WATCH: Melbourne Resident and Director Makayla Wheeler Talks About Her Documentary ‘Double or Nothing’

Directed by Wheeler, Follows Double-Lung Transplant Scott Johnson Stand-up Paddling from Bahamas to Florida

WATCH: The documentary, Double or Nothing, directed by Melbourne resident Makayla Wheeler, is scheduled for two premiers in early February in Florida: the first is on Thursday, February 1, in Jupiter, and the second is on Saturday, February 3, in Melbourne. Double or Nothing follows Scott Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard!

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – There are stories that we all see from time to time that catch our eye. Whether it’s a major event, an exciting ball game, or an individual overcoming adversity, there is something that makes us stop and take a closer look. This happened to me when I heard about Scott Johnson, and the upcoming documentary, Double or Nothing.

Double or Nothing follows Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard!

In 2001, Johnson, who had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, received a transplant. According to the Mayo Clinic, cystic fibrosis is, “an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.”

Scott Johnson, above, is featured in the documentary Double or Nothing. The documentary follows Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard! (Michael LaFrance image)

Johnson’s attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis” is documented by MGW Productions. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Melbourne resident, Makayla Wheeler, the founder/owner of MGW Productions. She is also the director and editor of Double or Nothing.

Wheeler told me the project started when she met the executive director of Piper’s Angels Foundation, Travis Suit.

The Piper’s Angels Foundation states they are a “non-profit uniting families in the cystic fibrosis community through advocacy and socially innovative programs.”

Suit had the idea of a documentary on Johnson and his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis.” After connecting with Wheeler, the plans were put into motion. The project, which was three years in the making, is now complete.

Makayla Wheeler, at right, is the director and editor of the documentary, Double or Nothing, which follows Scott Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard!

Wheeler is the director and editor. Suit, along with Darnel Dabu are the executive producers, and Suit is the producer. The documentary stars, of course, Scott Johnson.

I asked Wheeler what she would like the audience to take away from the documentary. She said, “I think everyone can take away and be inspired by Scott’s mindset and how he lives his life and the attitude that he brings to challenges.” She added, “I wanted to make this film to help inspire the cystic fibrosis community, and obviously the transplant community.”

Double or Nothing has two premieres scheduled for early February in Florida: the first is on Thursday, February 1, in Jupiter, FL, and the second is on Saturday, February 3, in Melbourne.

Tickets to either premiere must be purchased in advance through Eventbrite.com/Double or Nothing. Johnson, Wheeler, Suit, and others connected with the documentary will be attending both premieres and will be available to answer questions from the audience.

Double or Nothing will also be released online on the Piper’s Angels Foundation YouTube channel on February 4, at Noon.

The documentary, Double or Nothing, directed by Melbourne resident, Makayla Wheeler, is scheduled for two premiers in early February in Florida: the first is on Thursday, February 1, in Jupiter, and the second is on Saturday, February 3, in Melbourne. Double or Nothing follows Scott Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard!

Makayla Wheeler (pictured) is the director and editor of the documentary, Double or Nothing, which follows Scott Johnson, who underwent a double-lung transplant, in his attempt to complete “The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis,” which takes him from the Bahamas to Florida, via Stand-Up Paddleboard! (Image: AJ Neste)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 24 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020 and Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 24 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.

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