Josh Swindell, The Subject Of MindRiot Entertainment’s Forthcoming Skating Biopic ‘Four The Yard’, Signs With The BKS Agency

EXCLUSIVE: Josh Swindell, a former pro skater who is set to be the central subject of a forthcoming skating biopic from MindRiot Entertainment, has signed with The BKS Agency in London. 

The agency will handle Swindell’s literary representation and they are currently out to publishers with Swindell’s memoir, which is the basis of MindRiot’s biopic. 

Swindell was one of the most celebrated pro skaters of his generation and had been regarded as the future of the sport by grandees such as Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, and Steve Caballero. He also crossed over into motocross and is still sponsored by Vans. In October 1995, however, Swindell was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of Keith Ogden, whom he beat to death outside a bar in Azusa, California. He was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison and was released in 2012 after spending almost 20 years behind bars. The case has been the center of controversy over the years, with George W. Trammell, the judge who presided over the case, later being charged and pleading guilty to federal corruption charges. 

“I am beyond honored and grateful to be working with Jason Bartholomew and the whole team at The BKS Agency,” Swindell said. 

“I absolutely love that they see the unique value in my story and share in my vision of helping others. Between The BKS Agency and MindRiot Entertainment, I know we’re going to reach a broad audience and hopefully show the world that all lives have value and can be redeemed.”

Jason Bartholomew, BKS co-founder added: “I am truly honored to work with Josh. His story is gritty, honest, heart-breaking, and utterly inspiring. I can’t wait to match Josh with the right global publisher. His story is one that will resonate with readers everywhere. I am also thrilled to be working closely with the MindRiot Entertainment team to bring Josh’s story to life on the big screen with Jonathan Keasey chosen as the screenwriter.”

Four The Yard is part of MindRiot’s upcoming slate of projects, including Salvaged, co-produced by E. Brian Dobbins (The Blackening, Black-ish), and a project in development based around Seattle’s underground rap scene. MindRiot also opened an Irish office last year, headed by Justin MacGregor, who is head of film at Trinity College, Dublin. MindRiot’s staff also includes COO Randa Minkarah. She is the former head of Business Development at North America’s Fisher Communications, where she led sales teams for ABC, Fox, and Univision.