Jacksonville-Based Crew Makes Historic Mark with Feature Film “Red Dirt Rising”

“Red Dirt Rising,” a feature film staffed by a number of Jacksonville crew, will premiere at the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina on May 15, 2010.

Born out of hauling moonshine on warm Carolina nights, the movie “Red Dirt Rising” features the kind of romance and daredevilin’ that made the Carolinas famous. The film depicts the true American tale of love in the time of moonshine, when racing’s earliest heroes were born. The story follows the lives of three young men who come of age to find escape from life’s challenges on the track, ultimately shaping the future of their families and stock car racing during the Fightin' Forties.

The production was co-led by Toolbox Films founder and Jacksonville resident Kathleen “Bo” Bobak, who also hired a host of Florida crew members to help bring the true story to life.
“Everything I ever imagined this film to be just fell into place,” says Bobak. “It seemed we were blessed from the start with top-notch Jacksonville professionals who traveled to North Carolina to be part of this project.”

The film boasts a veteran cast and crew with extensive resumes in television and film, including the following Jacksonville-based crew members:

• Kathleen “Bo” Bobak - director and producer
• J. Amanda Davidson, ABC - screenwriter
• Rita Manyette and Amanda Davidson - casting by Martini Shot Casting
• Cindy Hogan - lead actor
• Jennifer Christina Smith - costume design
• Andy Howell - gaffer with his Applebox Productions resources
• Ryan Shannon - electrician
• Mac McDonald - extras casting
• Karen Bosma - production coordinator
• Robert Zubick - production assistant

For those interested in attending the film’s premiere, tickets are available in advance at www.historicnws.com/tickets. The all-day event will be held at the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC on May 15, 2010. Keep up with all the happenings by joining the fan site on Facebook or http://www.reddirtrising.com/. A North Florida theater tour is currently being arranged. To learn more or gather clips visit http://www.reddirtrising.com/.