Next for Switzer: Movie of 'The Bootlegger's Boy'

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Next for Switzer: Movie of 'The Bootlegger's Boy'

BY BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Sunday, September 30, 2012
9/30/12 at 3:47 AM

Barry Switzer at 75: A look at Barry Switzer’s 16-season tenure as OU football coach.

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NORMAN - During the exact moment that Barry Switzer was discussing the development of a movie based on his life, he received a phone call from Molly Smith - whose new production company, Belle Pictures, will develop the movie of "The Bootlegger's Boy."

Smith was an executive producer of the Oscar-nominated film "The Blind Side." "The Bootlegger's Boy" will be based on Switzer's 1990 autobiography.

Switzer recently took Smith and a film crew on a research trip to his hometown of Crossett, Ark. They attended Switzer's high school class reunion.

"There are two parts to this deal - my life story rights and the book rights," Switzer said. "There will be more to (the movie) than there was in the book."

A screenplay still has not been written, Switzer said, and the movie's cast has not been established. Producers soon will begin the process of identifying actors who will play Switzer at various stages of his life.

Switzer said he expects the project - with an expected budget of $50 million - to be completed in 18 months.