Chicago Filmmaker Documents Creative Process in SAMPLES OF LIFE

In the years after retiring from pro football, Chicago native Kyle Prater has been on a journey of new-found passions and self-discovery. But nothing could prepare this athlete-turned-award-winning-filmmaker (or the rest of the world) for what 2020 would deliver…so he documented it.

On October 22nd, Prater will release SOL: Samples of Life through Chasing Greatness Productions, a 17-minute short film that showcases his journey of transformation while he narrates his life experiences through music. While sampling and producing music has become a form of therapy for Prater, it was the isolation that ensued when the pandemic hit that forced his practice to become his artistry.

“This film is the healing and inspiration we need right now,” explains Prater. “It gives the audience the opportunity to witness the process from which an artist creates through personal experience, yet normally goes unseen.”

Prater grew up in Maywood Illinois and became a five-star football recruit at Proviso West High School in Hillside and was ranked the #1 wide receiver in his class. He played college football at USC for two seasons then transferred to Northwestern University where he graduated with a degree in Communications before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. After leaving the sport of football, he established Chasing Greatness Productions and began telling the stories of brands, products, and people through film.

Prater’s first project, Shifting Gears (2018) was about transitioning into a next phase of life after football and finding an interest in filmmaking and coaching kids. It received “Best Inspirational Award” at the Lucky Strike Film Festival. Shifting Gears II revealed the internal battles when going from something we’ve done our entire life but realize we’ve been wearing a mask while doing it. Prater reveals his mask.

Prater’s “off the field” transition has been an inspiration to the many high school athletes he has coached and hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of athletes to chase the dream not only in sports but in life.

SOL: Samples of Life will premiere on Friday, October 29th at www.ChasingGreatnessProductions.com and can be viewed FREE through Friday, November 5th. Thereafter, a ticket price will be required. Additionally, Soho House Chicago will host a special "sneak peek" screening on Thursday, October 28th that will include a discussion and Q&A with Prater moderated by Emmy nominated sports reporter Camron Smith. For more information, please visit www.ChasingGreatnessProductions.com.

CHASING GREATNESS PRODUCTIONS (CGP)

Chasing Greatness Productions was founded in 2016 by NFL player Kyle Prater as he began working with and learning from some of the most respected and well-renowned brands in the world. The documentary-style narratives capture a subject on their journey to greatness. For Prater, CGP is more than a creative way to tell a story, it’s a mantra, a mission, a way of life.