Screenwriter and filmmaker Evan Landry chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about writing and producing the film “Racewalkers.”
Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz directed this film, and they co-star in it alongside Robbie Amell, Greg Bryk, and Italia Ricci. Claydon and Moniz co-wrote the screenplay with Evan Landry (who also served as a producer).
On the idea for the film, Landry remarked, “From our perspective, we sent the script over to Collective and we hoped they could get a read on it and see what they thought. We heard back from them that not only were they interested in making it happen but that Robbie [Amell] was interested in being in it as well.”
“I thought that was crazy,” he exclaimed. “Then, I saw a video of Robbie racewalking that they sent to us, and we were like, ‘Holy smokes, this is awesome.’ We all subsequently had dinner together, and a year later, we were on set and filmed it on a lightning speed timeline and schedule.”
“All things came together in this perfect way, and it all happened,” he admitted. “We were just so lucky to have such an amazing group of cast and crew members come together, and they made it happen on such a tight budget.”
“So many people put so much into this movie, and they made it what it is today,” he added.
Landry is drawn to the movie’s retro vibe. “I think it’s nostalgic for a lot of people in ways where they feel like it has a late 90s or early 00s spots comedy vibe, which are so many people’s favorite movies,” he noted. “I would also say that the movie ‘Happy Gilmore’ was a massive inspiration for ‘Racewalkers’.”
“When we started putting this script together, that was what we were setting out to do — to make this underdog sports comedy that would just resonate with people,” he acknowledged. “It feels really gratifying and like we’ve succeeded in that. Hopefully, people will find this film and it will get out there via word of mouth.”
“I think people are going to be excited to find something that feels like it’s one of their favorite movies from years ago,” he added.
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Landry revealed, “In Development.”
When asked if he writes with the end in mind (as a screenwriter), he responded, “Kevin, Phil and I worked together on this script. I think we really like to outline it before we dive into writing. So, we really outline everything and really have an idea of where it’s going right from the start. So, once we actually get into putting words on page, we’ve got a pretty solid outline at that point.”
Regarding the filming process, Landry remarked, “We had so much fun. It was the editing that was challenging for us because in every scene, Robbie gave us so many options that were just so good. There were so many good throwaway one-liners.”
“I wish we had done a Bloopers reel or something because that would have done really well on this. Perhaps we should revisit that for the DVD’s special features. There were some scenes where Robbie gave us five options, and we were left wondering which ones we were going to pick,” he elaborated.
“There was a wealth of options, which is a high-class problem to have when you have so many great takes to pick from, which are all unique,” he added.
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “time travel.” “I would go back to the future and get a Sports Almanac, and then just go back and bet on the right game and set some things up,” he said with a sweet laugh. “I’m going to break the space time continuum.”
On his favorite motto to live by, Landry said, “Be kind!” “That’s definitely a great piece of advice,” he admitted.
His alternate career choice outside of entertainment is a “diplomat.” “I would have gone in the Canadian Foreign Service and become a diplomat,” he said.
Ironically enough, his favorite show to binge-watch is “Upload,” which also stars “Racewalkers” lead actor Robbie Amell.
Regarding his definition of success, Landry said, “Success is really enjoying the process because that is going to be your life. So, if you truly enjoy what you are doing and take satisfaction and gratitude in what you are doing, then I think that’s success.”
For fans and viewers, he concluded about “Racewalkers,” “Just have fun. Have a great time. I hope they can just escape for an hour and 27 minutes, and come out feeling good and uplifted.”
To learn more about Evan Landry, follow him on Instagram.
Read More: True Hollywood Talk’s rave review of “Racewalkers” film.
