Production has begun on Screen Gems’ breakdance-centered pic Planet B Boy. The film is based on the documentary of the same name that focused on the 2005 Battle of the Year and the B-boy (breakdancing) crews (teams) that took part in the competition. Directed by Benson Lee (who also directed the documentary) the film will focus on an all-star American B-boy crew training to compete in the Battle of the Year International Championships in France. The cast includes Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso (Avatar), Josh Peck (The Wackness), Caity Lotz (Mad Men) and recording artist/lady-fighter Chris Brown.

The script was written by Brin Hill and Chris Parker. Production begins with a brief shoot in Los Angeles before moving onto Montpellier, France. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I really, really hope we get to see a breakdancing Sawyer. Hit the jump to read the official synopsis followed by the full press release and the trailer for the documentary.

Here’s the official synopsis for Planet B-Boy:

Inspired by the award winning documentary, PLANET B-BOY, the film is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (BOTY) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years.

Here's the trailer for the documentary:

planet-b-boy-poster

And here’s the full press release:

Production has commenced Screen Gems’ PLANET B BOY starring Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck, Caity Lotz, and Chris Brown.  The film will be directed by Benson Lee from a script written by Brin Hill and Chris Parker.  Beau Flynn, Tripp Vinson and Amy Lo are producing the project.  Following a brief shoot in Los Angeles, the film will continue production in Montpellier, France.

Inspired by the award winning documentary, PLANET B-BOY, the film is about an all-star American b-boy crew training to compete in France at the Battle of the Year (BOTY) International Championships. After a decade of defeat, the crew and their coach must go up against the best and greatest b-boys in the world: the Koreans, the Russians and the French who have dominated the original American dance form for the last 10 years.

Holloway will next be seen in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL and has previously been seen in WHISPER.  He is best known for his role of James ‘Sawyer’ Ford on the hit television series Lost.

Alonso’s film credits include MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA, JUMPING THE BROOM, AVATAR, and FAST & FURIOUS

Peck recently starred in the Sundance Audience Award-winner THE WACKNESS.  He next stars opposite Chris Hemsworth in MGM’s remake of RED DAWN and also stars in the upcoming thriller ATM from IFC.

Lotz will next be seen in THE PACT and has previously had roles on Mad Men and Law & Order: LA.

Recording artist and actor Brown will next be seen in THINK LIKE A MAN and has previously starred in TAKERS, THIS CHRISTMAS, STOMP THE YARD.

Lee directed the documentary PLANET B-BOY as well as the documentary BLACK PICKET FENCE.

Hill has previously written the screenplays of LEARNING TO FLY and BALL DON’T LIE.

Parker’s credits include MULES and NEVER FORGET as well as WOLF BOY.

Holloway and Hill are represented by WME.  Alonso and Lee are represented by ICM.  Alonso is managed by Thruline Entertainment. Peck is represented by UTA and The Collective.  Lotz is represented by Greene & Associates Talent Agency.  Brown is represented by CAA and manager Tina Davis.  Parker is represented by The Gersh Agency and manager Noah Rosen.