With a script in place that used skateboarding as a backdrop for the comedic antics of gung-ho skate guys who must overcome extreme obstacles in pursuit of their dream, the producers next needed to match this gnarly story with the perfect director.

Producer Casey La Scala, who was closely involved with the story development and pre-production process, stepped forward to make his feature film directorial debut. It was a natural fit for La Scala, whose expertise encompasses not only the half dozen films he’s produced as President of Production for Gaylord Films, but also includes his teenage years as a Southern California pool skater. “The comedy really stems from these madcap characters and their crazy journey, and I wanted to infuse the film with a light, fun energy,” says La Scala, who recently executive produced the quirky ensemble comedy Welcome to Collinwood. “I also love that skateboarding facilitates the action because I can really relate to the pull of that world from my experience skating when I was a kid.”

CASTING THE SKATERS

The story of blunder-prone friends clowning around in pursuit of their pro-skateboarding pipe dream depended on key casting for the quartet of equally important, but very different characters. In the grassroots spirit of the film, the producers held an open casting call for skaters and actors on July 13th, 2002 at Val Surf skate/surf shop in North Hollywood.

The filmmakers chose the legendary Val Surf location for the casting call because, as Gerber says: “It’s a mecca; this store has 40 years of surfing and skating history. Trends are born here.”

Although the tryouts were scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., by 5:30 in the morning kids were lined up around the block, vying for a chance to be discovered and land a role in a major motion picture. More than 500 hopefuls auditioned for their shot at stardom, bringing memorable accounts from people who had traveled across the country from as far away as Phoenix, New Mexico and Florida.

“There were a couple of guys who drove all night from Phoenix without sleep just to appear at our event,” recalls La Scala. “A lot of the people who auditioned were skaters and it was exciting to see such tremendous enthusiasm. The stories we heard from kids about traveling for days just to try out for the film provided further inspiration for our movie about following your dreams.”

Ultimately, the main characters were cast via more traditional avenues. The role of Eric Rivers, the dreamer who motivates his friends to join him in pursuit of skateboarding stardom, went to Mike Vogel, perhaps best known for his recurring role as Dean on the television series Grounded for Life.

Centered at the heart of the film, Eric’s passion for skateboarding propels the riotous search for stardom – it’s Eric that persuades his three best friends into giving up their summer plans and hitting the ...