The movie "Friday Night Lights" based on the book of the same name by H.G. Bissinger, about the 1988 Odessa Permian Panthers football season appears to be on tract. From an article by Raechal Leone dated October 11 in the Odessa American:
Mojo fans might have been too absorbed in the game to notice, but there was a crew of fans from Los Angeles cheering for their team from the sidelines Friday night.About 20 representatives from the companies behind the upcoming "Friday Night Lights" film — Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment — were there to see Odessa's biggest event of the year first-hand.
"I think that you can never fully capture it without being there in person," Stacey Snider, chairman of Universal Pictures, said.
The film will be based on the H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger book of the same name, which focuses on the Panthers' 1988 season.
The officials blended in with the crowd of local media and coaches and seemed to be catching the Mojo spirit.
Director Peter Berg wore a Permian hat and threw up his fists and gave high fives when the Panthers scored the first touchdown of the night.
Producer Brian Grazer and others in the group carefully watched the players and coaches, stopping to watch them gather in a huddle.
"I think it's so fun living inside the culture of Odessa," said Grazer, who also produced "Apollo 13" here in Texas.
"It's shocking," he said of the crowd.
The crew was also in town to do film tests, or check for lighting and other elements, Snider said.
Crews will probably begin filming footage of games in Odessa toward the end of the year, Grazer said.
[Note: To see all of the items at this weblog about the making of this movie click on the category "Friday Night Lights"].
I think they're going to make Mojo fans, Odessans, and ultimately all West
Texans look ignorant, small minded and deeply bigoted. They're making a movie
from a book that, to paraphrase a reviewer, was "accurate but not correct".
Bissinger was warmly welcomed, and used his access to grossly slam Odessans. Now
I read we're (I'm always going to be an Odessan) warmly welcoming a flim crew to
put the slam on film.
Memories are short.
As an aside, Waltz Across Texas is the only movie shot in the area that didn't go
out of its way to make us look bad.
Posted by: Allen | October 19, 2003 at 06:04 PM
I agree with the previous comment. Movie types don't come from California to Texas to make us look good.
Posted by: Redman | October 20, 2003 at 09:13 AM
It would be nice if it turns out upbeat like "The Rookie" - an excellent movie involving sports and west Texas. But, perhaps we should just hope that the good things depicted in FNL will out weigh the bad.
The director, Peter Berg, last directed "The Rundown" starring The Rock, which based on the commercials, was heavy with action. So, one thing we can probably expect is lots of scenes of football action.
Posted by: George | October 20, 2003 at 02:51 PM
here we go again permian getting all the glory as usual
Posted by: ????? | January 24, 2004 at 03:04 PM
has any one heard when they will be calling people that have been selected.
Posted by: b | February 16, 2004 at 04:23 PM
I think that this movie is a good thing because it will finaly show tons of people how much us west texans care so much about football.
Posted by: travis | March 02, 2004 at 09:36 PM
I WANT TO BE AN EXTRA. I SENT A PICTURE IN. HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I WAS CHOSEN?
DARLENE STANLEY
1238 PUEBLO
ODESSA, TX 79761
432-366-8586
Posted by: DARLENE STANLEY | March 08, 2004 at 11:39 AM
Darlene,
I've heard from a few people who were notified that they were selected as extras, but I don't know whether or not the casting group has notified everyone yet. So, there's still hope. Good luck!
George
Posted by: George | March 10, 2004 at 03:30 PM
George,
I couldn't help but find a hint of amusement upon reading "here we go again permian getting all the glory as usual"... being a student at their biggest rival school, Lee High, I can't help but relate to the underlying bitterness between the Rebels and the Panthers. In fact, the Rebs defeat the Panthers in the movie I believe... Just thought I would comment on that!
As far as casting goes, my friends and I are in the movie! Peter Berg wanted "authentic" rivals to have an "authentic" scene. So when Peter asked UIL and our sponsor if he could use the actual lee varsity cheerleaders they happily obliged! We get to be the LHS cheerleaders from back in the day:-P, our football players don't get to run around on the feild and stuff, but they do get to suit-out and stand on the side lines. Our band's halftime show was recorded, as was MHS' band, and a lot of my other friends get to be in the stands! My sister's boyfriend is one of the players for Permian. It's so funny how in the stands, because Peter Berg didn't want to cast so many extras, there were blow-up dolls being used. TONS of fun being on-set but last Monday was fUh-REEEZING and nobody was prepared for that. I was on the set last night too till 2 in the morning *GAH*! but I know I would probably never get this chance again so Im totally trying to make the most of it. Lee Thompson Young is so SEXY he walked over to us on the track and started talking to all the girls on the squad haha. So did J.H. and Billy BoB! Tim McGraw and his kids are so cute!! They were telling us about how they were going to Music City Mall in Odessa the next day to go Ice skating haha. I was so nervous meeting them loll. Well I'm *OuT*! Peace Ya'LL;)
Posted by: Rebel | March 19, 2004 at 05:19 PM
i agree with the person who said permian is gonna get all the attention and glory like always its ridiculous but oh well don't hate appreciate right
Posted by: ??????????? | April 13, 2004 at 09:34 PM
Being as that I am one of the graduating classmen of the 88-89 MOJO school year, I believe that it is fitting we have a movie about the trials and tribulations of the Mighty Panthers. We deserve the glory!!! I see no reason why anyone would begrudge another for hanging onto the hopes and dreams that a little ole Friday Night Football game helps to come true. Anyone who attended a friday morning pep rally will attest that the you could feel the electricity in the air. This school and what the team represents is what puts goose-bumps on your arms. Go MOJO!!!!!
Posted by: Larry | April 22, 2004 at 02:07 PM
OMG!!!!! I luv Garrett Hedlund. He is soooooo
cute and he's a great actor. He was sooo good in Friday Night Lights and in Troy. I can't believe he died in Troy. it was sooooo sad and i cried.
xoxo
I LUV YOU GARRETTT, SOOOOOO MUCH
SMOOCH
Posted by: Sarah | April 04, 2005 at 07:29 PM