the role was originally going to be given depodesta's name and portrayed by demetri martin, but depodesta did not want his name or likeness to be used in the movie, so the character was named peter brand. brand is a composite of beane's assistants in oakland, not an accurate representation of any specific person. but "moneyball"s director, bennett miller, has credited depodesta for being generous and helpful in the making of the film. hill was nominated for an academy award for best supporting actor for his performance.