FILM SYNOPSIS
Bill Richardson is a pioneer. Following multiple surgeries for aggressive brain tumors and infections, he is a unique host for an increasingly familiar enemy. He’s not one to invite trouble. But after each tumor is cut away, another bares its deadly teeth.
So what if the knives were put away? What if a radical new treatment could bring hope for millions? It would require an explorer. An adventurer. Someone willing to go first.
With the world-renowned clinical team at Barrow Brain & Spine, and a specialized robot called ZAP-X, Bill finds himself on a road never before traveled. One that could unlock the key to survival.
If all goes well, Bill Richardson will be the “First in Man”.
A FILM BY: OVO
DIRECTED BY: Ryan Durant
IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Tonal Productions
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: ZAP Surgical Systems
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Paul Manley
EDITED BY: Paul Manley
ORIGINAL SCORE BY: Tom Hagerman
CAMERA OPERATORS: Brian Bossert, Chris Parkinson
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Barrow Brain and Spine, Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Richardson Family and Friends
FILMMAKERS
RYAN DURANT
DIRECTOR
Ryan Durant is a multidisciplinary storyteller living in Portland, OR. Following two decades of experience in creative direction, the 2019 film First in Man marks his directorial debut. Ryan graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He is a co-founder at OVO, a branding agency.
PAUL MANLEY
DP, EDITOR
Paul Manley is a filmmaker from Phoenix, AZ and founder of TONAL. His long history includes experience at each phase of the filmmaking process, having worked as a pre-production coordinator, camera operator, director, sound engineer, editor, and colorist. Above all, Paul aims to draw attention to the authentic quirks and character of each subject.
THEATRICAL SCREENINGS
L.A. Feedback Film Festival
Official Selection
JUN 11, 2020 — Los Angeles, CA
L.A. Live — Tickets / Info
Los Angeles Short Film Festival
Official Selection
MAR 14-15, 2020 — Santa Monica, CA
Promenade Playhouse — Tickets / Info
Oregon Short Film Festival (Winter 2020)
Best Documentary Nominee!
FEB 23, 2020 — Portland, OR
5th Avenue Cinema — Tickets / Info
Short. Sweet. Film. Fest.
Official Selection
FEB 26 – MAR 1, 2020 — Cleveland, OH
Alex Theater — Tickets / Info
Silicon Valley International Film Festival
Official Selection
DEC 8, 2019 — San Francisco, CA
AMC Metreon — Tickets / Info