Big Talk to make film on British cheerleading squad Ascension Eagles

Big Talk Pictures have announced that they will be making a film based on the real-life Ascension Eagles story. Nira Park and Damian Jones will produce the project, through Big Talk’s UK production outfit.
Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) have been recognized as one of the UK’s most successful youth programs, as well as Britain’s best all-round cheerleaders. AEC aims to transform and inspire young people to reach their full potential, while providing the highest level of training, coaching and community development work.

In addition to being Champions, AEC are committed to investing in their community. In January 2010, Ascension Eagles opened London’s first cheer gym – Talent Central – at Gallions Reach Shopping Park. AEC young leaders currently serve over 1000 young people every week.
Producer Damian Jones discovered the AEC story when he met a former Ascension Eagle filming another project, and learned that she attributed her success to the result of being an AEC member. Damian brought the project to Big Talk. Matthew Justice and Rachael Prior of Big Talk will be executive producers. Daisy Donovan is writing the screenplay.

The project is the first into development under Big Talk’s new co-financing and co-production deal with Optimum/StudioCanal and Film4. The first production under the deal - Attack The Block directed by Joe Cornish - is currently shooting in London.
“This project is a gift,” said Nira Park. “It brings together classic fish out of water comedy elements with a unique feel-good wish fulfillment story. It’s also distinctly and brilliantly British in the great tradition of home grown movies like Billy Elliot and The Full Monty. The Ascension Eagles story is crying out to be brought to the big screen, and we’re delighted to be making that happen. We can’t wait to bring this amazing story to an international audience.”
Damian Jones said: “After learning about the origins of the Ascension Eagles and after meeting the formidable Shara Brice and her cheerleaders, I knew there was an incredible story here. Once Daisy Donovan agreed to adapt it, Big Talk felt like the perfect partner for it.”
AEC founding member and Program Manager Angela Brown said, “It is all a bit surreal, but exciting. We want to build on the legacy we have created with a film that will inspire and entertain.”
Big Talk was founded by Park in 1995. It currently has two movies in post - Paul, written by and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and directed by Greg Mottola for Universal/Working Title with Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman and Kristen Wiig heading the cast, and Scott Pilgrim Vs The World directed by Edgar Wright and starring Michael Cera for Universal.
Ascension Eagles have just returned from Future Cheer National Championships, where they retained their titles, and are now in training for JamFest International next month. AEC plan to double the size of their program for the 2010-11 season. For more information, please contact director@ascensioneagles.com