Skateboarding legend and media mogul Tony Hawk has signed on as executive producer and script and technical advisor on Back to the Grind, a new comedy from Branded Pictures Entertainment. The project is currently in development.
Back to the Grind tells the story of five middle-aged men who reunite the skate team from their youth to save their beloved park from being taken over by a team of obnoxious young skaters. Although they had settled into their adult lives, the five men eagerly embrace the chance to relive their glory days. And they get to ask the eternal question: Is it ever too late to grind?
It’s a subject Tony Hawk knows well; he’s the architect of modern skateboarding and indisputably one of the greatest athletes of his generation. Since retiring from competitive skateboarding in 1991, he has expanded his brand to encompass a multi-faceted entertainment company. Collaborating with his sister, Pat Hawk, his business now includes a hugely popular YouTube channel, a hit video game franchise, touring live events and, most recently, Tony Hawk as a filmmaker and actor. As to the question about grinding, it should be noted that even though he’s long since stopped competitive skateboarding, Hawk can, and still does, perform amazing stunts during demonstration events.
“I’m excited to be part of this project, which comes at a time when skateboarding culture is so widely recognized across many generations,” Tony Hawk says. “Back to the Grind will be a fun, entertaining story that can enhance skateboarding’s growing popularity.”
In fact, a recent survey showed that it is the third favorite sport in the U.S. among teenagers, trailing only football and basketball. And it remains a core feature at X-Games, Vans tours and other action sports competitions.
The idea for Back to the Grind originated with producer Marc Marcum, of Branded Pictures Entertainment (BPE), based on his love of skateboard culture. “This idea came from my love for the intersection of art and athleticism that defines skate culture. We look forward to making a movie that will celebrate this sport for all audiences,” Marcum says.
“We’re thrilled to have an icon like Tony Hawk join us in making what we believe will be the definitive skateboarding comedy for skate enthusiasts old and new,” BPE Founder and Producer J. Todd Harris adds. “Tony is the leading ambassador the sport, and having him involved in all aspects of this project ensures that it will be both authentic and entertaining.”
Brad Riddell, who co-authored BPE’s lacrosse movie Crooked Arrows, is writing the screenplay, and the filmmakers plan to have it ready for production before the end of this year. BPE’s Thomas Pettinelli will co-produce the project.
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