By doing so, he also earned the trust of the families - a rare thing for families after such a tragedy as most journalists (let’s be honest) are there only to report on the sensationalism and then move on to the next story. The article Di Bonaventura was referring to was “No Exit” (the original title of the movie), written by Sean Flynn, who took great care in crafting the human story of the Hotshots. So, we both got on the phone with Conde Nast and Lorenzo introduced me as his new partner.” He said he had just bought the article from GQ. “He asked, ‘Why did you call me?’ I said I had the rights. “When Lorenzo said, ‘I’m already doing this movie,’ my heart sunk,” said Menchel. Menchel relayed what he had been doing and told him the story. He then wanted to make sure the film would reach the masses, so he reached out to his friend Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a former studio executive who has since produced blockbusters like the Transformers franchise. Menchel came back from Prescott having obtained the rights and determined to tell the story. Pat and a handful of others decided that it did, too.” Pat is Pat McCarty, also a former Granite Mountain Hotshot. McDonough, who also served as creative consultant on the film, told Deadline: “From day one when Mike Menchel came up and talked about even doing this film, and asked would you be a part of it, and would the families be a part of this because he said the story needed to be told. He wanted to focus on the brotherhood, the strength of the families, the bravery and the camaraderie. “I know in telling the story, I had their hearts in my hands and I wasn’t going to let them down,” said Menchel. He returned 10 times and got to know the families. He eventually was introduced to Amanda Marsh (portrayed by Jennifer Connelly) and McDonough. “I was the guy who just rode into town and everyone was skeptical of me, which I understood,” said Menchel, who said the story of these brave men just wouldn’t leave him. Menchel told Deadline he felt driven to tell the story of this bravery. Only days after the tragedy that left only one man from the team alive - Brendan McDonough (portrayed by Miles Teller in the film) - producer Mike Menchel flew to Prescott, AZ. The story seemed destined to be told on the big screen. The film, which honors all 19 firefighters, came together in a very serendipitous way. EXCLUSIVE: Only the Brave, the incredible story of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who fought and died during the 2013 Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona, is releasing into theaters this weekend as fires continue to rage throughout California.