Keith Middlebrook in MoneyBall with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.
Keith Middlebrook appears as “Coach Parker” in the new film “Moneyball” due out in September 2011, staring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymore-Hoffman, Robin Wright and Chris Pratt.
My scene was filmed at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles with “Billy Beane” who at the time was striking out consistantly in the Major leagues. Director Bennett Miller was GREAT to work with preferring not to rely on a script and instead describe the scene he wanted, and asking for improvisation with emotion for many, many takes.
I Love his style of directing, his improvisational approach is rare on most films and TV shows that I have been on. Most Directors prefer every word of the script memorized. He “worked it” until he got the secenes he wanted. “Moneyball” is more story based and not containing massive scenes of CGI. A Forrest Gump of Baseball so to speak.
The movie is about the story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s successful attempt to put together a baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
Filmed at many stadiums across the country, half the cast were actors and the other half proffessional baseball players, making the authenticity really come out in this film. Being on the field with baseballs thrown at speeds up to 95 mile per hour was in itself exciting to see.
My feeling: what “Blindside” was to Sandra Bollock. “Moneyball” is to “Brad Pitt”.
I felt Oscar written all over it.
Keith Middlebrook
Keith Middlebrook in”Moneyball” as Coach Parker