The Chess Players of New York
“The outcome of your game is limited because you haven’t developed all your pieces”
While serving 22 years in prison, Damion “Focus” Coppedge found refuge in the game of chess. After hearing about the positive impacts of New York’s last remaining chess shop on his community, Focus vows to follow suit and help others in traumatic situations find healing through chess.
The Chess Players of New York is a short documentary film produced by Voice for Nature in collaboration with Long Beach Film Company. It is part of the Human x Nature Project.
Featuring Damion “Focus” Coppedge and Imad Khachan.
PRODUCERS + PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Vern Moen
Producer: David de Rothschild
Co-Producers: Vern Moen and Katie McLaurin
Cinematographer: Vern Moen
Camera Operator: Martin Vielma
Sound Recordist: Dave Ross
Story Producer: Costanza Burstin
Fixer: Mariah Rich and Imad Khachan
POST PRODUCTION TEAM
Post Producer: Martin Vielma
Editor: Vern Moen
Assistant Editor: Joshua Jones
Composer: Joel Shearer
Colourist: Graham Lovelis / Grimace Films
Art Director: Jess Leitmanis
Online Editor: Joshua Jones
Sound Design/Mix: Joel Shearer and Vern Moen
FEATURING
Damion “Focus” Coppedge
Imad Khachan
The chess community of Washington Square Park
ORGANISATIONS + BUSINESSES
Long Beach Film Company
Need a Fixer
The Chess Forum
PRODUCTION PARTNERS
