Big Boys
A teenage boy’s unexpected crush turns a camping trip into a weekend of self-discovery in this heartwarming coming-of-age comedy.
Interview with Writer/Director Corey Sherman and Producer Allison Tate
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We made the film because we had never seen a character like Jamie exist on film, a big teen who discovers he’s attracted to big men, whose desires and emotional life are treated with dignity and given center stage. We also wanted to create a fun, easy-to-watch film that touches on the full spectrum of Jamie’s emotional rollercoaster during his transformative weekend. We know just how impactful and affirming queer films can be and we hope the film gives folks a chance to reflect on their own first crush and adolescent experience with a little more compassion for themselves.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you may shed a tear, and you just might surprise yourself with how much you relate to Jamie!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
We explore personal themes specific to Jamie’s experience diving into what it’s like to crush on an older, unattainable, burly bear of a guy and discover your own queerness amidst a world of expected machismo and harsh homophobia.
Universally, the film touches on the experience of a first crush, self-discovery, growing up, evolving family dynamics, and finding the courage to be honest with others.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script evolved in prep by incorporating feedback from our many creative collaborators. In rehearsal, the actors improvised scenes, and certain lines that they came up with made it into the script. Even while filming we were open to adjusting any lines or moments to make them feel more authentic for the actors on set.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received an incredible range of feedback in person at festivals as well as on our Letterboxd page: www.letterboxd.com/film/big-boys-2023
We love hearing people say how much they relate to Jamie, that the film reminds them of their teenage crushes, coming out experiences, and family members. It’s amazing to hear the laughter from audiences, the gasps, the awws, and folks have even told us that Jamie’s journey brought them to tears. Audiences really seem to be impacted by the final scene in the film, a conversation between Jamie and his crush Dan. Here’s one simple fan quote that sums up the film’s positive approach and impact: “Seeing Jamie experience this sexual awakening, and not in a way that made him hate himself, was wonderful to see.”
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We’ve been surprised and delighted with just how broadly and internationally the film has played - so far we have been able to share the film at festivals all over the U.S. in addition to the UK, Canada, Italy, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, China, South Korea and more. Hearing positive feedback from audiences of all ages in those countries has been really affirming.
We always hoped that the film would find a large audience, and it has been incredible to hear audience members say that they can see it being widely embraced upon release next year.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We are hoping to reach new audience members and encourage them to follow us on socials and sign up for our email list on www.BigBoysFilm.com so they can be notified when the film is available in theaters and streaming.
We also hope to connect with distributors, journalists, buyers and future collaborators - don’t hesitate to reach out to us at BigBoysTheFilm@gmail.com
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors, journalists, and buyers.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We will continue to share the film at festivals for the rest of 2023 and into the new year. We look forward to attending more fests and hearing first-hand reactions.
We want to specifically roll the film out in the educational field as well and work with groups to ensure access to the film, especially for young folks who may be struggling with their gender, size, sexuality or fitting in, and who might not have much exposure to LGBT lives or stories. It can be truly life-altering to experience positive, relatable representation. We want the film to reach everyone, especially those who need it most.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
We hope the film raises questions and starts conversations around growing up, self-discovery, gender performance, sexuality, body positivity, courage, honesty, kindness, and self-compassion.
Would you like to add anything else?
We are excited to share that we will be partnering with Dark Star Pictures for release in the U.S. and Canada in 2024. This will include a 5-city theatrical run in addition to streaming, DVD/Blu-Ray, broadcast, airline and educational rollout.
Internationally, we will have a theatrical and online release in Sweden, and we are working on partnering with distributors in other countries as well. Our upcoming screenings, social media links and more are all available on our site www.BigBoysFilm.com
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Writer / Director Corey Sherman is currently writing and developing multiple live-action and animated projects - stay tuned!
Interview: November 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Big Boys
A teenage boy’s unexpected crush turns a camping trip into a weekend of self-discovery in this heartwarming coming-of-age comedy.
Length: 1:29:00
Director: Corey Sherman
Producer: Allison Tate
Writer: Corey Sherman
About the writer, director and producer:
COREY SHERMAN is a writer/director for film and television. His debut feature film Big Boys has won over 15 awards and earned a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, in addition to glowing reviews in The Guardian, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and more. Corey has written and directed for Adult Swim’s 12 oz. Mouse, and wrote a pilot for his animated horror-comedy series, Monster Night Live, in collaboration with Matt Maiellaro (Aqua Teen Hunger Force).
ALLISON TATE is an award-winning producer who served as Director of Editorial Video at EqualPride Media, where she led the video team for Out Magazine, The Advocate, and Pride.com. Her producing credits include Unfiltered, a Facebook Watch series about Paris Jackson, drag talk show Hey Qween! and Danny The Manny, a web series IndieWire named one of the Best of 2016. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Wired, Them, Upworthy and more.
Key cast: Isaac Krasner (Jamie), Dora Madison (Allie), David Johnson III (Dan), Taj Cross (Will), Emily Deschanel (Nicole), Marion Van Cuyck (Erika), Emma Broz (Quinn)
Looking for: distributors, journalists, buyers
Facebook: Big Boys Feature Film
Twitter: @BigBoysTheFilm
Instagram: @bigboysfilm
Hashtags used: #BigBoysFilm
Website: www.bigboysfilm.com
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: The Film Collaborative
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
All upcoming Big Boys screenings available here: https://www.bigboysfilm.com/screenings
Gender Bender Film Festival - Bologna, Italy - Sunday Nov 5 at 8pm
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival - Rehoboth, Delaware - Weds Nov 8 at 3pm
Seoul International Pride Film Festival - Seoul, South Korea - Sat Nov 4 at 11:40am & Mon Nov 6 at 6:40pm