Pinball Player Overcomes Autism Stigma in ‘Wizard Mode’ Documentary
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Logline: Robert Gagno is one of the world’s best pinball players. He also happens to be autistic. As Robert comes of age while rising up the ranks of the international pinball circuit, he strives to gain his independence and transcend the label of autism.
Elevator Pitch:
If we were in an elevator and could only use one sentence we’d say “Wizard Mode” is “Hoop Dreams” meets “The Wizard.” The film is a fun rock’n’roll pinball movie that captures the exciting and competitive spirit of the game, but it also shares Robert’s struggles to overcome the stigma of autism and prove that he’s more than just a label that society places on him.
Production Team:
Directors & Producers – Salazar (Jeff Petry & Nathan Drillot)
Editor – Greg Ng, Aynsley Baldwin, Luis Lam
Composer – Edo van Breeman
Sound Mix & Editing – Oscar Vargas & Eugenio Battaglia
Co-Producer – Sara Wylie
About the Film:
We met Robert through mutual friends who were involved in the pinball community. We knew upon meeting him that he had a really special story to share, and we have spent almost the past two years filming with Robert and the Gagno family. Our hope is to make a film that celebrates his pinball talent and triumphs, but is also an inspiring story about an individual overcoming the stigma of autism, while bringing attention to the millions of people who live on the autism spectrum.
Current Status: We are currently running a crowdfund campaign on Indiegogo to raise funds to help us complete “Wizard Mode” (editing, licensing, etc.)
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