96 lbs. of Dynamite
Indialantic, Florida | Film Feature
Documentary
We're hooked on Chad "Shorty" McDaniel, and you will be too. Our film introduces the world to a man who first gets your attention with his appearance, and then grabs your heart with his soul. Have you ever seen 96 lbs. of dynamite?
96 lbs. of Dynamite
Indialantic, Florida | Film Feature
Documentary
1 Campaigns | Florida, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $9,090 for post-production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
88 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
We're hooked on Chad "Shorty" McDaniel, and you will be too. Our film introduces the world to a man who first gets your attention with his appearance, and then grabs your heart with his soul. Have you ever seen 96 lbs. of dynamite?
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When director Loren Goldfarb first spotted Chad “Shorty” McDaniel at a pool hall in Florida, he figured the guy in the motorized wheelchair with tiny arms and legs couldn’t be any good. Then he saw him play! By the end of that grueling day, Chad had beaten six opponents and earned a spot in one of the game’s top amateur tournaments. Following Chad in the months leading up to the big event and traveling with him out West, 96 lbs. of Dynamite explores the myriad obstacles life with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) presents, and how one man from humble roots fights low expectations and discrimination with wit, grit, and determination.
Along the way, Chad suffers devastating personal losses and makes a major career decision with potentially significant ramifications. We travel with Chad to his small, rural Mississippi birthplace where he learned to play pool, and return to the site of his very public battles to overcome institutional barriers.
Chad is visually compelling, not just because of his form, but also because of how his personality is reflected in his facial expressions, the way he moves his limbs, and even how he maneuvers his motorized wheelchair. There’s a moment while we’re talking to Chad on camera when he picks up a small device, about the length of a pencil, pulls a telescopic extension to its full length, and reaches out across his desk to pull a container within reach. He could have asked any one of the three of us in the room to help him. We're certain he thought nothing of it, but that moment is etched in our minds. There are many others like it we’ve captured on film, some with intent, and others, such as this one, purely by accident. Collectively, they’re visual representations of how Chad navigates a world not built for him.
Why us?
As filmmakers and TV producers, we have a long track record of bringing compelling, real-life stories to the screen. Director Loren Goldfarb began his career in news, producing stories that appeared on shows such as NBC’s Today and Dateline, ABC’s Nightline and PBS Healthweek. With this project, Loren also brings to the mix his knowledge of and passion for the game of pool.
The other members of the team have successfully produced feature-length documentaries that were recently released on Amazon and Apple TV.
What’s the status of the film?
We’ve been working on the film since October, 2023, and now we’re in the final stages of post production. That’s where you come in. Any funds you pledge will be used to add polish to the film: color correction and color grading; photo enhancement (lots of old photos of Chad as a child need some TLC); and, sound design/sound mixing. Think of it as painting and furnishing a newly-built home.
What happens after the film is finished?
Based on discussions we’ve had with distributors, one of whom has viewed the full rough cut, we’re optimistic the film will be widely available on one or more major streaming platforms. We’re also planning to enter the documentary in about 30 film festivals and conduct private screenings around the US..
Beyond donating, what else can I do to help?
We’d be grateful for anything you'd to help us introduce Chad to the world. Some ideas to get you started:
- Subscribe to our newsletter at dynamite-film.com
- Email us if you’re interested in hosting a screening in your community
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
- Talk us up on social media using one of these posts or one you come up with:
- Rarely does a story come along that truly touches your soul. This documentary introduces us to a man who’s lived an extraordinary life, defying every expectation along the way. I’m so inspired by this project—check it out and support the film! Dynamite-film.com
- This is more than a documentary; it’s a celebration of the human spirit. Born with a rare condition, Chad’s life story is one of strength, hope, and breaking barriers. I’m proud to support this film, and you should too. Dynamite-film.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design & Mixing
Costs $2,750
Film is visual, but quality sound is every bit as important to delivering a quality experience. Help us achieve the best sound possible.
Motion Graphics
Costs $2,500
Help us hire a motion graphics artist to make Chad's childhood photos come to life and enhance the visual quality of the film.
Color Correction & Color Grading
Costs $3,500
Help us hire a colorist to ensure visual consistency across scenes and create a mood.
Share this update!
About This Team
LOREN GOLDFARB (producer & director) is a former network broadcast journalist and award-winning producer whose credits include Dateline NBC, PBS HealthWeek, ABC’s Nightline, and The Today Show, among others. He is the COO of Everwell, a digital media company he co-founded in 2007. Loren holds an MBA from George Washington University and a BA in broadcast journalism and policy studies from Syracuse University.
An Emmy Award-winning storyteller, ED COUGHLIN (co-producer & co-director) has more than 35 years of experience creating non-fiction content for the likes of ESPN, Discovery, SpeedChannel and others. He directed the recently-released documentary Just.One.Mile, a top download on Amazon Prime & iTunes. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, Ed is an inductee into the University’s Media & Communications Hall of Fame.
A native of South Africa, DUANE CODRINGTON (director of photography) has filmed exclusive events across Europe for clients including the Queen and Elton John. After moving to Atlanta in 2012, Duane expanded into shooting documentaries and behind-the-scenes films for shows such as Netflix’s Stranger Things. Eager to develop his own documentary, Duane discovered ultrarunner Chadd Wright whose story is the thrust of Just.One.Mile.
KIMBERLY O'NEILL (editor) is an award-winning senior video editor/storyteller whose recent work includes the documentaries Just.One.Mile and Filling in the Blanks. During her 25+-year career, Kim has told stories for clients such as NBC Sports, ESPN & ABC. In 2023, Kim received “Best Editing” honors at the Blue Whiskey Film Festival and the NY International Film Awards.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
When director Loren Goldfarb first spotted Chad “Shorty” McDaniel at a pool hall in Florida, he figured the guy in the motorized wheelchair with tiny arms and legs couldn’t be any good. Then he saw him play! By the end of that grueling day, Chad had beaten six opponents and earned a spot in one of the game’s top amateur tournaments. Following Chad in the months leading up to the big event and traveling with him out West, 96 lbs. of Dynamite explores the myriad obstacles life with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) presents, and how one man from humble roots fights low expectations and discrimination with wit, grit, and determination.
Along the way, Chad suffers devastating personal losses and makes a major career decision with potentially significant ramifications. We travel with Chad to his small, rural Mississippi birthplace where he learned to play pool, and return to the site of his very public battles to overcome institutional barriers.
Chad is visually compelling, not just because of his form, but also because of how his personality is reflected in his facial expressions, the way he moves his limbs, and even how he maneuvers his motorized wheelchair. There’s a moment while we’re talking to Chad on camera when he picks up a small device, about the length of a pencil, pulls a telescopic extension to its full length, and reaches out across his desk to pull a container within reach. He could have asked any one of the three of us in the room to help him. We're certain he thought nothing of it, but that moment is etched in our minds. There are many others like it we’ve captured on film, some with intent, and others, such as this one, purely by accident. Collectively, they’re visual representations of how Chad navigates a world not built for him.
Why us?
As filmmakers and TV producers, we have a long track record of bringing compelling, real-life stories to the screen. Director Loren Goldfarb began his career in news, producing stories that appeared on shows such as NBC’s Today and Dateline, ABC’s Nightline and PBS Healthweek. With this project, Loren also brings to the mix his knowledge of and passion for the game of pool.
The other members of the team have successfully produced feature-length documentaries that were recently released on Amazon and Apple TV.
What’s the status of the film?
We’ve been working on the film since October, 2023, and now we’re in the final stages of post production. That’s where you come in. Any funds you pledge will be used to add polish to the film: color correction and color grading; photo enhancement (lots of old photos of Chad as a child need some TLC); and, sound design/sound mixing. Think of it as painting and furnishing a newly-built home.
What happens after the film is finished?
Based on discussions we’ve had with distributors, one of whom has viewed the full rough cut, we’re optimistic the film will be widely available on one or more major streaming platforms. We’re also planning to enter the documentary in about 30 film festivals and conduct private screenings around the US..
Beyond donating, what else can I do to help?
We’d be grateful for anything you'd to help us introduce Chad to the world. Some ideas to get you started:
- Subscribe to our newsletter at dynamite-film.com
- Email us if you’re interested in hosting a screening in your community
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
- Talk us up on social media using one of these posts or one you come up with:
- Rarely does a story come along that truly touches your soul. This documentary introduces us to a man who’s lived an extraordinary life, defying every expectation along the way. I’m so inspired by this project—check it out and support the film! Dynamite-film.com
- This is more than a documentary; it’s a celebration of the human spirit. Born with a rare condition, Chad’s life story is one of strength, hope, and breaking barriers. I’m proud to support this film, and you should too. Dynamite-film.com
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sound Design & Mixing
Costs $2,750
Film is visual, but quality sound is every bit as important to delivering a quality experience. Help us achieve the best sound possible.
Motion Graphics
Costs $2,500
Help us hire a motion graphics artist to make Chad's childhood photos come to life and enhance the visual quality of the film.
Color Correction & Color Grading
Costs $3,500
Help us hire a colorist to ensure visual consistency across scenes and create a mood.
Share this update!
About This Team
LOREN GOLDFARB (producer & director) is a former network broadcast journalist and award-winning producer whose credits include Dateline NBC, PBS HealthWeek, ABC’s Nightline, and The Today Show, among others. He is the COO of Everwell, a digital media company he co-founded in 2007. Loren holds an MBA from George Washington University and a BA in broadcast journalism and policy studies from Syracuse University.
An Emmy Award-winning storyteller, ED COUGHLIN (co-producer & co-director) has more than 35 years of experience creating non-fiction content for the likes of ESPN, Discovery, SpeedChannel and others. He directed the recently-released documentary Just.One.Mile, a top download on Amazon Prime & iTunes. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, Ed is an inductee into the University’s Media & Communications Hall of Fame.
A native of South Africa, DUANE CODRINGTON (director of photography) has filmed exclusive events across Europe for clients including the Queen and Elton John. After moving to Atlanta in 2012, Duane expanded into shooting documentaries and behind-the-scenes films for shows such as Netflix’s Stranger Things. Eager to develop his own documentary, Duane discovered ultrarunner Chadd Wright whose story is the thrust of Just.One.Mile.
KIMBERLY O'NEILL (editor) is an award-winning senior video editor/storyteller whose recent work includes the documentaries Just.One.Mile and Filling in the Blanks. During her 25+-year career, Kim has told stories for clients such as NBC Sports, ESPN & ABC. In 2023, Kim received “Best Editing” honors at the Blue Whiskey Film Festival and the NY International Film Awards.