When I first talk to someone in the entertainment world I have one thought – “How can this person introduce me to my favorite actor, Bruce Campbell?”
It’s a great testament to Zack Arnold, the editor for the series Burn Notice (starring Bruce Campbell), that my first thought about him was “How can I help his movie, GO FAR?”
Arnold has edited feature films, TV shows, documentaries and theatrical trailers. He’s worked on theatrical marketing campaigns for The Passion of the Christ, Monster, The Machinist, among many others. In addition to the last four seasons of Burn Notice, he’s edited episodes of Glee and HBO First Look.
Arnold’s latest project is his directorial debut, GO FAR: The Christopher Rush Story. The documentary tells the story of Christopher Rush, a paraplegic with muscular dystrophy. When he was born the doctor told his parents, “Your son will be nothing more than a dishrag, and he will be dead by the age of two.”
He went on to live a full, amazing and inspirational life until he passed away at 30. He was a national spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, was the first quadriplegic licensed scuba diver, and developed a motivational program called GO FAR. GO FAR is an acronym for his 5 step program using his life as an example for overcoming adversity.
His brother, John Nolte, editor of Breitbart’s Big Government, told me, “Yes, he is my brother and I love him, but his resume and talent as an editor speaks for itself. And with GO FAR he has proven himself to be much more: a remarkable producer, director, and storyteller.”
The De Pasquale's Dozen asks political figures and free market-minded writers and entertainers to talk about their pop culture obsessions.
1. What's your favorite movie line and who would you like to say it to?
"Do or do not. There is no try." I would love to say this to Christopher Rush and tell him that because of him I truly understand what it means. But since he's no longer alive, I can't.
2. Tell me about your favorite teacher and how he or she influenced your life.
My favorite teacher was Mr. Whelan, my English/French teacher in high school. He helped me understand that although I was very different than my classmates, that those differences were a gift and that I should be proud of who I am.
3. If you could be paid to do anything besides your current job, what would it be?
My dream would be to travel around the world screening GO FAR for people with disabilities and watch how it impacts them.
4. Tell me about a public or private moment when you thought to yourself, "This is what Elvis felt like every day.”
I recently received an extended standing ovation at a screening of GO FAR. That was pretty cool.
5. What's your current “guilty pleasure” non-news television show?
Person of Interest. Also Fantasy Football Live.
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
My work ethic.
7. What’s the best present you ever gave?
The last five years of my life producing GO FAR to spread Christopher's message.
8. What advice do you remember your mother or father giving you? Did you take it?
My father told me it doesn't matter what I choose to be when I grow up. What is important is loving what I do, giving it everything I have, and being passionate.
9. Who would be on the perfect "Red Eye" panel?
Sorry, don't watch the show. Probably wouldn't have a good answer for this one.
10. What books are on your reading list?
Reading is my way to learn new things, so everything is non-fiction. I have a stack of books about film editing theory that are still unread, I'd like to learn more about visual effects compositing, and my next goal is continuing to learn how to play classical piano.
11. What would you like tomorrow's headline to say?
GO FAR has reached its funding goal!
12. What's the message of Go Far and what can readers do to help?
GO FAR was a motivational program designed by Christopher Rush, who was born with muscular dystrophy and given a prognosis of two years. He lived until he was thirty. He was the national poster child for muscular dystrophy. He was the first quadriplegic to become a licensed scuba diver. He graduated with honors from the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in law from Wayne State University. He routinely put together 1000+ piece puzzles…all without the use of his limbs. His message was all about staying positive, believing in yourself, and making the most of what you've been given, rather than lamenting that which you don't have.
Readers can visit our Kickstarter site and help us reach our fundraising goal by this Saturday night!
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