YEAH
Former ’Rette manager directs documentary kristopher dobbins
W
Story by ELLEN REID
ith the 75th anniversary of the Rangerettes coming up next year, one of the big events is the making of the film Sweethearts of the Gridiron: An American Story. The film shows Rangerette history from their first field performance right up into the organization today. The film is the brainchild of director Chip Hale, who is an ex-Rangerette manager. The film is set to be released in coming weeks. A plan is in the works for a screening in Kilgore this fall as part of the anniversary celebration. “The city of Kilgore and Kilgore College were incredibly important to the project, so the goal is to have a screening during a KC football game weekend,” Hale said. The Rangerettes and Rangerette Forevers will be a part of this premiere. One of Hale’ s favorite aspects about directing the film was that he made it with people he had known for years, who would have never thought they would get to help make a film. “Making a low-budget indie documentary isn’t glamorous like a big budget Hollywood film, but my Texas friends have always been supportive of my career, and have enjoyed being a part of the project,” Hale said. Michael Wayne, husband of Rangerette assistant director and choreographer Shelley Wayne, is the executive producer. Jan Jaynes, who runs the Rangerette Museum, and husband Craig are also executive producers. Lisa Fortenberry, a Rangerette Forever, handled all the travel details, getting crew members from Los Angeles and New York to Texas and housing them when necessary. Another favorite aspect for Hale was to bring Los Angeles and New York friends to his East Texas home. “Originally from Overton, Kilgore was like a second home to me. Late-night runs to the Kilgore Whataburger were a regular occurrence for me in high school,” Hale said. Hale takes a lot of pride in calling East Texas home saying, “I’ve been based in L.A. since 2011, so I’ve developed quite a family of friends and co-workers out there. I only work with people I genuinely like, and for all these years they’ve had to listen to me talk proudly about East Texas, Kilgore College and of course the Rangerettes,” he said. “When they finally came out to work on the project, they saw for themselves why I’m so proud of where I’m from. They all loved being in East Texas, and they all had respect for the Rangerettes and what they stand for. Marrying my two worlds together was something I’ll always look fondly upon.” The film has almost been three years in the making, which he describes as quite a ride. “Telling the story was important to the organization’s history, and to its future,” Hale said. “The Rangerette organization has become my family.” During during the making of the film, he lived with the Wayne family, so their personal lives have become more intertwined than before. He and Rangerette director Dana Blair have become close, and she is someone he respects greatly. “But it doesn’t just stop with Dana and Shelley; the people I’m closest to in my life are friends I’ve made through Rangerettes, and that means the world to me”, says Hale. As for what he hopes to come out of this finished film Hale said, “I think and dream big, and part of my dream is for Sweethearts of the Gridiron to force Dana and Shelley into changing their tryout format to accommodate hundreds of girls every year, rather than just one hundred, because seeing sweethearts motivated them to try out.” Hale explains with today’s technology and social media, the film could be seen by young women across the country, who have a dream to dance and be a part of something uniquely American. The Flare Magazine • FEATURE • 33