Production Charts and the Hutchinson Leader (MN) note that the upcoming roller derby film Whip It will be directed by Hollywood star Drew Barrymore. Whip It's screenwriter, L.A. Derby Doll Maggie Mayhem (aka Shauna Cross), is also the author of Derby Girl. The Leader article states that it's unclear if the movie is an adaptation of the book or just something similar. This will apparently be the first time directing for Barrymore. That's cool, but who will play K.C. Carr? Note to Barrymore: if it's set in the mid-west, go flat track for extra derby cred. And shoot the big climax bout scene at the Roy Wilkins.
Summary (from the article): "A Midwestern, small-town, teenage girl discovers the high-energy world of roller derby and must decide if she’s willing to go against her parents and friends in order to pursue the sport she loves."
Update: Ms. Mayhem emailed in to clarify things. She writes, "...it is an adaptation of my book, Derby Girl, and takes place in and around austin, tx. not the midwest. not that the midwest isn't cool." So much for the Roy. Ah, they'll probably shoot it in Vancouver anyway!
This is exciting and will be
This is exciting and will be a great promotion for the WFTDA! And who better than Drew Barrymore to put todays Rollerderby on film.
Julia Ghoulia-(Arch Rival Rollergirls) Back from the grave she lives to devour her competitors.
Vancouver
"Ah, they'll probably shoot it in Vancouver anyway!"
SO TRUE!
Very Cool
I hope they film it in Austin. I live here. Drew Barrymore has been seen around town a few times in the past. Besides, Austin has been a hotbed for filming films. Grindhouse, Sin City (Sin City 2 is in production right now in Austin), Dazed & Confused & Spy Kids just to name a few. Besides why not film it where the rebirth of RD started;) I believe this will be Miss Barrymores 2nd time to be a director.
Whip it... Whip it good?
I think this is great news for our sport! Drew, if you're reading this, and we all hope you are... please consider keeping this movie authentic and using real roller girls in your film. May I suggest the 2007 WFTDA National Champions? Kansas City Roller Warriors, The Masters of the Universe?
And while she probably will film in Canada, perhaps the weaker American dollar will persuade her to film in the US. Possibly even in KC or Austin... what ever the case may be - this is good for everyone involved in derby!
l'chaim
Ozzy Zion
the Jewish Voice of Reason
keeping it real
Looks like the film is using quite a number of current derby skaters, both in minor roles and as action doubles for the acting leads. I am guardedly optimistic about the implications of these casting choices :)
Vancouver
Hey ladies,
I totally understand your want for Whip it to be filmed in Texas the birth place of derby, but if Drew so happens to film it up here in Canada, we have some pretty kick ass derby chicks up here too!
Pink Steele
Eves of Destruction
Nope, it's not being filmed in Canada OR Austin
Oddly enough, I found out that it's being filmed in Detroit. WTF? Ol' Drew is going to have to make some magic to fool us Austinites.
"f-stop" is the official photographer chick of the ass-kickin' Treasure Valley Rollergirls in Boise, Idaho!
Done
Easy script change. Search for "Austin" replace with "Detroit".
detroit, whip city
It's all about the tax incentives.
tax incentives?
Drew could have built a track, and a league, with the money she'd save in NM. Ol' Bill is giving some sweet deals; two studios being built already..
Actually there is some shooting in Austin
The bulk of the film is being shot in Detroit. I recall reading that there's some shooting happening in Austin, I would suspect that this would primarily be external shots, to properly set the film in Austin.
-Barely even speaking for myself...
*~[
Grand Poobah
Sin City Stat Pack
Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls
Just Flat Track?
Julia Ghoulia:
Y'know, the movie may be a boost to ALL derby, including banked track.
Especially since they're using Red Dirt's newly completed track for filming.
Just a quick side rant:
When the hell is everyone going to get over flat vs. banked and realize we all skate DERBY?
TARA ARMOV #51
LA Derby Dolls
That Which Does Not Kill You Makes For A Good Story
I hear ya Tara...I love 'em
I hear ya Tara...I love 'em BOTH!!!
Roller Derby Saved My Soul
I'm not one to get really political but I made an online petition today. I want Drew Barrymore to use the song "Roller Derby Saved My Soul" by Uncle Leon & The Alibis for her upcoming film, Whip It!
Won't you please stop by and sign the petition?
http://impossiblefunky.blogspot.com/2008/08/hey-drew.html
Premiere??
Hey Drew...if you're reading this how about a special premiere of the movie just for us roller girls (and guys)? What could be better Publicity for the movie than to have a bunch of us in Derby Dress Skate the Red carpet??
"Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce."