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Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is the true story of a young American's impossible journey - a journey never experienced or heard of in the soccer world. After college, Jay's dream of playing pro soccer in Europe seemed unreachable. Sleeping in an attic, painting houses and eating beans and toast to survive, Jay took the most unlikely route to the top. After not making the professional leagues in the U.S., Jay left for Europe at the age of 21 without any professional experience - only a passport, $1800 and a backpack full of dreams. The film documents Jay’s journey from the bottom - playing in Sunday park leagues and lower level division London clubs earning 40 pounds a week - to playing in the English Premier League - to starting in the 2010 World Cup. Featuring US National Team players Stuart Holden, Tim Howard, and others and cameos from Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba and more, the film tells the story from Jay and the people who lived it.
Original Release
11/03/2011
US Release
11/03/2011
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Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Jay DeMerit | Subject of film / Self |
Karen DeMerit | Jay's Mother |
Todd DeMerit | Jay's Brother |
Michael J. Jameson | Jay's Track Coach & Family Friend |
Kevin Phillips | Jay's Basketball Coach |
Aldo Santagá | Jay's Soccer Coach |
Mike Matkovich | Chicago Fire Assistant Coach |
Brett Hall | Chicago PDL Coach |
Keiron Keane | Jay's Friend / Self |
Brothers Grant | Jay's Childhood Friends |
Directors
Nick Lewis, Ranko Tutulugdzija
Writers
Nick Lewis, Ranko Tutulugdzija
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Jay DeMerit | Subject of film / Self |
Karen DeMerit | Jay's Mother |
Todd DeMerit | Jay's Brother |
Michael J. Jameson | Jay's Track Coach & Family Friend |
Kevin Phillips | Jay's Basketball Coach |
Aldo Santagá | Jay's Soccer Coach |
Mike Matkovich | Chicago Fire Assistant Coach |
Brett Hall | Chicago PDL Coach |
Keiron Keane | Jay's Friend / Self |
Brothers Grant | Jay's Childhood Friends |
Dennis Bainborough | Southall Town FC Coach |
Henry Weatherly | Former Arsenal FC & Fulham FC Scout |
Jordan Keane | Jay's Former Housemate |
Courtney Keane | Jay's Former Housemate |
Ashley Keane | Jay's Former Housemate |
Virginia Keane | Kieren's Mother |
Ray Lewington | Fullham FC coach / Watford FC / Self |
Paul Byrne | Northwood FC Groundskeeper |
Andy Burrell | Lifelong Watford FC Supporter |
Aidy Boothroyd | Watford FC Coach / Self |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Jonathan Chaupin | Executive Producer |
Shelagh Conley | Executive Producer |
Rivers Cuomo | Executive Producer |
Erik Eidem | Executive Producer |
Cameron Gharabiklou | Executive Producer |
Stuart Lewis | Executive Producer |
Frances Lynn | Executive Producer |
Christopher M. Olenik | Executive Producer |
American Outlaws | Executive Producer |
Ian Pancer | Executive Producer |
Shawn Simao | Executive Producer |
Ranko Tutulugdzija | Producer |
Alexander Klosterkemper | Producer |
Dave Lewis | Producer |
Nick Lewis | Producer |
Bryan C. Masten | Producer |