Published Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Tin Roof Films chooses Newnan as location for latest film

By Nichole Golden

The Newnan Times-Herald

Ever been teased? Perhaps you were the one doing the teasing, or the one watching it happen.

Almost everyone can recall what it was like trying to fit in as a adolescent

"The Fat Boy Chronicles," written in journal format, is such a story -- the tale of an overweight boy in his first year of high school.

The book's hero is Jimmy Winterpock, who weighs 187 pounds at 5'5". The book is written by teachers Mike Buchanan and Diane Lang using the pen name "Lang Buchanan."

Buchanan said the idea for the Chronicles was planted by a father who visited with him at a book signing. The man's son was overweight, and through "sheer determination" lost 45 pounds over one summer. When the boy returned to school, no one recognized him.

The Coweta-based Tin Roof Films will make the book into a movie, and has decided to shoot the picture in Newnan. Mike Buchanan is the screenwriter/producer, Jason Winn is the director/producer and Jackson Giles is the production coordinator.

The film will be made in association with RiverWood Studios in Senoia.

Tin Roof and RiverWood have partnered together previously, for the making of "Last Bullet," a Vietnam-era short film.

Jason Winn said the film company will have an office in downtown Newnan, and will be shooting in various locations beginning in late July.

"We are going to be needing help across the board," said Winn. Extras will be needed, as well as individuals talented in making banners, and a parade float.

For more information on assisting with the production, e-mail to FatBoyMovie@gmail.com .

Students at the Central Educational Center (CEC) will also be helping to gain experience in film production.

Buchanan said that he hopes the book and film covering the "pain of isolation" will hit a note with people.

Winn said this will be just one of many projects they hope to produce in Newnan. "We think it's exciting," he said.

Tin Roof's future plans also include the making of "Treasure of the Four Lions." The plot centers around three kids and their search for a long-hidden stash of Confederate gold -- think Indiana Jones, but with Civil War history and young explorers.

"Fat Boy," set in an Ohio high school, is both painful and entertaining. The book's forward is by Dr. Thomas Inge of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and deals with the epidemic of childhood obesity.