Safety is based on the heartwarming true story of former Clemson cornerback, Ray-Ray McElrathbey and it is headed to Disney+! Last week I had the chance to participate in the Safety press conference. In attendance was Jay Reeves (“Ray (Ray-Ray)”), Thaddeus J. Mixson II (“Fahmarr (Fay)”), Corinne Foxx (“Kaycee”), Hunter Sansone (“Daniel Morelli”), Reginald Hudlin (Director), Mark Ciardi (Producer) and Ray-Ray McElrathbey (whom the film is based on). Of course, I was able to round up some fun facts for you…so check them out and enjoy!

Safety Fun Facts

  • Corinne Foxx‘s character “Kaycee” isn’t based on a single person. In fact, Ray jokingly said that there would be a few girls who may think that Kaycee is based on them.
  • The original cut was about 3 hours, so they had to make some cuts…they got it down to 2 hours.
  • Mark Ciardisaw the national pieces on ESPN and ABC, and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and was really moved by Ray’s story, so he got the rights to Ray’s story back in 2006.
  • In fact, Safety was originally set up to film with another studio back in 2006. Even though they had developed a screenplay, it didn’t happen. So, when Dsney+ announced their platform a few years ago, Mark Ciardi brought the pitch to them, and the rest is history.
  • Thaddeus J. Mixson II didn’t know that Safety was based on a true story until he arrived on set.
  • One of the scenes in the film was actually shot at the stadium of Clemson during the halftime of a game.
  • Ray McElratheby thinks that having a movie made about him is surreal and the whole experience has been wonderful.
  • Jay started researching Ray as soon as he got the material. He actually even followed him on Instagram before he got the role.
  • Reginald Hudlin loved having Ray involved in the entire process and thought it was invaluable.

SAFETY is streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting December 11th!

“Safety” is a drama inspired by the empowering story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson).