Welcome to the Behind the Scenes Series for 7 Yards by Fotolanthropy! A signature trademark of Fotolanthropy films is that we ask the subject to re-enact the day that changed their lives forever and to include as many of the real people from that day as possible. In 2012, we began this tradition by asking SSG Travis Mills to re-enact the day he was hit by an IED bomb. We know this is a lot to ask of the subjects, but we have witnessed the power of story when it is told authentically and vulnerably so that the viewer can truly understand the full journey. In Chris Norton's case, this was the day that he suffered a severe spinal cord injury from a football tackle.
We wanted to share clips from our film trip to Decorah, Iowa where we gathered hundreds of extras, the Luther and Central college football teams, cheerleaders and paramedics to recreate the football game that took place on October 11, 2010.
You’ve experienced the 7 Yards trailer and I bet you were wondering what it was like for Chris to relive his injury? Hear it from Chris himself....
"To actually go back to something you thought you’d never revisit that deeply and that closely was incredible."
- Chris Norton
"I’m doing it because I want to inspire people, help other people overcome their own challenges."
- Chris Norton
"Just to see so many people that are committed to making this real and to be a part of this film was unbelievable. It’s one thing to just talk about it but actually seeing it come together and seeing all the people who want to be a part of it and to make a difference was humbling."
- Chris Norton
"I’m all in for this [documentary]."
- Chris Norton