ARC Entertainment, Whitewater Films and Matthew Lillard are taking the unconventional approach of launching the theatrical release of Lillard’s directorial debut, FAT KID RULES THE WORLD, via the Vans Warped Tour and www.Tugg.com this summer.
Through a series of promotional events and public appearances on the Warped Tour, Lillard is directly engaging the film's punk rock fan base so they can set up Tugg screenings of the film along the course of the tour and anywhere else in the United States.
Tugg is a collective action web-platform that enables individuals to choose the films that play in their local theaters.
Produced by Whitewater Films, the film won the Narrative Feature Spotlight Audience Award at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival and the Kickstarter campaign to support the domestic release raised over $150,000.
FAT KID RULES THE WORLD stars Jacob Wysocki (Terri, TV’s “Huge”), Matt O'Leary (Natural Selection, Brick) and Billy Campbell (TV’s “The Killing”) and is based on the novel by K. L. Going. The film features original songs and score created by Pearl Jam Lead Guitarist Mike McCready.
The film follows Troy Billings who is seventeen, overweight, and suicidal. Just as he's about to jump in front of a bus, he's saved by Marcus, a charming high school dropout/street musician. The two begin an uneasy friendship when Marcus enlists the musically challenged Troy to become the drummer in a new punk rock band. As Troy’s relationship with Marcus grows, Troy's father becomes increasingly concerned about his son's new friendship.