Michelle Monaghan and “Trucker” are the feature article (and front page) for the August PTC Challenge magazine.  We’ve posted part of the article below.

“Michelle was so dedicated to the part of Diane Ford,” says Mottern. “I asked her if she would take a few driving lessons and not only did she agree, but she insisted on getting her driver’s permit so she could operate the truck during filming. And she did! At the time she didn’t even know how to drive a stick shift but damned if she didn’t get her permit and get in that truck and pull it off. You should’ve seen her on the splitter. It would’ve taken your breath away. So every time you see Michelle driving in the movie, it really is her driving. No filming trailers, no computer graphics, nothing. Just Monaghan behind the wheel.”

“It was amazing,” says an enthusiastic and proud Monaghan. “I was one of those kids growing up who pumped her arm up and down when the truck came past, and now it was me behind the wheel. My dad and brother both have their CDL so they were really impressed. I was so nervous my first time on I-10. I can’t even drive a regular stick shift but now I can drive an 18-wheeler. Reverse parking was the hardest, and double clutching. I hope truck drivers know that I appreciate what they do.”

With his leading lady opting to earn her CDL and gain an appreciation for the trucking industry, many directors would probably be hesitant, if not terrified, to watch their Hollywood star attraction cruise on down the highway. However, for Mottern, there seemed no choice but to accept that Monaghan was climbing into the driver’s seat.

“Monaghan has nerves of case-hardened steel,” Mottern explains. “She got in that truck and got out on the freeway and opened it up and there was never a moment where I thought I wasn’t going to come out on the other end with all my fingers and toes. Not one. She’s a red-blooded American woman with guts to spare and she drove that rig with a 53-foot trailer! It was like riding with a fighter pilot or maybe a bull rider. Seriously. That girl’s got cowboy in her soul.”

Monaghan is also credited as executive producer of the movie. “It was something I always wanted to do,” explains Monaghan. “It was great to be able to be a part of filming decisions.” Monaghan plans to continue her role as a producer in future projects.

“Trucker” is slated as an independent film and has made several appearances at various film festivals in the United States and Canada. The film is scheduled for national theater release in October, followed by a DVD release in January 2010.

You can read the full article in the magazine or visit the PTC Challenge Magazine website.

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