About the Film
PLAYING THROUGH follows Carlos – a Vietnam veteran, renowned martial artist, and unexpected golf teacher – as he trains for his first PGA event in decades.
Born in Puerto Rico, Carlos has defied expectations at every turn while transforming his trauma into a force for healing. A ninth-degree Aikido master, ballet dancer, and marathon runner, Carlos, 75, teaches seven days a week at Heroes Golf Club at the Brentwood Veterans Center in Los Angeles – a little-known par-3 course – brightening the days, and often lives, of outcasts, veterans, child prodigies and Hollywood elites alike.
Carlos' extraordinary life proves that anyone can not just overcome, but master, anything – and do so with empathy, authenticity, and harmony. This film captures the world of Carlos Rodriguez, as he puts his mind and body through its most rigorous test in years, while inspiring his fellow veterans along the way.
Michael previously covered the Lakers as a beat reporter, worked at the award-winning documentary outlet Retro Report, and on the film KOBE BRYANT'S MUSE. Michael was inspired to make PLAYING THROUGH after a few life-changing lessons with Carlos.
Michael Corvo | Director + Producer
Simone is an Emmy-nominated documentary producer and director with six years of experience as a Development Executive at NBC News' award-winning documentary production company, NBC News Studios. Recent works include SCAMANDA (ABC), THE SING SING CHRONICLES (MSNBC) and EVERY BODY (Peacock). PLAYING THROUGH is her directorial debut.
Simone Buteau | Director + Producer
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Daniel J. Chalfen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Paul Martin
Kim Overall
Margo Lang
Ashlyn Izumo
James A. Sims
CONSULTING PRODUCER
Patrick De Visscher
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Aurora Brachman
ADDITIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHY
John Vogt
Bing Sokolsky
ASSISTANT CAMERA
John Vogt
Scott Kukla
Amanda Ferrarese
EDITOR
Sebastian Chung
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shane Hudnell
PRODUCTION SOUND
Paul Gonzales
Alexandra Parral
Parida Tanti
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Pedro Domit
Anthony Soto
COMPOSER
Lucas Tamaren
POST-PRODUCTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Alex Pilkington
SOUND MIXING
Max Lindenbaum
Color by Umami Color & Finishing
Colorist: Anthony Campagna
Color Producer: Luke Butler
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Shoes Off Media