Trick Films’ Schoolboy Brings Authenticity to Writer’s Room
By: Paul Chastain
In modern television, realism is the gold standard. Crime dramas often strive to offer an unfiltered look into the underworld, but few manage to capture the raw reality. Trick Films’ recent acquisition of the gritty series Schoolboy is poised to change that. The story isn’t just drawn from real life; it’s being shaped by the man who lived it.
Co-created by Patrick Cox and his longtime friend and collaborator, Clay Baird, “Schoolboy” is more than just another crime drama. Cox spent the mid-90s and early 2000s entangled in the dangerous criminal underworld of Memphis, one of America’s most perilous cities. His firsthand experiences lend genuineness and raw emotion to the narrative.
Cox’s involvement in the writer’s room is a rare and valuable asset. He explains, “I feel like a lot of shows that deal with criminal organizations do so from a sort of fanboy angle where they romanticize violence. It’s obvious they’ve never actually experienced real violence in any way, and for some reason, they find it sexy or cool. What I hope to convey is how hideous it is. The trauma it causes not just to the victims and their loved ones but to the people who commit it. The cops who investigate it. The nurses and doctors who treat it. The communities that are held hostage by it. The ugly truth of it. There is nothing romantic about it.”
The collaboration between Trick Films and the writers of “Schoolboy” is unique because of this intimate connection to the true story that inspired the series. Michael Trucco, co-founder of Trick Films, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Having Patrick in the writer’s room brings a level of realism rare in television. His experiences provide a depth and veracity that can’t be fabricated. This series is not just about telling a story; it’s about telling the truth.”
PJ Haarsma, the other half of Trick Films’ leadership, added, “We were immediately drawn to the raw, unfiltered nature of Patrick’s experiences. It’s a powerful narrative that resonates on many levels, and having him involved in the writing process ensures that the series stays true to its roots. The collaboration between Patrick and Clay and our vision make ‘Schoolboy’ a truly unique project.”
“Schoolboy” is set against the backdrop of 1990s Memphis, a city rife with racial tension, gang wars, and economic disparity. The series centers on Kenny Harpole, a young football prodigy whose life takes a dramatic turn following a career-ending injury. Desperate to support his family, Kenny becomes a bouncer at a strip club, unknowingly stepping into the dangerous world of the redneck mafia.
The core of “Schoolboy” lies in its sincere and raw portrayal of Kenny’s descent into the criminal underworld. Unlike other crime dramas, which often glamorize a life of crime, “Schoolboy” seeks to expose this life’s brutal and traumatic realities in a divided city. Kenny’s transformation from a hopeful athlete to a reluctant enforcer for the mafia is laden with moral dilemmas, intense conflicts, and an ever-present threat of devastating consequences.
Photo Courtesy: Trick Films / Patrick Cox
Cox’s involvement ensures that these portrayals are accurate and deeply personal. His firsthand experiences with violent crime provide a stark, unromanticized view of the criminal underworld. “The stories we tell in ‘Schoolboy’ are grounded in reality,” Cox stated. “They reflect the true nature of violence and its impact on everyone involved.”
Clay Baird, the co-writer, reflects on his long-standing partnership with Cox: “Patrick and I have been writing together for nearly 20 years, and ‘Schoolboy’ is a culmination of our shared experiences and collaborative storytelling. Working with someone who brings such realism and depth to every project is a privilege. Our goal is to present a narrative that is as gripping as it is truthful.”
The series draws inspiration from the actual experiences, characters, and situations that unfolded in the dark underbelly of 1990s Memphis—a city historically defined by racial divisions, brutal violence, and a culture that gave birth to the blues and rock and roll. The show aims to stand alongside iconic crime dramas like “Breaking Bad,” “The Shield,” “The Wire,” and “The Sopranos” in its gritty, unflinching portrayal of life on the edge.
“Schoolboy” is structured as a 10-episode series, with each one-hour episode capturing the gritty, dangerous environment of 1990s Memphis. The series boasts a diverse cast of complex and compelling characters, aiming to bring the era’s tumultuous atmosphere to life.
The unique aspect of having Patrick Cox in the writer’s room cannot be overstated. His presence ensures that the series stays true to its origins and provides an unfiltered look at the realities of the criminal underworld. This level of involvement from someone who lived through the events depicted in the series is rare and gives “Schoolboy” an edge over other crime dramas.
Photo Courtesy: Trick Films / Michael Trucco / PJ Haarsma
Trucco and Haarsma’s commitment to realism and powerful storytelling is evident in their decision to involve Cox closely in the project. Their combined expertise, along with Cox’s genuine experiences and the creative synergy with Baird, promises to bring “Schoolboy” to life with the dedication and intensity that define their past work.
As the industry anticipates the release of “Schoolboy,” the series is a testament to Trick Films’ dedication to bringing compelling, raw narratives to the screen. The partnership between Trick Films and the writers of “Schoolboy” exemplifies a unique blend of true-to-life storytelling and creative collaboration, setting a new standard for crime dramas.
For more information on Trick Films and “Schoolboy,” visit https://trickfilms.tv or follow them on social media.
Published by: Khy Talara
