“If earth was on the line in a tennis match, the one you’d want serving to save mankind was Richard Alonso Gonzalez” (Sports Illustrated). He was described as the Marlon Brando of Tennis, a smoldering genius who swung a heavy racket both on and off the court. His angry approach to the game turned every match into a street fight. Pancho’s fiery temperament both on and off the court, effected his opponents, friends and most of all, family members. An outsider in a sport that didn’t want him, and living in a society that ignored him, all he ever wanted was to just play tennis and be the best ever. Why couldn’t they understand?
This is the story of one of America’s first sport’s superstars. He didn’t posses the necessary bloodlines of his sport, nor did he posses the “All America” look and background. But women loved him and men were drawn to his hoodlum appeal.
As difficult as independent financing is during these times and as difficult it is to get the attention of influential Hollywood Producers, for us at Higher Ground Entertainment fortune is leading our works. At the time, we thought this project, being the perfect American story, needed the assistance of an experienced producer. We went to one of the film industries busiest and most respected film producers, multiple academy award nominated producer, David Valdes. Valdes has enjoyed successful collaborations with such noted filmmakers as Clint Eastwood (seventeen films), Francis Ford Coppola and Kevin Costner, and has helped launch the careers of a number of popular actors including Liam Neeson and Jim Carrey.
Our first monies for this feature came from the most unexpected source, an internet navigator. With the DVD availability of The Pancho Gonzalez Documentary online, tennis aficionado Dennis Fill from Maui, discovered Higher Ground Entertainment’s web site and
purchased the DVD, loved the story and became one of our investors.
With monies aboard, the list of suggested writers was narrowed down to one of Valdez’ industry associates, William Blinn (Brian’s Song, Alex Haley’s Roots, Purple Rain and the television series, Fame).
Daniel Haro and Ernesto Quintero at Higher Ground Entertainment are pleased to be collaborating on the Pancho Gonzalez film project with a quality producer like Mr. Valdes and acclaimed veteran writer, William Blinn. This collaboration is an indication of the significance of the story of America’s first true Latino sports superstar, and announces the arrival of Higher Ground Entertainment’s entry into feature filmmaking.
Feature Film | 
