You may know Kelci “Saff” Saffery as the trainer who lost his arm at Joe Exotic’s Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Memorial Park in Netflix’s docu-series, Tiger King, Now, Saff has teamed up with personal attorney lawyer, Scott Bader to raise awareness about how impactful personal injuries at work can be. Recently Saff talked to Screen Rant to opened up about his own traumatic experience, as well as working with Joe Exotic, and who he’d want to play him in the movie that is being developed starring Nicolas Cage.
Saffery is promoting a new partnership with personal injury lawyer Bader Scott that paints an optimistic picture of life after an accidental injury.
As you know there are endless adaptations of the story coming to TV and film. Have you thought about who you would like to play you in the movie?
Kelci Saffery: Brandon Baker or better known as Johnny Tsunami.
Most have said that what we saw of Joe Exotic is authentic. What don’t we see or get to find out about Joe that didn’t make it into the documentary?
Kelci Saffery: Yes there’s so much more to that man then what was shown. He’s been there for many people, to include myself. He’s also used many people as stepping stones. To include myself. To me he was just desperately ambitious and bold as hell.
Not many people get the opportunity to have their life documented and then relive it with…well most of the world. What was it like watching the documentary?
Kelci Saffery: Watching the documentary was pretty surreal. It’s one thing to live it, it’s a whole other thing to watch everything unfold around me.
Your approach to your injury is motivational for many. How has it felt to make that kind of difference?
Kelci Saffery: The response I’m receiving in general is so incredibly positive and motivating within itself that I feel nothing but humbled and blessed.
You initially laid low with all the Tiger King hype. What message or what do you want people to know about your story?
Kelci Saffery: I have made more than my fair share of mistakes. I have done people wrong and been selfish most of my life. In the words of Tim McGraw, I’m not as good as I’m going to get but I’m better than I used to be.
So you have relocated to California? Are you still working with wildlife?
Kelci Saffery: No.
Can you talk to me about working with Bader Scott and your new collaboration?
Kelci Saffery: This collaboration for me has done two things. It has given me purpose through my unfortunate circumstance and that’s incredible. Secondly it has allowed me to be a part of an important movement that I know will directly affect my children’s future and thats really all that matters.
What advice would you have for anyone that has been through a similar incident?
Kelci Saffery: Never underestimate the strength and capability of your body and mind. Your mind can be your biggest fan or your worst enemy, but your body will never quit on you. Just believe in yourself! You’re worth it!
