Skateland is an American drama film written and directed by Anthony Burns. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2010. The film was released in the United States on May 13, 2011, with distribution by Freestyle Releasing. The film stars Shiloh Fernandez, Ashley Greene, Brett Cullen, James LeGros, Taylor Handley, and Haley Ramm. The film is dedicated to the memory of John Hughes, who directed teen films throughout the 1980s.
Skateland, set against the landscape of upstart malls, Jordache jeans and iconic hang outs,is as much a story about embracing who you are as it is about moving on. The personal drama marks the poignant transition of a group of high school friends into adulthood. Set in the early 1980s, in small town Texas, it is genuine, touching and candid snapshot of the lives of a close-knit group of friends who are confronted with the realities of the precarious world around them.
The story takes place in a small town in Texas in 1983. The film follows a 19-year-old boy named Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez) who spends most of his time at the local roller rink where he works and hangs out with his friends, Brent Burkham (Heath Freeman), Brent’s sister Michelle (Ashley Greene) and Kenny Crawford (Taylor Handley). Ritchie is struggling trying to figure out his future, what he wants to do with his life and if he wants to go to college. When a tragedy occurs in Ritchie’s life he is forced to make these decisions earlier than he expected.
Skateland
Directed by: Anthony Burns
Starring: Ashley Greene, A.J. Buckley, Brett Cullen, Shiloh Fernandez, Taylor Handley, Haley Ramm, Heath Freeman, Ellen Hollman, Casey LaBow, Melinda McGraw
Screenplay by: Anthony Burns
Production Design by: Christopher Stull
Cinematography by: Peter Simonite
Film Editing by: Robert Hoffman
Costume Design by: Kari Perkins
Set Decoration by: Bart Brown
Music by: Michael Penn
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, some sexuality, language, substance abuse and smoking – involving teens.
Studio: Freestyle Releasing
Release Date: March 13, 2011
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