The Saillant Company

07/28/2024

Logline
In the fall of 1979, a determined high school football team in Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan breaks a 25-game losing streak, leading their beleaguered coach to his first victory in 24 attempts, igniting hope and pride in a small town hungry for a win.

Tagline
From the depths of defeat, they rose to glory.

Synopsis
KNIGHTS58

Set in the autumn of 1979, "KNIGHTS58" follows the true story of the Northern Valley Regional High School Knights football team from Old Tappan, New Jersey. For years, the team had been mired in defeat, enduring a disheartening 25-game losing streak that left players and fans alike questioning their faith in the game. At the helm was Bill Medea, a coach whose unwavering dedication to his team was matched only by his struggle to secure a single win in 24 games.

The film centers on the pivotal moment when everything changed. With the odds stacked against them, the Knights faced off against the winless Westwood team. This was more than just a game—it was a battle for redemption. The Knights' fortunes began to shift with Ivan Jones, a determined player who scored two pivotal touchdowns, including an exhilarating 70-yard fumble recovery. Alongside him, teammates Don Manwarren, Andy Hess, and Bill Foster each made crucial contributions, pushing the Knights to an early 27-0 lead.

As the clock wound down, the Knights secured a triumphant 33-8 victory, their first win since November 1976. The win was more than a number on a scoreboard; it was a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and the relentless spirit of a community. "KNIGHTS58" is a heartwarming and inspiring tale that reminds us all that with determination and heart, even the longest losing streaks can be broken, and true champions can emerge. Knights "58"

04/24/2024

"In embracing vulnerability and confronting personal challenges, many of us unearth empathy, compassion, and our true essence."

Reflecting on the trials I faced with my father's health and my mother's dementia, though arduous, I find gratitude in the invaluable lessons learned. Balancing work and personal life gained significance, not only for my well-being but for those under my care. These experiences deepened my capacity for empathy, support, and respect.

Prioritizing my parents' welfare over personal ambitions was a choice I'm grateful for. Delaying Hollywood was a decision I don't regret. - Antonio Saillant

03/23/2024

I want to share something deeply personal with you all. My dear friend Jack Lerner, who happened to be a millionaire, recently passed away. Despite his wealth, what truly set him apart was his extraordinary kindness and genuine heart. I am deeply saddened by his loss and feel compelled to share with you just how much he meant to me. When my parents were in hospice, facing their final days, Jack immediately offered his support. He was there for me in ways that truly touched my heart. From offering a helping hand with errands to attending the funerals of both my mom and dad, Jack exemplified what it means to be a true friend. His presence was a blessing during such difficult times, and I will forever cherish the memories of his unwavering support and friendship. 

Rest in peace, my friend until we meet again I will carry you always deep in my heart and in my mind God bless you.

01/16/2024

Found this…Grinnell College created an excellent poster for me, showcasing widespread placement across both campus and beyond. Fantastic backing for the !

01/15/2024

In the words of Antonio Saillant: "Education isn't just about filling your mind with information; it's about sparking curiosity, paving the way for a perpetual learning experience throughout your life."

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas, From My Heart to Yours,

Pausing to extend warm holiday greetings, I wish you a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays! 🙂

In this season of diverse emotions, my sincere hope is that you discover gratitude for all that exists and the potential for an extraordinary year ahead. May you embrace the belief that the coming year holds the promise of being grander, more vibrant, and better than ever, regardless of today's circumstances.

Sending the very best to you and your loved ones, and may every aspiration you hold dear transform into a beautiful reality!

Warm Regards,

Antonio Saillant

12/05/2023

Stepping into Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan under Principal Fred Hessler's tenure, I vividly recall my disbelief when I requested the football films from the 1977-1979 season, only to discover they had been discarded for space. Over years as a filmmaker, I've learned a resounding lesson: never discard history. Every football film in cinemas traces back to those old reels. My frustration and disappointment lingered, but on YouTube, remnants of the past emerged in the form of 1977-1978 halftime music band performances. Gratefully, I unearthed articles and archives spanning the 1977-1980 seasons. The essence is clear – history, whether good or bad, should never be erased. The black and white photograph below, kept safe by my brother Angel Luis Meneses, epitomizes this sentiment. Thanks to dedicated researchers like writer Mario Bruno Vitellozzi and myself, who collaborated with journalists, the truth of KNIGHTS "58" endured. History, undeniably, is the cornerstone of compelling stories.

12/02/2023

Happy Holidays to all my friends, colleagues and family.

11/23/2023

With unwavering faith, I believe that from this darkness, we shall emerge victoriously, for we embody the very essence of light.

11/21/2023

Knights "58"

11/19/2023

Your actions reverberate in life; what you project returns to you.

11/18/2023

Celebrity Spotlight Radio

11/18/2023

I owe immense gratitude to mentors like Sydney Pollack, Ted Kotcheff, Kevin Misher, and Gareth Edwards, who imparted invaluable lessons in directing and producing. Among them, Ron Howard stands out as a master director, praised unanimously for his skills.

I've learned from top experts that Ron Howard's meticulous study of films, analyzing each frame in slow motion, greatly influenced my approach to gaining a comprehensive understanding of different shots.

To truly master directing, one must study diverse forms, absorb the knowledge, and then unleash imagination and creativity to develop a unique style.

Here's to the inspiration drawn from Ron Howard!

11/16/2023

Love seeing that my picture is still posted on the wall in New York City. An honor.

11/13/2023

Good Morning everyone.....

11/11/2023

11/07/2023

"I'm thrilled to share that my YouTube channel, Celebrity Spotlight Radio, has surpassed 1,000,000 views! 🎉 I originally launched the channel in 2016, but due to personal circumstances, I had to take a break. However, earlier this year, I relaunched the channel, and reaching this milestone means the world to me. Thank you all for your support and love! 💙 Celebrity Spotlight Radio

11/03/2023

This message on LinkedIn had me emotional .

10/28/2023

> North Dallas Forty, starring Nick Nolte and directed by my good friend Ted Kotcheff, is the best football movie ever made. It was released in 1979, the same year that my brother Angel was part of a high school football team. He passed away in 1987, which coincidentally was the number that Nick Nolte wore in the movie. When I pitched my football film Knights 58 to Ted, I told him this amazing irony. He said it was destiny and that I had to make this film.

Knights "58"

10/28/2023

The most painful thing in life is to lose your brother, your hero, your best friend, in a split second after a horrible crash. This is the nightmare that torments me every night, the one I wish I could wake up from. I try to surround myself with positive people and things, but nothing can fill the void that he left behind. What breaks my heart is that I couldn't do anything to help him. All I could do was stay by his side as he left this world and entered God's kingdom. I hope that when my time comes, he will be the first one to greet me in heaven.

I love you forever Angel Luis Meneses

10/25/2023

LETTER FROM ANTONIO SAILLANT

As a leader in sustainability, I believe that food recovery is a vital step to reduce our environmental impact across the nation. Every day, tons of food scraps are thrown away in landfills, wasting precious resources and contributing to climate change. We can change this by turning food waste into compost, a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and supports plant growth. This is how we can move closer to our vision of zero waste.

I invite you to join me in this mission, and together we can make a difference. By collaborating with each other, we can explore new opportunities, set higher standards, and achieve more ambitious environmental goals. Let's take action now and fight for a better future.

Sustainability is right everywhere.

- Antonio Saillant

Sustainable Leader in sports, entertainment, fashion and media.

10/25/2023

We are very excited to announce that we will have Neil deGrasse Tyson and Scott Hamilton Kennedy as our guests on our next episode of Celebrity Spotlight Radio. They will join us for an in-depth conversation about SHOT IN THE ARM, their motivations for making this film, their challenges and discoveries along the way, and their hopes for the future of public health and science communication. You don't want to miss this exclusive interview with two of the most influential and inspiring figures in our culture today.

It would be nice that my friends, family and colleagues on facebook would subscribe to my channel.

https://youtube.com/?si=9l9Xi1SEDayFoCre

Celebrity Spotlight Radio

10/22/2023

Great interview .

10/22/2023

This is Chris Meloni on one of his final days of shooting SVU season 12. The photo was taken by me, Antonio Saillant on set doing my thing for the show. Great memories.

10/22/2023

This is a photo of me, Antonio Saillant, and Ron Kamen at the New York's Green Festival Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, where we gave a speech about sustainability and clean energy. Ron was my mentor and taught me everything I know about energy and solar, which inspired me to become who I am today. I work in film, television and sports production, but I also lead the way in making the entertainment industry more environmentally friendly. I am grateful for Ron's guidance and friendship, and for the opportunity to share our vision with others.

10/22/2023

A person once told me I only needed someone who believed in me and my journey. I replied that I had two such people: myself and God. And they were all I needed, my friend. -Antonio Saillant

10/21/2023

A Call to Action from Antonio Saillant.

As a filmmaker and a former energy consultant, I have witnessed the beauty and the fragility of our planet. I have dedicated my life to being an environmental crusader, fighting for a cause that is bigger than myself. I firmly believe that, “If Humanity Saves our Planet, Our Planet will Save Humanity.” That is why I urge you to join me in this fight, because our planet needs us more than ever. We are facing a global crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. We cannot afford to be complacent or divided. We need to unite as one global community, and demand that our leaders take action to protect our environment and our future.

We have the power to make a difference. We have the power to vote for candidates who care about the environment and hold them accountable. We have the power to speak up for the rights of all living beings on earth, and to live in harmony with nature. We have the power to choose life over death, hope over despair, love over hate.

Choose Life. It’s Simple.
- Antonio Saillant

10/15/2023

Discovered these stunning photographs featuring Isabelle Huppert, the remarkable French actress who made a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. It was an absolute delight conversing with her during the filming of season 12. She's a truly brilliant actress! I feel honored to have been a part of that experience. Isabelle Huppert delivered an extraordinary performance, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Special thanks to myself for capturing these moments. Isabelle Huppert

10/15/2023

In my deepest beliefs, I hold onto the hope that my dear sister, brother, father, and mother now reside in heaven, casting their radiant light upon us all.

I send my heartfelt prayers, beseeching their beautiful spiritual presence to guide us through these challenging moments.

Step by step, we can each weave a positive strand into the intricate tapestry of our 7+ billion human lives, every thread a crucial element that inches us closer to the tipping point of unity and the creation of a sustainable future.

Clean energy serves as one pivotal piece of this grand puzzle, while heart, determination, soul, and ever-evolving action complete the picture.

Wishing you and all the world an abundance of Peace, Love, and Health. 😇

Antonio Saillant