Jan 16, 2008 - Drew Barrymore's appeared in 30+ movies over the course of her three decade-long career, but for the very first time she'll be taking a seat behind the camera as a director. Barrymore is set to helm the comedy movie Whip It with Juno's Ellen Page in the lead role.
Whip It is set in the world of roller derby and was written by Shauna Cross, a woman who knows her way around the rink. Barry Mendel and Barrymore's company Flower Films will be producing Whip It for Mandate Pictures.
Ellen Page will play a Texas girl stuck in a small town who sneaks off to skate in the Austin roller derby league. In a press release announcing the film, Page said, "I really admire how Drew constantly challenges herself as an artist. She's proven herself as an actress and a producer, and I have no doubt she'll bring great vision and creativity to the director's chair. I can't wait to kick ass on wheels!"
Barrymore was quoted as saying, "I’ve been working towards the goal of directing my entire life. Whip It is a story that really spoke to me, I feel like the heart and soul as well as the message is very true to me and yet it still has aspects that will challenge me. I couldn’t be more honored to work with the phenomenal Ellen Page, she’s so incredibly unique, it’s a privilege to get in the ring with her."
Filming is expected to begin in Austin this summer.
Source: Mandate Pictures
