MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG coming falL 2014

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MARSHALL • the miracle dog

Film synopsis MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG Marshall was rescued in 2010 by the humane society of missouri.

Thirteen-year-old Finn endures daily torment from the bullies at his school. But his life begins to change the day that he encounters a Labrador retriever named Marshall. He finds the dog being held in deplorable conditions, at the mercy of an animal hoarder who keeps 60 dogs penned up on her isolated ranch. The boy sees something of himself in Marshall: both are bullied, but both are brave. Finn pulls off a daring rescue, saving Marshall from the dogs that are attacking him. That’s only the beginning.

Marshall is now a certified therapy dog and has visited over 250 schools and events with his adoptive mother Cyndi.

In a game of cat and mouse, Finn must hide Marshall from his stressed-out single mother, Cynthia. It’s truly a race against time as Finn and his sassy 17-year-old cousin, Grace, try to find help for Marshall before his wounds worsen and he dies of an infection. Along the way, however, Marshall gets spooked and runs away from Finn. The dog embarks on a series of scary, funny, and heartwarming adventures, while everyone, including Cynthia and her love interest (the handsome veterinarian Doc Henry), desperately look for him. Finn faces his own challenges, too, as he continues to encounter the local bully and his mother – the hoarder who wants her dog back. In the end, Finn and his family are able to get Marshall to the vet hospital, and it is the special bond between a boy and his dog that will ultimately save the brave Lab. Marshall has to have his front leg removed, but he is a fierce survivor and can outrun most four-legged dogs, while teaching everyone an important lesson:

Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.

short synopsis

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Inspired by a true story, Marshall the Miracle Dog shares the adventure of Finn, a 13-year-old boy who has become the target of bullies at his new school. Finn is feeling hopeless – that is, until he finds Marshall being held by a dog-hoarder in deplorable conditions with 60 other dogs. The bond is immediate. Finn rescues Marshall, but he has been horribly abused by the other dogs and needs immediate surgery. With the help of his cousin Grace, Finn and Marshall find their way to Doc Henry, who agrees to treat Marshall’s injuries. But Marshall becomes spooked by the other dogs and bolts out of Doc Henry’s office. The race against time is on – Marshall is terribly sick. Finn is chasing Marshall, but so is the dog hoarder. And, Finn is still being pursued by the bullies. In the end, it is Marshall who leads everyone to a place of change, forgiveness, and friendship.

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

Film information film title

log line

Marshall the Miracle Dog Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle. CONTACT INFO

website

producer

The Marshall Movement Pelopidas, LLC 1034 S. Brentwood Blvd, Suite 1700 St. Louis, MO 63117 www.marshallthemiracledog.com

cyndi willenbrock [email protected]

executive producer , director & co - writer

director of photography & producer

www.marshallthemiracledog.com

Jay Kanzler [email protected]

CHRIS BENSON [email protected]

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

Production crew bios & photos Marshall the Miracle Dog – Our Muse and Real-Life Inspiration

marshall the miracle dog

Marshall was found in 2010 while being filmed by Animal Planet’s Confessions: Animal Hoarding. More than 60 dogs were found living on the grounds of an abandoned property. At the time of his rescue, Marshall was in the worst shape of all – he had been attacked by other dogs (most likely over a lack of food), resulting in bite marks all over his body, a broken front leg, and a hole the size of a tennis ball on the side of his face. The Humane Society of Missouri immediately came to all of the dogs’ rescue. Because Marshall was so badly injured, he could not be put up for adoption right away. During his surgery, Marshall died on the operating table but was resuscitated by Dr. Schwartz. The doctor and his medical team sewed up Marshall’s face and amputated his badly infected front leg. After a few months, Marshall was ready to be adopted, and he went to his Forever Home with Cyndi Willenbrock. Now, Marshall knows he has a job to do – and that job is to give back. Marshall and Cyndi have visited more than 250 schools to share his story of courage and the will to overcome abuse and neglect. Marshall has inspired a children’s book, an educational curriculum, a Girl Scout patch, and now a feature film.

Jay Kanzler – Director, Executive Producer & CO-WRITER Jay Kanzler has written, produced, and directed award-winning feature films, documentaries, and short films. His most recent film, 23 Minutes to Sunrise (writer, producer, director), starring Eric Roberts and Nia Peeples, was released nationwide in March 2013 by MTI Home Video. jay kanzler

He has produced and directed four feature-length documentaries: A Magical Life Circus Flora; River Boat Dreams; St. Benedict’s Rule; and Bob Zany: Close But No Cigar. As an attorney, Jay is a named partner in the law firm Witzel Kanzler Dimmitt & Kanzler, LLC, where he splits his time evenly between transactional, litigation, and entertainment law. Prior to 2004, Jay was a partner with the law firm Bryan Cave LLP.

www.marshallthemiracledog.com

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

Production crew bios & photos Chris Benson – Director of Photography & PRODUCER Over the past fifteen years, Chris Benson has served as director of photography on a multitude of films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. Chris graduated with departmental honors from Webster University in St. Louis. chris benson

In 1999, Chris’ first 35mm feature film, Hairdo U, brought him attention from producers in Los Angeles, allowing him to shoot such feature films as The Family Mancuso, Showdown at Area 51 (for the Sci-Fi Channel), Ghost Image (for Showtime), and 23 Minutes To Sunrise. Chris has also shot 2nd Unit for such films as Alice Upside Down, Saving Grace, Saving Shiloh, and Killshot. The success of his music videos has led him to shoot such iconic performers as Nelly, Chingy, Richard Marx, Murphy Lee, Lil’ Wil, and Yo Gotti.

Cyndi Willenbrock – Producer and Marshall’s Mom Cyndi Willenbrock lives in St. Louis with her two dogs, Marshall and Mooshy. Marshall the Miracle Dog is her first children’s book, and the film was inspired by Marshall’s own true story and how his spirit and resiliency affect those around him. cyndi willenbrock

Cyndi started The Marshall Movement in order to give voice to the importance of teaching children to be anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty, as well as promoting education about numerous other social issues facing our children today. Giving back has always been essential in Cyndi’s own life, and she has passed that on to Marshall, who has been trained as a Certified Therapy Dog. Cyndi and Marshall visit classrooms and children’s hospitals carrying Marshall’s life-changing messages.

Ira DeWitt – Music Supervisor

ira dewitt www.marshallthemiracledog.com

As a mother of two and a huge lover of dogs, Ira understands the importance of the soundtrack in emphasizing the film’s heart-touching messages. Ira is CEO and founder of Notifi Records, an urban-music label based in St. Louis that is home to R&B stars Ginuwine, Johnny Gill, Ron Isley, and the trio Bos. Ira is responsible for five top Billboard hits, and Notifi has recording studios in both St. Louis and Los Angeles.

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

CAST LIST

Lucas Carroll (Noah) . . . Finn

Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie, That ‘70s Show) . . . Cynthia, Finn’s mother

Matthew Settle (Gossip Girl, Band of Brothers) . . . Doc Henry

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MARSHALL • the miracle dog

CAST LIST

Lauren Holly (NCIS, Motive, Dumb and Dumber, Any Given Sunday) . . . Susan, the animal hoarder

Dingani Beza . . . Coach Penner

Bill Chott (Saturday Night Live, Wizards of Waverly Place) . . . Susan’s husband

www.marshallthemiracledog.com

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

CAST LIST

Greg Warren (23 Minutes to Sunrise) . . . Assistant Coach Larry

Patti Vasquez . . . Lynette, the waitress

Zach Louis (Golden Winter) . . . Luke, the Bully

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MARSHALL • the miracle dog

CAST LIST

Haley Busch (23 Minutes to Sunrise) . . . Grace, Finn’s cousin

Nathan Eswine (The L Word) . . . Grace’s boyfriend, Drew

Jilanne Klaus (23 Minutes to Sunrise) . . . Carrie

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MARSHALL • the miracle dog

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TITLE INFORMATION MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG Willenbrock, Cynthia Illus. by Heimbaugh, Lauren The Marshall Movement (40 pp.) $16.95 hardcover ISBN: 978-0615666259

BOOK REVIEW Willenbrock’s heartwarming debut picture book is the autobiographical story of how she came to share her home with a special shelter dog. Told from the perspective of Marshall, Willenbrock’s dog, this tale tells of his unpleasant life in the home of a dog hoarder, where food for the dogs was so scarce that they fought each other at mealtime. In one of these fights, Marshall’s front leg was broken and his face was badly bitten. When animal rescuers finally found out about the animal hoarder and took the dogs away, Marshall was in such sorry shape that they didn’t know if he would make it. He ended up losing his damaged front leg and his face remained badly scarred, yet he describes the compassion of the humane society workers who helped him learn how to walk and run on three legs. He meets his new “mom” (owner) and adjusts to a life of freedom with her and her other dog, Mooshy. Though life is good, Marshall is insecure and nervous about how other dogs and people will react to the fact that he has only three legs and a big scar on his face, but he’s pleasantly surprised by the kindness of others. Heimbaugh’s realistic colored-pencil illustrations help bring Marshall’s story to life. Due to wordiness and the use of some bigger words—celebrity, socialize, limitations—this book will most likely work better as a read-aloud with school-age children. It also lends itself to discussions about the humane treatment of animals and discussions about bullying.

 

An enjoyable picture book that addresses important issues in a kid-friendly way without being preachy.

EXCERPTING POLICIES Please review Kirkus Media’s excerpting policies before publishing any portion of this review online or in print for any use. To learn about proper attribution and to ensure your use is in compliance with our guidelines, we invite you to visit http://www.kirkusreviews.com/indieexcerpts.

 

 

Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744 [email protected]

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1. alive magazine, nov. 2012 2. dove award 3. kirkus review 4. town & style magazine, feb. 2014 5. humane society of missouri campaign 6. webster-kirkwood times, feb. 2014

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MARSHALL • the miracle dog

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A DOG GIVING BACK

A DOG GIVING BACK

MARSHALL

PHOTOS BY CYNDI WILLENBROCK

THE MIRACLE DOG The AmericAn Dog reporTs

How is it a 46-pound, 3-legged, scarfaced dog can make such a huge paw print in this world? Marshall, a dog saved from death, has become the "spokesdog" against bullying and is teaching empathy to hundreds of thousands of adults and children. Marshall is a 5-year-old yellow lab mix and was found in a heap in the corner of a filthy pen housing 60 dogs belonging to an animal hoarder in rural Missouri. At the time of the rescue in September 2010, Marshall was found to be in the worst shape of all the dogs. He had obviously been attacked by other dogs, probably over food (or lack thereof ), and he was badly injured with numerous dog bites. He had a broken front leg and a hole

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the size of a tennis ball on the side of his face. Marshall’s hoarding situation was featured on Animal Planet's television show, "Confessions: Animal Hoarding." When the TV crew arrived to film, they found Marshall close to death, and called the Missouri Humane Society for the rescue immediately. Dr. Steven Schwartz, director of veterinary services, was one of Marshall’s guardian angels. He had to amputate the dog's front leg because the damage was so severe. Marshall's heart stopped beating numerous times on the operating table, but Dr. Schwartz refused to give up on Marshall. And, Marshall refused to die.

Summer 2014 | American Dog Media

"Dr. Schwartz said this dog had a purpose, and that he did not hold on for weeks just to die on his operating table. That's why they started calling him Marshall the Miracle Dog,” said Marshall's new owner, Cyndi Willenbrock. When Willenbrock was looking for a “brother” for her black lab Mooshy, she certainly did not expect to adopt a dog with a disability and horrific past. But when she saw his video, “my heart broke, and I knew this dog did not deserve to be without a home one more day!” she said. Willenbrock was a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative and worked long hours. She was always on the go and training for marathons. But,

Marshall changed all that. “He slowed my life down. From the moment Marshall hopped into my life, he turned my world upside down, and anything unimportant, just fell away.” Knowing Marshall needed to give back, Willenbrock had him trained as a certified therapy dog. She also wanted to share his lessons and has written an award-winning book, "Marshall The Miracle Dog," The book is available at: www.marshallthemiracledog.com. Willenbrock also founded The Marshall Movement, which teaches children

the importance of standing up against bullying, peer pressure and animal cruelty. Marshall has inspired a Character Education Curriculum to deliver Marshall’s 5 cornerstones: Empathy, Strength, Courage, Kindness and Forgiveness to classrooms. Marshall’s story also caught the attention of Hollywood. A feature film inspired by his life story begins filming in June 2014. “The movie is just one more platform to carry Marshall’s life changing message that there is a ‘Marshall’ inside all of us, that place that feels inadequate,” said Willenbrock.

Marshall speaks the language of the heart and has a unique message for everyone. Cyndi says, “We just have to get quiet enough to be shown what it is. Marshall is a reminder not to give up five minutes before the miracle.”

Become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/ Marshall-the-Miracle-Dog

Visit the Website at: www.marshallthemiracledog.com

American Dog Media | Summer 2014

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7. ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, JUNE 5, 2014. 8. STARS IN EDWARDSVILLE SHOOTING “MIRACLE DOG” MOVIE – FOX 2, JUNE 2, 2014. 9. MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG FEATURED ON SHOW ME ST. LOUIS, JUNE 4, 2014 10. MARSHALL THE MIRACLE DOG STARTS FILMING – KSDK CHANNEL 5, JUNE 4, 2014. 11. AMERICAN DOG, SUMMER 2014.

www.marshallthemiracledog.com

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

School outreach & engagement ny journal of books review: “Marshall the Miracle Dog is a story to be savored—and read over and over again.” –Lisa Rojany Buccieri

Since the publication of his children’s book in September 2012, Marshall has become a public figure and an inspiration. Endorsed by the Humane Society of Missouri and winner of the Dove Foundation’s highest award, Marshall the Miracle Dog shares the story of his triumphant journey from an abusive, bullying place to a loving, accepting home. The book delves into how Marshall learned to trust again, especially after his last attack left him with only three legs and a large scar on his face. There is a “Marshall” inside all of us – a place that feels inadequate. Marshall is a living reminder that we are all enough, exactly as we are. Marshall inspired a Girl Scout Anti-Bullying Patch and caught the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals. The beloved baseball team honored Marshall with his very own Bullying Prevention Game and parade, and he even “threw out” the first pitch.

www.marshallthemiracledog.com

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

School outreach & engagement To date, Cyndi and Marshall have been invited to speak at more than 250 schools and events, resulting in Marshall already meeting over 80,000 new friends. But, he is only one dog and cannot be everywhere! Therefore, a Character Education Curriculum has been designed to empower high school juniors and seniors to serve as peer-to-peer mentors; they share Marshall’s 5 Cornerstones—Empathy, Strength, Courage, Kindness, Forgiveness—with middle and elementary school classrooms.

testimonial

“Cyndi’s presentation with Marshall the Miracle Dog is an inspirational and life changing experience for all ages. The expertise at presenting their message to promote compassion and empathy in our world will touch the heart of every member of the audience. So many children and adults know what’s right, but can’t get out of the gate to truly do what’s right until their own heart leads them to do so. After being a part of the audience, all will feel urgency and responsibility to step up and do something to make life better for others.”

–Amy Richards, Character Educator, Lindbergh School District Marshall was invited to be the “face” of the Humane Society Annual Campaign that ran from November 2013 through January 2014, with media outreach on four billboards on the major highways in St. Louis City and County, along with commercials airing on ESPN, Animal Planet, Nat Geo, and ABC Family.

Believe You Can Make a DiΩerence hsmo.org

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Humane Society of Missouri Holiday Fund Drive

MARSHALL • the miracle dog

High-res photos of Marshall & Cyndi marshall post-surgery

hsmo rescue marshall, mo october 4, 2010

adoptive mother cyndi willenbrock with marshall

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marshall, after recovery

MARSHALL • the miracle dog