Rollergroove

INTERVIEW WITH TYRONE DIXON

RG: Who is Tyrone Dixon?
TD: I am a person who wishes to work hard to create opportunities for other people.
All my projects are related to my politics and activism.
I am more than an artist; I am also an entrepreneur who loves sharing and teaching.

RG: When and how did you get involved in roller-skating?
TD: I started skating in the mid seventies; my aunt took me skating every weekend in Houston Texas.

RG: After graduating from the American Film Institute did you always plan to make a film about skating or did something inspire you?
TD: I was inspired to do 8 Wheels by the World On Wheels skating family in Los Angeles. They were so cool and the style was so fresh to me. I thought wow! Is it like this everywhere else? I was producing and directing a documentary series with Debbie Allen and I was falling in love with the documentary process. I came to Los Angeles to make films, unforgettable films for the big screen. But, I also wanted to tell stories and Hollywood is tough. Documentaries are a way to tell great stories and not have to wait for the Studios to tell me when I can create.

RG: What is '8 Wheels' about?
TD: 8 Wheels is about community, culture, and skating. It is about the essence of the art and the sport of roller-skating. It is a History lesson about black people in America.

RG: 8 Wheels has had a wonderful reception, how proud are you of this film?
TD: If I never get to make another film, I have made one that I know will stand the test of time. It represents me and I am proud to have had the opportunity to share with others and be a vehicle for others to reach out and share their gifts.

RG: 8 Wheels was a large project for one person to undertake - did you ever feel it was too much for you to handle by yourself?
TD: I did think it was the greatest challenge besides raising my children, I have ever had. It was a physical, mental, emotional strain on my soul. I sold everything, was going through divorce and was risking my career with my money and my partner’s credit card.
I had some real doubtful days, but I overcame.

RG: 8 Wheels brought to the public eye a racial divide in urban roller-skating. To your knowledge, has the film had any effect on this divide, good or bad?
TD: I think the film has helped to create awareness to debts of racism in the US. As well it has educated many people how to overcome and continue to represent what we love the most about roller-skating. It brings people together with fun, health and fitness at the forefront.

RG: How did you become involved in 'Roll Bounce' and what was your involvement?
TD: I was the Associate Producer on the film. I was responsible for bringing in and managing all the skating and skaters for the film. With the famous Bill Butler and Michael Johnson of NY and K. Dudley the hip-hop choreographer we were able to create some cool skating scenes.

RG: Did Roll Bounce really only cost 12 million dollars?
TD: Yes. It was a struggle but everyone wanted to see this get done the best way possible. A lot of sweat equity went into this film for the love and creativeness of it. It was a fun project.

RG: Would you like to make a skate movie based in the present?
TD: Yes. I am planning to do it soon. I have a script and I am shopping the idea now.

RG: With 'Empire' and 'Roxy' closing down, is roller-skating going through a bad time in the US right now, or is this just a transitional stage?
TD: It is a transitional stage to me. Growing pains. We have to step up and build
roller-skating around the health and fitness benefits. Let's get competitions going with sponsorship dollars, let’s dazzle the world. It can be done. It will be done.

Tyrone, thank you for talking to us.

8 Wheels and Some Soul Brotha' Music can be purchased from: www.8wheelsdoc.com