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Derby Diva: Drew Barrymore to direct roller derby film

Dec. 11, 2007 - According to Production Charts, Drew Barrymore will make her feature film directing debut next year with Whip It, a tale of the high-energy world of roller derby.

The film is in pre-production, with no casting announcements made yet. In Hollywood-speak, this means that the film may or may not ever get off the ground but we can only hope.

Shauna Cross (aka Maggie Mayhem) , the screenwriter, is a member of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls and author of the teen-oriented novel called Derby Girls. The producer is Nancy Juvonen, Barrymore’s partner in Flower Films, who’s produced just about everything Barrymore’s been in recently, including Fever Pitch, 50 First Dates, Charlie’s Angels, and Never Been Kissed.

The official synopsis describes Whip It as the story of a small-town, teenage girl who discovers the 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. No word yet whether it’s banked or flat track derby.

All sounds good, as long as the Devo song doesn’t play under the credits.