The story
as a 12 year old slave, James Holbrook escaped from his captors and ran to the safety of the Union Army. He became a valet for Captain Dillon and served in the Union until the end of the Civil War. After the War, Captain Dillon invited James to accompany him back to his hometown of Iowa City.
After moving to Tipton Iowa, James married Pinky. The couple had a son who they named, Frank “Kinney’’ Holbrook. Little did they know that as a young man, Kinney would grow to love sports. He attended Tipton High School and was a two-sport athlete, participating in Football and Track.
After a successful high school career, Kinney graduated from Tipton High. His plan was to attend the University of Iowa where he would continue participating in the two sports that he loved.
The Holbrook family came to the realization that they couldn’t afford to send Kinney to college. To the Holbrook’s great surprise, the towns people of Tipton rallied around them, raising enough money to send Kinney to college.
In 1895, with no head coach, the Hawkeye football program was in jeopardy of being canceled after the team had a dismal 2-5 season.
In 1896, the University hires Alfred E. Bull, who helped right the ship. Coach Bull moved Kinney from End to Half Back as the team began to build a winning tradition, with Kinney leading the way.
Little did Kinney know that the 1896 Iowa vs. Missouri game would carve a place for him in Iowa Hawkeye history as the Hawkeyes win their first conference title.
Frank Kinney Holbrooks efforts would also pave the way for every African-American player that would follow him.
Quinn EARLY PRODUCER
Quinn Early was born on Long Island, New York. He grew up in the theater where his mother, Dr. Ann Early, was a playwright. Quinn got an education in acting at a very young age. He always knew that he wanted a career in the performing arts but took a detour along the way. After graduating from the University of Iowa, The NFL became his stage. In 1988 Quinn began a 12-year career playing wide receiver in the NFL. After retiring from football, Quinn worked in the sports nutrition industry and worked with kids helping them achieve their athletic goals. In 2011, Quinn was inspired by his mother to return to acting and stunt work. Quinn has appeared in more than 45 films and television shows. Most recently, Quinn has transitioned to being behind the camera as a writer/producer of the short film titled, “JUST BAKE COOKIES.” This film is also the directorial debut of Quinn’s son, Cameron Early. The Shoulders of Giants is Quinn’s latest project heading into 2021, which promises to be a big year. Quinn is in full production mode. After the completion of this project, his plan is to enter both this documentary project as well as Just Bake Cookies into various national film festivals as well as utilize his contacts to procure distribution.
CAMERON EARLY PRODUCER
Cameron Early s a professional stuntman and rising filmmaker in the industry. He has always possessed passion and a gift for storyline’s making directing a natural progression for this talented young artist. As a child, he would make martial arts films in his backyard using his friends and whatever props they could find around the house. That progressed into a thriving stunt and film career. Cameron has been instrumental in the development of,
"THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS"
BEN SHEELER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Benjamin Sidney Sheeler was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and is one of ten children. He currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife Linda. His Father devoted his entire life to the US Army, serving as a Green Beret in the Special Forces. Benjamin’s Mother worked as a registered nurse in Los Angles, California. Benjamin overcame major obstacles in his life as he was raised in Foster Homes until age nine, when he moved to the Soldiers and Sailors Orphanage in Xenia, Ohio. The structure and discipline Benjamin experienced while living in the orphanage motived him to learn how to play and excel at the trumpet by age 9. He also did well in both the arts and in sports. Benjamin is a Certified Health Information Technologist (HIT) and worked for years as a Computer Technician, along with coaching youth sports and following his dream to perform on stage and screen.
Benjamin has been a SAG/AFRTA actor for more than a decade. Early in his career, he worked as a featured-extra and did stand-in and body-double work for Forest Whitaker. He earned his SAG card from the film “Promised Land,” working alongside Matt Damon. Benjamin has been in over twenty films, from small independent films to larger production. Benjamin’s latest film is “Just Bake Cookies,” where he brings passion and love to his character.
He also has 7 years of Improv training and Improv House Teamwork (Steel City Improv Theater, Pittsburgh). He is currently working on an Independent Improv project related to social justice.
Benjamin has joined Quinn Early’s Production team. The Shoulders of Giants, will be the first in a series of documentaries that will highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Black athletes who were pioneers in American History
About Us
THE IOWA HAWKEYES
1896 WESTERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
BDP & AEIF
"THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS" is a BDP film Enterprises LLC, production. In conjunction with, The Ann Early Intervention Foundation.
