Can you believe it? The Fat Kid Rules the World movie premiers THIS FRIDAY at the SXSW film festival! How amazing is that? I thought I’d take a moment to share my excitement with all of you who have supported my work in so many different ways. Read on for the inside scoop!
This Thursday, I’ll be traveling down to Austin, TX to see the film on the big screen in front of a live audience. Although I saw a completed cut a few months ago in NYC, the score was not in place, so this will be the first time I’ll get to see the final, completed movie. Mike McCready (from Pearl Jam) has written two original songs for the film (in addition to the rest of the score) and they’ll be giving away vinyl 45s with those two songs as the A & B sides. They’ve also partnered with Converse and will be giving away 150 pairs of Fat Kid designed Converse sneakers. I’m told that Matthew Lillard designed them himself, and I can’t wait to see them. The moral dilemma here is, how much loot should I try to stuff into my own suitcase when it is clearly meant to promote the film… Hmmm.
So far, I know for a fact that director Matthew Lillard will be attending. He’s doing an Indiewire talk on Tuesday, which I will sadly miss, but maybe someone will surreptitiously record it? The fabulous script writers, Michael Galvin and Peter Speakman, will be doing a Q&A after the movie, the stars of the film – Jacob Wysocki, Matt O’Leary, and Billy Campbell will be there (not sure about Lili Simmons), extra artist extraordinaire Amara will be doing a live painting exhibit. I’m also hoping to meet producer Evan Hoyt Wasserstrom of Whippany Park Productions, and as many Whitewater Films folks as are coming. I’ll be doing a book signing on Monday at the B&N booth, 2 PM. If any SXSW attendees are reading this, please come visit me!
Outside the realm of the film festival, I’m also looking forward to visiting with two of my favorite writers while I’m in Austin (and let’s be honest here, I think they’re everybody’s favorite writers), husband and wife duo, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith. I’ve known Cynthia and Greg since my days working at Curtis Brown, and they have been completely enthusiastic and supportive of my writing over the years. An excuse to see them in person in their hometown is awesome. :-}
As the excitement builds for the premier, little snippets of exciting news have been leaking in. Yesterday, the IFC named Fat Kid as one of their top twenty movies to see at SXSW. Our top 20 movies to see at SXSW. Considering how many films are showing, this is incredible. We’re listed right after 21 Jump Street.
I’ve been researching the venue for the premier and it is a perfect fit for Fat Kid. Why, you ask? Well, because they serve food and drinks while you watch the film. (Should we warn people ahead about the vomit? Nah!) We’ll be premiering at The Alamo, which is a mighty cool theater. In fact, at least two of the four screenings will be at different Alamo locations.
And have I mentioned the After Party? Yes! There will be an After Party! Doesn’t that make things sound so official? I got my invitation today and it said: Paradigm, Converse, and Whitewater Films invites you to… For some reason, this struck me as particularly glamorous, which makes me laugh because it’s probably only glamorous if you’re used to your party invitations having balloons and fill-in-the-blank lines on them.
Most of you probably know that our director Matthew Lillard attended the Oscars this year since he was part of the Best Picture nominated film, The Descendants. He wore a tux and tweeted from the red carpet, and yup, even gave us a few sneak peeks inside. Well, this feels like my version of the Oscars. Except I get to wear jeans (but, you know… nice jeans!). I’m totally excited, and I will do my best to try and give all of you as many sneak peeks as I can.
SXSW, here we come!