Brady Owen



Projects by Brady Owen

From Small-Town Dreamer to Hollywood Success: Angelo Pizzo’s Journey

By Brady Owen, Phoebe Hyun, and Edward Lewis

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

As the lights in the theater slowly started to dim, so did the voices in the audience. All Angelo Pizzo could do was take deep breaths in order not to let his worries take over. The air in the theater was thick with anticipation. This was the moment he fought for, a test screening for the film he had poured his soul into. If the audience didn’t like it, well, that was it; it was over. His heart pounded, each beat louder than the last as he watched his film unfold on screen. His mind was restless as he thought about all the challenges he had faced up until this moment. As the end credits rolled and the lights slowly turned on, the entire theater erupted. For a full five minutes, all you could hear were cheers and claps, he had done it. The fight had been worth it. His dream had come true. 

Angelo Pizzo and colleague viewing hoosiers.
Angelo Pizzo and his colleague viewing Hoosiers.

It’s the kind of story you’d see in a classic movie: a small-town dreamer with big dreams fighting against all odds to make it in the industry. But for Angelo Pizzo, it wasn’t a movie, it was his life. From his small-town childhood to becoming the creator of arguably the most iconic sports films, Hoosiers and Rudy, Angelo’s journey is one of a dreamer who faced all his challenges head-on. His story is more than just about making movies – it’s about dealing with setback after setback and proving dreams are achieved through persistence, passion, and lessons learned from failure. 

Growing up in a small town, Angelo Pizzo never dared to dream of a career that was not “traditional.” It wasn’t until later in life that he found his true calling and was willing to jump into a world of unknowns. Angelo said, “I’ve always loved film, but I’ve never thought of making a living doing it.” He explained how for a good portion of his life, his plan was to work in politics. However, that plan took an unexpected turn after his involvement in the anti-war movement, which shifted his perspective entirely. Disillusioned with politics, he took a step back from the conventional path and decided to “ski a season in Aspen, surf a season in Hawaii, and live on a commune there.”

It was during this time of exploration and self-discovery that Angelo began to reconsider his future. After returning home, his father told him that he’d “support him no matter what, but [Angelo] had to pursue something he loved.” This moment of encouragement marked a turning point in Angelo’s life, propelling him toward a career in a field he never imagined — filmmaking.

Early Struggles

Like many success stories, Angelo’s journey was filled with setbacks. For years, he worked with companies like Warner Brothers and 21st Century Fox until he felt ready to go off and create something on his own. 

Initially, Angelo’s approach to filmmaking was more academic. After being told by the head of the comparative literature department that he needed a doctorate from one of three specific schools, he was motivated to do just that. After years of working toward that very goal, he ended up scoring an internship that was usually for production students, he soon began questioning his career choices once more. 

Collection of props and pictures from over the years.

After being told by one of the people he was fortunate enough to work with that he “doesn’t belong in academics, you’ve got to be in this business”, he was able to start gaining work experience in development, which led him to become vice president of production. 

During the early years in his career, Angelo faced many challenges, rejection and uncertainty being two of them. Yet, he didn’t let anything deter him. Instead, he used it as fuel to push himself forward.

The Importance of Persistence and Passion

For Angelo, the most important lesson in his career was learning to keep going, no matter the odds. He stressed how important determination is for anyone looking to make it in a competitive industry like filmmaking.

Angelo said, “The one thing I was told really early on was you’re going to face a lot of rejection. You’re going to get a series of nos and people discouraging you that you’re not going to make it. And if you allow other people to define what you’re capable of…then you’re finished”.

Despite the setbacks, he refused to let others define his potential became the foundation for his success. By embracing his failures and pushing forward, Angelo ultimately found his place in the industry, creating some of the most beloved and iconic films in sports history. His journey reminds us all that success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about having the grit to rise again and again, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

A media and plaque earned by Angelo Pizzo for his work.

Behind the Scenes: Quinley’s Perspective

To truly understand what it’s like to work with Angelo, we spoke to Quinley Bowden, his stepdaughter, who had the chance to work with Angelo on his most recent project. Quinley, who has witnessed Angelo’s journey up close, shared her perspective on what it’s like to see him both at home and on set. “Well, I think that both on and off set he’s a different person… in real life he’s kind of nonchalant… he’s just a guy. But on set, he’s very locked in”.

When asked what Angelo’s previous work means to her, Quinley said,  “…these are really inspirational movies. I always feel really good after watching an Angelo Pizzo movie”. We also asked Quinley how working with Angelo on set had impacted her understanding of filmmaking and storytelling. She reflected thoughtfully, “I was involved… for a long time. I read the script months beforehand, seeing the way the movie morphed and changed throughout the whole process was really cool”.

Posters of Hoosiers and Rudy.

A Legacy of Hope

Today, Angelo Pizzo’s name is synonymous with inspiring stories of hope and perseverance. His films continue to resonate with audiences around the world, showing that the greatest victories often emerge from the greatest struggles. His journey serves as a powerful reminder to anyone chasing a dream — whether in film or any other field — that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of hard work, passion, and never giving up.

As Angelo reflects on his career, he connects the story of Rudy to the challenges many people face in their own lives. “Rudy seems to inspire people to do a couple of things,” he explains. “To go after their dream no matter how impossible it seems, and no matter how little support you have from your friends and family.” He adds, “Rudy never gave away the power to let others define not only who he was, but what he was capable of. And I think a lot of people are looking for that in their own lives.”

For those just starting out, Angelo Pizzo’s story proves that success in Hollywood—or in any field—isn’t reserved for the fortunate few. It’s for those who dare to dream and have the persistence to make those dreams a reality.

Angelo Pizzo on red carpet for film All-American.

Pizzo highlights important pieces of his film career and how he has reached the tip of the mountain from his humble beginnings

Apple Announces ‘New’ Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple Announces ‘New’ Apple Watch

Media Contacts
Brady Owen
Lauren Wainwright
Jordan Shane

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2024) – Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook revealed the new Apple Watch, the first wearable device in its catalogue, with a sleek design for personalization features.

 Groundbreaking and innovative, the reveal at the Flint Center left the audience in awe with the new standard set for personalization, health tracking, and seamless connectivity all from the wrist. Following the reveal of the iPhone 6 and representing the company’s first entry into wearable technology, As the lights dimmed in the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, an air of anticipation filled the room. The crowd, composed of journalists, tech enthusiasts, and Apple loyalists, murmured with excitement as the massive screen on stage flickered to life. Moments later, Apple CEO Tim Cook walked onto the stage, smiling as he prepared to introduce Apple’s next groundbreaking innovation. 

Apple Watch is available currently in three different collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each designed to adapt to different lifestyles, the watches come with a retina display built for its Force Touch and Digital Crown features. Aesthetics and functionality are synchronized for the best possible creation.

Teacher uses watch in class to keep track of time
A math professor at IU admires her Apple Watch for its sleek design and comfortable fit. She uses her watch in class everyday to keep track of time, and class discussions.


Apple Watch has four different pillars of its product. The Sport Band, The Leather Loop, and the Handcrafted Leather Modern Buckle, and the Stainless Steel Link bracelet. “We thought not only of the function,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “but the way it looked.”

“With a design that connects with the wearer at an intimate level. The Sport Band is made from a tough, durable, sweat- and chemical-resistant high-performance elastomer. The Leather Loop comes in a soft quilted leather that conceals magnets for fastening and adjustment. The supple, handcrafted Leather Modern Buckle closes with a solid metal clasp. And the Stainless Steel Link Bracelet has a slim deployment clasp that is contained within a 2.6mm band.”

Fitness Tracking is taken to a new frontier with the applications that the Apple Watch incentivizes. Experiencing technology with this is engaging and rewards progress spent on personal goals.


“Apple builds great products that enrich people’s lives.” Said Tim Cooks. “And arguably, we can take that to a whole new level with Apple Watch.”
“If you’re just someone who wants to be a bit more active, or maybe you just want to track what you’re doing during the day, or perhaps you exercise regularly, or even if you’re a very serious athlete. The Fitness app monitors all of your activity and movement throughout the day. The Workout app allows you to set specific goals for specific types of workouts like cycling or running,”

Student tracks exercise
An IU student checks her Apple Watch to track her exercise for the day. She uses the watch everyday to set exercise goals for herself.

The Activity Rings feature provides users with a visual snapshot of their daily activity, while the Fitness app is offering personalized structure for everyday exercise tracking. No matter the level of intensity the variety of activities will be monitored and managed with engagement of the wearer.

Kevin Lynch, Apple’s Vince President of Technology, demonstrated Apple Watch’s ability to track workouts, and monitor heart rate, also further exemplifying how seamlessly it syncs and interacts with the iPhone.

The announcement was met with magnetic attention, enthusiastic applause, and success in moments of hilarity. The revolution was being televised, and all attendees were highlighting the potential catalyst of this invention to change wearable technology. Technology journalists and analysts were very quick to praise the device’s mix with the iPhone that they also had announced a new product to, and noted its unique blend of fashion and function.
Cook closed the event with a declaration:
“Apple Watch is not just a new product. It’s a new way to experience technology.”

Tim Cook talks about important features and the wearable design of the Apple Watch. 

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