Indie film - 'Tyson's Run'

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Actor Major Dodson, a familiar figure on “The Walking Dead” and “American Horror Story,” so convincingly auditioned for the role of an autistic boy for the upcoming film “Tyson’s Run” that producers instantly knew he was perfect for the part.

It wasn’t until later they learned that Dodson, an actor since he was 6, is actually on the autism spectrum.

San Diego businessman John Cappetta is the executive producer of the feature film slated for nationwide release March 11. He agrees that a few years ago it might have been tough to engage filmgoers in a feature-length movie about a boy with autism.

ust as he has embraced a strong corporate code of ethics stressing the well-being of customers and employees, Cappetta is focusing his film lens on inspirational and meaningful movies. As an independent producer, he is free to take the chance that viewers will approve and attend.

“I look for stories that are going to touch people’s hearts and minds and highlight diversity. This did all of that,” Cappetta said during a phone interview. “I’m not sure big studios would have embraced this. They need a massive reach that an indie film doesn’t need.”

The plot revolves around Tyson who, at age 15, wants to switch from home schooling to a public school, where his father coaches football. When the boy meets marathon runner Aklilu, Tyson believes he finally may have found a sport and a way to win his dad’s approval and respect.

In “Tyson’s Run,” autism becomes merely the catalyst that launches a brew of interactions incorporating the core values in life — family, friends, belief in one’s self, courage, perseverance and beating the odds. At its heart is a son’s love for his father and a father’s love for his son and their struggle to make a connection.

“It’s important in the context of someone with special needs,” Cappetta said. “They have a right, like the rest of us, to dream big and go out and do great things. Tyson tells us that story.” But he stressed it also is paramount to have relatable characters, compelling art, interesting relationships and actors who touch everybody’s hearts, even though the story happens to be told through this particular child.

They selected an experienced cast. Included is Amy Smart, co-star of TV’s “Stargirl,” Rory Cochrane, a “CSI: Miami” alum who appeared in the Academy award-winning film, “Argo,” comedian and model Layla Felder, and Barkhad Abdi of “Captain Phillips” and “Blade Runner” movie fame.

Filming took place in the summer of 2018, followed by post-production, with a targeted release in national theaters of May 2020. Distribution deals had been worked out with Universal and Collide Distribution.

Then the pandemic intervened. Like many movies, “Tyson’s Run” was pushed to the back burner as COVID-19 shuttered theaters.

While other producers had to shift to streaming and small-screen releases, Cappetta said they had the luxury of being able to wait it out to deliver the experience to audiences on the big screen.