Digest

Devery Jacobs, known for her roles in "Reservation Dogs" and "Echo", stars in and co-produced the new cheerleading drama "Backspot". The film centers on Riley, a queer, indigenous backspot who joins an all-star cheer team called the Thunderhawks. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of showcasing the athleticism and dedication of athletes of color, particularly those in the backspot position, who often go unnoticed. She also discusses the pushback she faced from Hollywood as an indigenous storyteller, highlighting the narrow view some have of modern-day indigenous people. Jacobs shares her experience with funding challenges and how Elliott Page's support helped get the film off the ground. She also reflects on her background as a competitive gymnast and how it prepared her for the physical demands of the film. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of integrity and speaking up when necessary, even when working with large media conglomerates like Marvel and Disney. She believes in using her platform to tell stories that reflect her identities as a queer, indigenous woman and to create art that she needed to see growing up.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast "It's Been a Minute" and its host, Brittany Loose. The episode focuses on the new cheerleading drama "Backspot" and its star and co-producer, Devery Jacobs.

00:02:43

Redefining the Cheerleader Film

This Chapter delves into Devery Jacobs's vision for "Backspot", which aims to redefine the cheerleader film by showcasing the athleticism and dedication of athletes of color, particularly those in the backspot position. Jacobs discusses the importance of portraying cheerleading as a sport first and foremost, highlighting the physical demands and the sense of family within the cheer community.

00:07:56

Building the Character of Riley

This Chapter explores Devery Jacobs's approach to building the character of Riley, a queer, indigenous backspot in "Backspot". Jacobs emphasizes the importance of representing her own identities as a queer, indigenous woman in her work and creating a film that reflects the realities of queer people in the world today. She also discusses the pushback she faced from Hollywood as an indigenous storyteller and how Elliott Page's support helped get the film off the ground.

00:11:37

Navigating Different Creative Roles

This Chapter examines Devery Jacobs's experience as a storyteller across various creative roles, including actor, writer, director, and producer. Jacobs discusses how each role informs the other and how she finds fulfillment in telling stories from different perspectives. She also reflects on her experience working with large media conglomerates like Marvel and Disney and how she maintains her integrity and voice in those environments.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is "Backspot" and what makes it different from other cheerleading films?

  "Backspot" is a new cheerleading drama film that challenges traditional portrayals of cheerleaders by highlighting the athleticism and dedication of athletes of color, particularly those in the backspot position. It also explores themes of queer identity and indigenous representation in Hollywood.

• What are some of the challenges Devery Jacobs faced as an indigenous storyteller in Hollywood?

  Jacobs faced pushback from some funders who did not understand why the lead character in "Backspot" was indigenous. This highlights the narrow view some have of modern-day indigenous people and the need for greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity of indigenous experiences.

• How did Elliott Page's support help get "Backspot" off the ground?

  Page, a vocal advocate for transgender rights, was impressed by the film's story and provided support that helped secure funding for the project. His involvement opened doors for the film and provided a platform for its message.

• How does Devery Jacobs's background as a competitive gymnast inform her work on "Backspot"?

  Jacobs's experience as a gymnast gave her the physical skills and discipline necessary to perform her own stunts in the film. It also helped her understand the physical demands and dedication required of cheerleaders.

• How does Devery Jacobs maintain her integrity and voice when working with large media conglomerates like Marvel and Disney?

  Jacobs believes in speaking up when necessary and ensuring that her work is accurate and respectful of her identities. She also uses her platform to tell stories that reflect her own experiences and to create art that she needed to see growing up.

Show Notes