Via Zoom: Kyle Prater is Chasing Greatness in ‘Samples of Life’

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – As is often the case, an Act Two in life comes early for the elite athlete. In the case of ex-Pro Footballer Kyle Prater, his Act Two came in the form of Chasing Greatness Productions, a filmmaking and music company. His latest short film is “Samples of Life,” a meditation on creating during the pandemic.

Kyle Prater grew up in Maywood, Illinois, and became a five-star football recruit at Proviso West High School in Hillside as a receiver. He played college football at USC for two seasons and then transferred and graduated from Northwestern University, 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.

‘Samples of Life,’ by Filmmaker Kyle Prater
Photo credit: ChasingGreatnessProductions.com

His first two films, Shifting Gears and Shifting Gears II, spoke of his transitional life from a pursuit of an athletic dream to that of filmmaker. As he was developing Chasing Greatness Productions, he also pursued coaching and community outreach, using his contacts to sponsor events and facilitate donations. “Samples of Life” is a fascinating exploration of his isolation during the early pandemic era, and staying viable throughout by creating film and music.

In an interview Via Zoom with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Kyle Prater talks “Samples of Life” and Chasing Greatness Productions …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor, Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com