“I was instantly drawn to the character of Katy,” confirms Lohman. “I loved the fact that she’s not afraid to be opinionated. Even though she’s young, she stands her ground and knows what she wants. At the same time she’s also very soft and girly. I really liked that contradiction in her.”

The filmmakers then turned to music superstar – and rising actor – Tim McGraw to play Katy’s intractable, but deeply loving father, Rob. McGraw, who made an impressive acting debut in 2004’s hit football drama Friday Night Lights, welcomed the opportunity to play a more likable character. “Rob has his tougher moments, but he’s a good guy and solid family man,” says McGraw. “It was a great opportunity to do a movie that my kids – and kids for generations to come – could see and enjoy.”

The filmmakers then turned to music superstar – and rising actor – Tim McGraw to play Katy’s intractable, but deeply loving father, Rob. McGraw, who made an impressive acting debut in 2004’s hit football drama Friday Night Lights, welcomed the opportunity to play a more likable character. “Rob has his tougher moments, but he’s a good guy and solid family man,” says McGraw. “It was a great opportunity to do a movie that my kids – and kids for generations to come – could see and enjoy.”

Family was also on McGraw's mind when he produced the film’s soundtrack and wrote the original song “My Little Girl” with Tom Douglas, which McGraw performs as well. “The song has special meaning to me both for the film and being a father of three daughters,” says McGraw.

For Maria Bello, who was cast as Katy’s strong and centered mother Nell, FLICKA was a departure from her edgier film credits like Permanent Midnight, The Cooler and A History of Violence. “I don’t tend to be attracted to what could be considered ‘lighter’ material,” notes Bello, “but when I heard Michael Mayer was directing I realized I should pay attention. When I read the script, with its beautifully written relationships, I knew exactly why Michael was involved, and I knew I had to be too.”

Up-and-coming Australian actor Ryan Kwanten was next cast as Katy’s collegebound brother Howard. Dallas Roberts, who starred in the director’s A Home at the End of the World, was brought on as the McLaughlins’ reserved, long-time ranch hand Gus. Danny Pino was then selected to play the ranch’s other hand, the cocky heartthrob, Jack. Kaylee DeFer portrays Howard’s wealthy, horse-loving girlfriend Miranda.

Before filming began, the director and his cast had to become as familiar and fluid as possible with handling horses. Since, aside from Tim McGraw, the group had little or no experience with the animals, a “Cowboy Camp” was created where they were able to train with the film’s wranglers and learn everything they could about horses in a few short weeks.

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