The actor-filmmaker reflects on merging cinema with sport, connecting with fans, and discovering the spirit of community at the 24H Rollers.
Actor, writer, and director Samuel L. Pierce brought more than Hollywood glamour to the 24H Rollers at Le Mans this summer. After announcing the start of the legendary 24-hour inline skating race, he joined the competition, met fans, and shared the story of his film Off The Line. Along the way, he discovered how film and sport can merge into something unforgettable.
Film Meets Real Life:
How did the skating community react to seeing Off The Line during the event?
Actually, no one got to see Off The Line during the event, but the movie has now been released on DVD worldwide and is region-free, so anyone can watch it — Amazon is probably the easiest way to order it. That said, I like to think everyone there got to experience the story in a different way, because we were all racing the 24 Hours Rollers, which the film is based on. In a sense, I actually got to live the character, and everyone at the race got to live the movie firsthand through the experience of competing.
Did meeting and skating with real competitors give you a new perspective on the story you told in the film?
Absolutely. Meeting and skating with real competitors gave me a completely new perspective on the story. I actually got to live the character — to experience what it feels like to push through exhaustion, strategize with a team, and endure the highs and lows of a 24-hour race. Being out on the track brought the character to life in a way that watching or directing alone never could, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the journey we portrayed in the film.
What did it mean to you to have your movie embraced in such a legendary sporting environment?
It was a true honor to see the movie embraced in such a legendary sporting environment. I like to think Off The Line can help spread awareness about the sport, inspire some skaters to try speed skating competitively, and give non skaters an outside perspective, helping them understand what it’s really like — and maybe even inspire them to watch it themselves one day.
Behind the Scenes:
You were also given a private tour of the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans, what stood out most from that experience?
I’m very grateful to Christophe Audoire and the staff of the race for making us feel so welcomed and for showing me around both the track and the city. The standout part for me was getting to be in the control room, which is a very rare experience — it’s the same room where many racing legends have stood. I even got to sit in the chairs, which was incredible. We also visited the medical bay, and while we were at the track that day, the Porsche Experience 10th anniversary was happening, so we got to watch Porsches go around the track at the same time. It was an unforgettable behind-the-scenes glimpse into the history and operations of Le Mans.
Tell us about your interactions with fans, athletes, or organizers during the weekend, were there any moments that made you stop and smile?
There were many moments that made me smile during the event — from talking to fans and viewers of the movie to hanging out with my new friends. One of the highlights was touring Le Mans, both the city and the track. We were also joined by Jean-Yves Blondeau, known as Rollerman, who was always super fun to be around and brought a lot of energy to the group. His presence added a unique touch to the experience, making it even more memorable.
Signing merch and sharing a taste of Hollywood at a French sporting event is quite unique, how did people respond?
It was definitely a new experience for a lot of people there, but everyone seemed really excited and, more importantly, supportive of the movie. Many people wanted it to help spread awareness of the sport and also to have something fun to share with their friends.
Looking Ahead:
As Pierce puts it, “The movie continues to surprise me every day.” From combining two passions — film and sport — to preparing for his upcoming project Jack Harrison: Rogue Protocol, he’s thinking globally while pushing himself as both filmmaker and athlete.
His takeaway from Le Mans? “It was the adventure of a lifetime, from the competition to the friendships formed along the way.”
For more on Samuel L. Pierce visit his website www.electricshockproductions.com and follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/samuellpierce
