http://www.blacktree.tv George Tillman, known more for his narrative work, tackles a new challenge in creating the action flick FASTER starring Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton. A PROJECT HITS THE GROUND RUNNING It was a fateful day a few years ago when writer/producer Tony Gayton approached his brother, and Faster co-writer, Joe Gayton with the thread of an idea. "I remember imagining a guy in prison on the day of his release getting a speech from the warden then just breaking into a sprint out of the prison gates and going straight to kill someone," recalls Tony Gayton. "I liked the idea of this introduction where you have no idea who this guy is. He turns out to be the hero out to get revenge for his brother's murder but he could very well have turned out to be the bad guy." On that day, the character that would come to be known simply as 'Driver' was born. "(Driver) is like a shark -- he has a clear mission," notes Joe Gayton who also serves as Executive Producer on the film. "It was apparent at this early stage that his determination would provide for a true, high-octane adventure." As the screenplay evolved, what emerged was not just an action film but also a character study and exploration into the minds of three men - the other two main characters known simply by the monikers 'Cop' and 'Killer.' But Driver's mission was at the story's core and finding the right actor to portray him would be the first target. The script soon made its way into the hands of superstar Dwayne Johnson who, after spending a few years exploring other genres, was anxious to get back to action. "The story and the characters really spoke to me," recalls Johnson. "It is a very simple and distinct storyline, yet all the characters are layered with complexity and complication." With character comes motivation and Johnson took special note that Driver's motivation is very raw and doesn't require suspension of disbelief. "If something important to you is ripped away leaving you with nothing, the only thing you have left is the ability to make those individuals pay. There are many different ways a person can respond when they lose everything but his response is still reality-based at its core. For Driver, the response is 'You took everything I had, now you pay.' When he gets out of prison, it's safe to say you should put the kids to bed." The Gayton brothers couldn't have imagined a more appropriate or capable actor to flesh out their vision. "There are not a lot of actors who can truly pull off the big brooding presence of this role," says Tony Gayton. "Dwayne is perfect for this." With Johnson, and producers Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer of Castle Rock Entertainment, now on board the project found its way to CBS Films in February 2009. The studio fast-tracked the film bringing on director George Tillman, Jr. and producer Bob Teitel of State Street Pictures, whose credits include Soul Food, the Barbershop series, Men of Honor and Notorious. Johnson could not have been happier with the choice. "I was thoroughly impressed with Bob and George," compliments Johnson "They got the tone and understood the characters. George was certainly the right director for the movie." The director was equally thrilled to work with Johnson whom he had met on another project five years earlier. "I've always been a big fan of Dwayne's. As a guy you can't help but look at him and go 'I want to be that guy!' And to work with him on his return to the action genre, on a role that feels written just for him -- that's something I had to be a part of." Though this would be Johnson's return to the genre that made him a box office heavyweight, Tillman notes that the film also allows audiences to see him in a new kind of role, "unlike any other he's done before, namely playing more dramatic elements." Aside from Dwayne's attachment, and the intriguing title, Tillman also responded to the material as a throwback to action films of the 70s. "70s action films have cool heroes but those same heroes also have a dramatic essence; they are complicated characters. I think audiences today yearn for a more sophisticated action film where they can relate to the characters since people are by nature complicated." A BlackTree Media Production Produced by Jamaal Finkley Associate Producer Mason Richards On Camera Host Mason Richards http://www.blacktree.tv A BlackTree Media Production Thank you for watching! Blacktree is at all the hottest events on the planet (award shows, movie premieres and press junkets, fashion shows, etc.) and now BLACKTREE ON TV brings stars to YOU on Soul of the South! Watch Full episodes below, and tune in! WEEKDAYS | 5:30 – 6:00pm, 1-1:30am WEEKENDS | 5 – 6:00pm Sat & Sun (CST) _________________________ BlackTree Media Production Subscribe to our channel http://goo.gl/lVN14 Log onto our stream at http://goo.gl/74Ama Follow us on twitter @BlackTreeTV

• published: 25 Nov 2010
• views: 11028