You know those "making of" TV shows that go behind the scenes of a blockbuster movie's filming (The Making of ... Gangs of New York, for example). Well, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines has a role in the independent flick Grand Champion. Using Natalie's words from a recent interview, here's how a "making of" script for her movie might start out.
FADE IN: TEXAS RANCH
Cast gathers. There's Joey Lauren Adams, Emma Roberts (daughter of Eric Roberts/niece of Julia Roberts), Jacob Fisher, Cache Williams and Bruce Willis. The cameo cast includes George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, Joe Ely and Julia Roberts. Natalie - playing a West Texas deejay with big hair and blue eye shadow - is talking to director/actor Barry Tubb, who's telling her to ad lib, or make up her lines as she goes.
NATALIE
No! I can't ad lib. Tell me exactly what to say.
CUT TO: RADIO STATION CONTROL BOOTH
Camera reveals Natalie flawlessly delivering her lines.
CUT TO: NATALIE'S DRESSING TRAILER - NIGHT
Natalie is explaining her dialogue success.
NATALIE
Julia came in my trailer and wrote lines. She's very funny. She was such a supporter - she was like my wardrobe girl and my stage mom. Between takes she'd come over and help me take my jacket off, sit with me and give my sips of wine. She knew I was just shaking with nerves. Thank God she was there, or I'd never have made it.
FADE OUT:
Grand Champion premieres at New Mexico's Taos Talking Picture Festival in April.
