“The Ambulance Chaser,” a crime thriller in development set in Atlanta and adapted from Brian Cuban’s award-winning novel, is gaining traction as the production team ramps up preparations.
Although the project did not host an official screening or event at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), it garnered buzz behind the scenes through investor meetings, creative attachments and strategic branding discussions.
Executive producers Jeff Baker and David DeLugas attended TIFF alongside Elise Riley of My Global Presence, who is leading publicity and brand strategy for the film. Executive producer Roshown McLeod was unable to attend.
To spark conversations around the project, Baker, DeLugas and Riley wore police-style vests branded with “The Ambulance Chaser” logo and film details while attending parties, screenings and networking events. The eye-catching approach served as both a promotional tool and an icebreaker, drawing attention from festivalgoers and industry professionals.
The creative team attached to the film includes:
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Lou Diamond Phillips — Director and supporting actor; vice president, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Actors Branch governor
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Alan Caudillo — Award-winning cinematographer and director of photography
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Autumn Bailey-Ford — Award-winning producer
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Wynn Thomas — Visionary production designer
Momentum for the project coincides with news that acclaimed production designer Wynn Thomas will receive an Academy Honorary Award at the 16th Governors Awards on Nov. 16, 2025. Thomas will be honored alongside Debbie Allen and Tom Cruise, while Dolly Parton will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Thomas launched his career working with Spike Lee on “She’s Gotta Have It,” the first of several collaborations that would include “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X” and “Da 5 Bloods.” His additional credits span the Best Picture-winning “A Beautiful Mind,” as well as “Cinderella Man” and “Hidden Figures.”
The Academy describes the Honorary Award as recognition “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
Stay tuned for more updates as “The Ambulance Chaser” moves forward toward financing, production and festival launches.
