Yesterday we received word that one of our favourite trailers for a non-existent movie may soon get the big screen that it deserves. D Films, a Toronto-based indie distributor, has acquired Canadian rights to Picnicface's first feature-length film, Roller Town. While the comedy troupe is still patiently waiting to hear back about funding from Telefilm, getting a distribution deal for a Canadian movie that doesn't star Paul Gross is huge news.
According to director Andrew Bush, the script was actually born at Bearly's. Inspired by Bush's copy of Roller Boogie (starring Linda Blair!), Bush, Mark Little and Scott Vrooman ate up every film of the short-lived roller skating genre, including Patrick Swayze's first appearance on the screen as a fightin' skater in booty-shakin' Skatetown, U.S.A..
Bush says you don't have to be a student of roller boogie to get Roller Town though—it's in the style, but not a direct parody. The three have been working on rewrites of the script for a few years, using Picnicface's "four-to-five years of experience to build a feature-length storyline." Although they're still waiting for funding news, ideally the troupe will shoot the film in August, while "we're all in the same city," Bush says. As for the casting, expect the "holy grail" of talent, with troupe members playing multiple roles—-with "slim hopes" that some of their Funny or Die comrades will also join them on the rink. This might be a good time to invest in American Apparel.
And then there's you, dear fans. Bush says they're hoping to include as many fans as possible in the film. But that can't happen with your help. Besides the hopeful institutional funding, Picnicface is looking to you, to help with some bridge financing. They're working on a new video (perhaps more) that they hope will inspire people to give through a Paypal account on their website and YouTube channel, which should be ready later this month. They've given so much—it's time to give back. That's what we do in Roller Town.
Besides the film, there's lots going on. Picnicface has their Comedy Network development deal—still waiting for final word on whether their sketch comedy show is a go, and also Bush, Little and Evany Rosen will also be performing at Montreal's Just for Laughs in July.
