E.R. Nelson makes an unforgettable directorial debut with the tongue-in- cheek, camp comedy, Pirates of the Great Salt Lake.

Kirk Redgrave (Kirby Heyborne) and Flint Weaver (Trenton James) met only three weeks ago. Both, outcasts and loners in their landlocked home, have dreams to become the best pirates the world has ever seen. Kirk and Flint take heart to the pirate code and set out for a life of pillaging and plunder. Still, pirate life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. For Kirk, it’s a life of failure. For Flint, one without reward. That is, until, they stumble across a long lost treasure map that has the power to not only fulfill their wildest pirate dreams, but curse them as well.

With their rowboat constantly threatening to sink beneath them, the two set sail on a voyage of friendship, lost treasures, and swashbuckling adventure. However, news of their find quickly spreads, and the two must do everything in their power to protect the map from the seedy pawn shop owner Drake (Larry Bagby) who cares only for the riches the treasure can bring. When Drake succeeds in stealing the map, the burden of breaking the treasure’s ancient curse falls upon their shoulders.

Written by Nelson and Nathan Phillips, Pirates of the Great Salt Lake vividly captures the sometimes not-so-far-fetched dreams of youth, explores the human plight of acceptance, and allows two colorful pirates to shine in their own sphere.

E.R. Nelson | Writer/Director/Producer

A first time feature film director, E.R. Nelson makes his debut with Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. Nelson earned a BA in film at BYU. A storyteller at heart, he has written, directed and produced several projects. One of his shorts, Eternal Sleep, was an award-winner airing at film festivals around the nation, and was a regional finalist in the Student Academy Awards.

Nathan Phillips | Writer/Producer

Nathan Phillips has over seven years of experience working in the entertainment industry. A BYU graduate, Nathan has worked for industry giants Miramax, Paramount, Universal and Carsey-Warner in both feature film and television development capacities.

Christian Vuissa | Producer/Production Manager

A native of Austria, Christian Vuissa is an accomplished writer, director and producer. Christian graduated magna cum laude in Media Arts from Brigham Young University in August 2002. While at BYU he directed numerous award winning shorts and documentaries, including the stand-out short Roots and Wings. Soon after graduating from Brigham Young, Christian directed the hit comedy, Baptists at Our Barbecue. The film has played at multiple festivals nationwide and has won numerous awards.

Kirby Heyborne | Kirk

Kirby Heyborne is one of the best-known and most popular actors in Utah cinema and has starred in a variety of successful feature films, including most recently the award-winning independent World War II drama Saints and Soldiers. Kirby is especially known for his comedic timing and likable personality. His acting style is very versatile, and he is infamous for his ability to do "voices" and characters.

Kirby plays to the heart of an audience, like a young Tom Hanks or John Cusack do on a national level. He recently had a starring role on the new FOX sitcom Free Ride.

Larry Bagby | Drake

Larry Bagby stars as Johnny Cash’s friend and band member Marshall Grant in the hit film Walk the Line with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. He impressed audiences nationwide with his performance as Private Shirl Kendrick in Saints and Soldiers, which was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Larry has had numerous appearances on television shows including a recurring role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and has proven himself a talented and versatile actor.

Trenton James | Flint

Trenton James is a newcomer to the big screen, with Pirates presenting his first major role. He is a popular stand-up comedian in the mountain west and teaches improvisational classes in his free time. Trent has starred in multiple commercials, corporate videos and radio spots. He also has a role in the upcoming feature film Blind Guy.

Emily Tyndall | Ruby

Emily Tyndall is a versatile actress, model, voice talent and artist. She began her career modeling for print advertisements and soon stepped into film and television. Her breakout role was in the recent cult-hit Napoleon Dynamite starring as Napoleon’s reluctant dance date Trisha Stevens.

San Francisco Independent Film Festival
February 2006
Audience score: 4.2 out of 5 (second place finish)

Phoenix Film Festival
March 2006
WINNER: Festival Choice

Garden State Film Festival (New Jersey)
OPENING FILM SELECTION
March 2006
WINNER: Best of the Fest

SpudFest Film Festival (Idaho)
April 2006
WINNER: Audience Award

Newport Beach Film Festival (California)
April 2006

Indianapolis International Film Festival
April 2006

Big Island Film Festival (Hawaii)
May 2006
WINNER: Best Feature

Sacramento Film & Music Festival
August 2006

Idaho International Film Festival
September 2006

Toofy Film Fest
September 2006

Berkeley Pacific Film Archive
October 2006

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