Ellen Page to star in Drew Barrymore's 'Whip It!'

Washington, Jan 16 : Ellen Page has signed on to star in Drew Barrymore's directorial debut 'Whip It!'

Shauna Cross has penned the screenplay for the film, which tells the tale of a girl who discovers herself through the world of roller derby.

The film, which had originally been set up at Warner Bros. via Barrymore's Flower Films banner, reunited Page with Mandate Pictures, the company behind box office- and awards-season hit 'Juno.'

"I really admire how Drew constantly challenges herself as an artist," Variety quoted Page, as saying.

"She's proven herself as an actress and a producer, and I have no doubt she'll bring great vision and creativity to the director's chair. I can't wait to kick ass on wheels," she added.

The producer of the film is Barry Mendel, while Peter Douglas, Nancy Juvonen, Kirsten 'Kiwi' Smith and Nathan Kahane are executive producers.

The film has a budget of 10 million dollars and is scheduled to begin shooting in the summer in Texas.

Barrymore said of her movie: "I've been working toward the goal of directing my entire life. 'Whip It!' is a story that really spoke to me."

ANI