not otherwise find support or exposure. For a story like Al McGuire, the best opportunity to memorialize him and the 1977 NCAA Champion Marquette Warriors is through an independent approach.

Can independent films be financially and critically successful?

Absolutely. Indie films are often critically acclaimed because they tell stories that have not been told by the major studio companies. As the major studio model has evolved in the last decade, they are often focused on formulaic films or genres that are risk averse. As a result, fewer films are being made, and many of those that are tend to follow a pattern (i.e. Super Hero films, RomComs). Moviegoers have rewarded Indie films with good stories for bringing content to the audience that has not been created by the bigger studios.

A number of Indie films have received critical or financial success, or both, over the years.

What is a biopic film?

A biopic—short for biographical picture—is a film or television drama that depicts the life of a real person. It dramatizes key events, struggles, and achievements in the subject’s life, often focusing on a specific period or theme rather than covering everything chronologically.

• Based on a real person’s life (e.g., a historical figure, celebrity, athlete, politician).

• May include creative liberties to enhance drama or storytelling.

• Often stars a well-known actor portraying the real-life subject.

• Can range from serious and accurate to stylized and fictionalized.

• Examples:  Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Lincoln (2012), Ray (2004), Miracle (2004), Moneyball (2011), Amadeus (1984)

Where will this movie be filmed?

As a result of the new film tax credits in the biennial budget passed by the Wisconsin legislature and signed by Governor Evers, filming this movie in the State of Wisconsin is a reality. Our intentions are to shoot at various locations in the general Milwaukee metropolitan area and potentially other locations within the state.

How much will the movie cost to make?

The expected budget for this independent film is about $6 million. Filming in the State of Wisconsin and with the new tax credit budget passed, allows us to stretch our production dollars further than if we were to shoot in other states. With this estimated budget, we can make a quality movie with award-winning potential.

The average budget for an Indie film is about $750,000. We are positioned with our budget to make a quality, potential award winning film with our estimated budget. As is the case with any film, it is impossible to predict how successful a film will ultimately be.

When will the film be made?

Our goal is to begin production in Q2 of 2026 pending the completion of final investment funding.

How long will it take to shoot the movie?

Our anticipated production schedule is approximately one month for principal shooting of the film. That schedule is an estimation and may be adjusted. Post-production editing typically takes several months to complete the final edit.

When will the film be released?

The film’s release schedule will be determined by several factors, including the start and completion of production, as well as the distribution deal for the film on a streaming platform. Our hope is to start production in Q2 of 2026. Check back here for more updates as schedules firm up. The film may also be released at theaters in select cities.

What actors will play the key roles in the movie?

Casting for the movie is underway currently. Check back in the updates section of this website for information as those announcements are made.

Is this film associated with the one-man play by Dick Enberg?

No, this play is not associated in any way with the play by Dick Enberg.