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Inspired by Shields’ experience running in the first kids’ team of the iconic Black Rock Stakes in the Pilbara, the heartwarming family feature film follows 10-year-old Lucy, who is forbidden from attending the 1978 regional athletic trials as punishment for racing a delivery plane on a remote dirt airstrip. But with the help of her grandmother, she defies her Vietnam veteran father and enters the first kids’ team into the Red Rock Run, a gruelling 120km outback marathon race.

The project has received $2 million in funding through the WA Regional Screen Fund and Footloose Production Funding via Screenwest, demonstrating the State Government’s continued support to grow, develop and build the screen industry throughout Western Australia.

The WA Regional Screen Fund is designed to attract screen projects to undertake production in regional Western Australia to encourage regional film industry activity, build local capacity and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional WA communities.

Red Rock Run will create 220 jobs for Western Australian cast, crew and extras, and is estimated to result in $5.9M expenditure in the state, including $3.85M regional expenditure.

Western Australian writer Meg Shields has teamed up with producer Miriam Stein and director Cathy Randall - the dynamic duo behind Hey Hey its Esther Blueburger.

“I’m thrilled to see Red Rock Run head into production after running its own marathon from initial draft to financing,” Meg Shields said.

“I met producer Miriam Stein in 2009 and it’s a story that wouldn’t be told if it weren’t for Miriam’s dedication. I’m thrilled the project has attracted incredible creative talent including director Cathy Randall.

“The story is inspired by my experience in 1976 of running in the first kids’ team to enter the Black Rock Stakes, a 120 km marathon relay race to push a barrow of iron ore from Goldsworthy to Port Hedland in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

“I’m excited to see the story of a young girl facing adversity and bravely undertaking a gruelling journey of self-discovery in one of the most unique and magnificent environments in the world.”