Chris Cooley hopes his latest effort draws boos.
The Washington Redskins tight end is producing “Ghosts Don’t Exist,” an indie-film that could appear at fall festivals. Cooley helped raise the money on the ghost hunter flick while managing a cameo appearance.
Maybe it’s the next “Blair Witch Project.” Perhaps it goes straight to video. It’s the latest creative effort by Cooley that includes a blog and videos.
“I feel like we made a good movie,” Cooley said. “The hype is definitely bigger than I expected. I didn’t know what to expect on how the media would take to it with my name. The excitement has been outstanding.
“There’s a need market for it. A lot of people want to see this type of movie and not enough are made. They do well, especially in the DVD market.”
The sixth-year tight end is arguably the most popular Redskin. The two-time Pro Bowler led the team with 83 receptions last season. But it’s his irreverent personality that smacks of a modern-day John Riggins that draws fans. He enjoys showing a different side of himself in film and insider notes on his blog that sometimes draw painful groin shots from upset offensive lineman on the team bus.
The movie is a big move. Approached by local film maker 19th & Wilson, Cooley was suddenly more involved than expected with the film, even lending his home for shooting several scenes. Then there was his big screen debut as a deputy sheriff.
But Cooley won’t pull a Jim Brown and leave football for Hollywood.
“I was glad the way [the film] turned out, but I don’t think it’s something I would pursue,” he said. “I think it’s cool to be a part of it. I’m not dying to do another one, but I enjoyed doing it.”
Ironically, Cooley doesn’t believe in ghosts.
“It’s hard to say what’s real and what’s not,” he said. “There’s obviously some form of energy or something that happens.”
A hit movie would certainly bring more opportunities, but one Cooley is unsure over is a reality show on his life.
“We’ve had a lot of options, but it’s not something I’m super excited about doing it,” he said. “A lot of it is creative drama. It’s not real life when you have people all around and during football season it’s a distraction I definitely don’t need. All these things create opportunities for when you’re done.”
Something tells me it’s just the start.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected].
