Promoting her new film, “Whip it,” Drew Barrymore made a stop in Farmington Hills Friday. Barrymore and the Detroit Derby Girls mingled and skated with fans who came out to Bonaventure, a roller-skating complex, for this free event.

Extras in the movie, derby girls and eager children and parents gathered to be the first in line to get a glimpse of Barrymore and the festivities.

“Whip it” was filmed in Michigan, throughout the Detroit area and in places like Ypsilanti, Frankenmuth and Birch Run. Not only did tax incentives draw Barrymore here for her directorial debut, but other interests as well, specifically the Detroit Derby Girls’ kickass spirit and league formidability in the world of roller derby. They lent a hand to the movie, which chronicles the lives of derby girls.

The main character, Bliss, played by Ellen Page, is a newbie trying to break into the derby scene. Page plays Bliss brilliantly, as a quick-witted, intelligent misfit sick of small town Texas life.

Against her mother’s prim-and-proper pageant ethics (her mother is played by Marcia Gay Harden), she takes up with a team of local roller derby girls. Bliss is encouraged to “be your own hero” and find her inner confidence by mentor and derby girl, Kristin Wiig.

The team, called the “Hurl Scouts,” consists of Barrymore herself as “Smashley Simpson,” Eve as “Rosa Sparks” and Wiig as “Malice in Wonderland.”

Other cast members include Juliette Lewis as “Dinah Might,” Jimmy Fallon as the “MC” and Alia Shawkat as Bliss’ best friend.

Barrymore cast Page before she starred in last year’s breakout hit “Juno.” When asked why she chose Page for the role of Bliss, Barrymore said, “I believe that she is the real deal. She is incredibly smart, funny and talented, but she is also so human. She is an inspiration.”

The movie is based off Shauna Cross’ novel, “Derby Girl.” And although the film is set in Bordeen, Texas, near Austin, Barrymore said the Michigan filming locations fit perfectly with the charm of “Whip it.”

Talking about filming in Ypsilanti, Barrymore said, “I couldn’t have dreamed of finding a better location to cinematically tell the story and give the vibe of where this family lived than this cul-de-sac in Ypsilanti.” She also spoke of Ypsi hangout, The Elbow Room, as being one of her favorite places in the area.

At the event Friday, the Detroit Derby Girls came out in support of the movie many of them played parts in. Tough, tattooed skaters like “Honey Suckit,” “Tiny Ninja” and “Racer McChaseHer” strutted their skate and destroy moves for the fans and press during the event.

“Honey Suckit,” a pint-sized derby girl with two-toned hair, who called her name “a little sweet and a little street,” said she and many of her teammates play the “Black Widows” in the film. The girls did stunt double work and coached Barrymore and the cast in rough and tumble derby moves and etiquette (or lack of).

The Detroit league itself has gained prowess in the last few years. The sporting event is one of the most exciting around and “Tiny Ninja” (a.k.a. Christina Lulianelli) encourages everyone to get involved, whether you want to skate or just watch the games. To become a derby girl, Lulianelli said, “You have to have commitment, a good attitude, a good cell phone plan and good wheels.” She cites Page as an example, “Ellen took a bit to get used to her skates. She was a trooper though. By the second day she was like ‘I want you to hit me as hard as you can. ‘It was a very Fight Club-esque moment.”

 For amateurs, Detroit Derby Girls host Derby! U, a two-day workshop open to all derby leagues who want new skills and cheap drinks.

 Their first season game is Saturday, Oct. 10, a double-header vs. Madison at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com. For more info about tryouts, merchandise, teams and a full schedule check out detroitderbygirls.com

 The derby girl spirit originally attracted Barrymore here, but the financial bonus made her stay. Babe Ruthless Productions, her production company, received a 42 percent tax incentive for filming in Michigan. By contacting the Michigan Film Commission, Barrymore was set up with filming locations, crew members, hotels and other necessities.

Janet Lockwood of the Film Commission said, “This is building a new industry in Michigan. It’s going to be a high tech industry, but more importantly, it’s going to keep young, talented, artistic, tech people here.”

The blossoming film industry is giving Michigan a new, creative lease on the future. Residents, filmmakers and a host of artistic souls are getting involved in various film projects throughout the state.

Barrymore’s debut as a director, the growth of roller derby, Bliss’ changing life and the burgeoning film industry in Michigan, alludes to a common theme: transformation.

It is a small reminder of the collaborative power of film and its ability to weave separate stories into an entertaining tale of the human spirit.