GTA Rollergirls and DerbyLife.tv

The folks at GTAR have been quietly filming a television show pilot. It has been filming over the course of their recently ended home season and has been premiered as a eight minute trailer to what hopefully be a long running regularly scheduled program; should it get picked up.

[Pictured left: Logo of series courtecy of derbylife.tv]

I had a chance to be present at the premiere where an audience was shown this trailer (that can be watched here: www.derbylife.tv) as well as an full 22 minute episode that will run within the 13 episode series, and let me tell you; there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

The show is many things. Sad? Yes, maybe a little. Inspiring? Moving? The ease with which you can identify with these women makes for a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, due to the familiarity you feel with each of the characters. I think that the stories and accounts combined with the real emotions that these players are forced to sort through on their journeys, make it possibly the most real-life reality TV I’ve ever seen.

[Pictured right: Splat Benatar upclose in trailer, still from derbylife.tv]

The candid and mature nature that these ladies possess in discussing the perils of balancing life, love and sport atop a roller skate; strikes a chord of parity in all our lives - Derbinite or not.

This is NOT A&E’s Rollergirls and this sure ain’t Whip IT! This is a bunch of women with real lives, with real people in them; who make real choices based on real problems.

[Pictured left: Coach Kirk in the dressing room upclose in trailer, still from derbylife.tv]

No sugar coating, no Hollywood plot embellishment and no script. I had been wondering for months why this group from GTAR just seemed a little different from other outfits, and it took a TV producer to explain it to me.

[Pictured right: Kimmie Krow upclose in trailer, still from derbylife.tv]

Within these stories are the honest and pure thoughts and feelings of woman who have come together to create a family. A family, complete with love, respect and a mutual addiction to the game of Roller Derby.