James Scott’s case
As renewed public focus lands on one of America's most debated legal matters, the production company launches a research effort. #AnActOfGod #JamesScott #TrueCrime #FilmNews
Our responsibility as filmmakers is to pursue the story with honesty, integrity, and respect for the facts.”— Blake Babson
Today, Third Coast Film disclosed that it has officially started development on An Act of God, a feature-length motion picture inspired by the account of James Scott, a Missouri man who has been incarcerated for over thirty years after being found guilty of supposedly triggering a flood during the Great Flood of 1993.
Drawing from the well‑received book Damned to Eternity by journalist Adam Pitluk, the film delves into one of the most unusual criminal cases in American history. Scott remains the sole person in the United States ever convicted of intentionally causing a flood—a case that still sparks debate among journalists, legal analysts, and advocates regarding the evidence presented at trial and the circumstances around his conviction.
This news arrives as renewed public attention turns to Scott's case ahead of a scheduled court hearing on July 22.
Alongside the film's development, Third Coast Film is launching a broad research initiative focused on the James Scott case. Building on Pitluk's thorough reporting, the production team will continue examining historical records, interviewing people connected to the case, and studying additional materials as part of the screenplay development process.
"Our responsibility as filmmakers is to pursue the story with honesty, integrity, and respect for the facts," said Blake Babson, Partner at Third Coast Film. "Whether audiences ultimately agree or disagree with the outcome of the case, we believe this is a remarkable American story that raises important questions about justice, media influence, and the lasting impact of public perception. Those are exactly the kinds of stories that deserve to be explored through film."
An Act of God is planned as a feature‑length dramatic thriller that examines the human toll of one of the Midwest's worst natural disasters while exploring the investigation, prosecution, and decades‑long aftermath surrounding James Scott's conviction.
The project is currently being developed with several high‑profile creative and producing partners; further announcements are expected later this year.
"Our goal is not to relitigate a case in the court of public opinion," Brian Williams, CEO of Third Coast Film added. "It's to tell a compelling, deeply human story that encourages audiences to examine the facts, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful conversation."
Third Coast Film secured the motion picture rights to Pitluk's Damned to Eternity and has been quietly developing the project as part of its slate of commercially driven films inspired by extraordinary true stories.
Further details regarding creative attachments, production plans, and distribution strategy will be announced as development moves forward.
ABOUT THIRD COAST FILM
Third Coast Film is an independent film and television production company based in Brentwood, Tennessee, focused on developing, financing, producing, and distributing commercially driven feature films and television projects. The company specializes in true stories and original content that combine compelling entertainment with meaningful themes for audiences worldwide.
Media Contact:
Mack Hicks
Administrator, Third Coast Film
(805) 501-5028
www.thirdcoastfilm.com
Mack Hicks
Third Coast Film
+1 805-501-5028
admin@thirdcoastfilm.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
X
