Matthew Lillard's 'Fat Kid Rules The World' Filmed In Renton, Premiers At SIFF Opening Night

Hollywood wasn’t interested in a movie with a message, but actor-turned director and Gig Harbor's own Matthew Lillard was.

You know, that guy in Scream, Scooby-Doo and most recently The Descendants?

“Hollywood just didn’t get it,” Lillard said of Fat Kid Rules the World. The movie might not make the big bucks at the box office, but the story is priceless.

Based on the 2003 novel by KL Going, Lillard said the book about a suicidal, overweight teen brought him to tears.

“I think this movie has a message that resonates,” he said. “I saw myself in [Troy]. I was lost.”

And just like Troy found himself in music, the young Lillard found his purpose in acting.

The Renton premier of Fat Kid held special meaning for many audience members who participated as extras in the film, which had scenes shot a Lindbergh High School.

“Our group is thrilled to be here,” he said. “It is rare that you get to go back to the community you filmed in for a premier.”

Making it work:

Lillard hopes to bring Fat Kid Rules the World to audiences everywhere. But that takes funding and support.

“If this movie can help just one teen, it’s worth it,” he said.

Lillard hopes to raise $150,000 by June 16 through a website called www.kickstarter.com. As of May 19, the movie has raised $27,840 in 27 days with the help of 327 backers. 

The money will be used to promote the film this summer during the Vans Warped Tour, fund advertising, marketing , publicity and pay for a team of distribution consultants to get Fat Kid into a number of popular movie outlets, from theaters to Netflix.

While Hollywood may not know how to make money off a movie like Fat Kid, the film has already proven popular with with the viewing public.

Fat Kid garnered attention at the SXSW Film Festival, earning the 2012 Audience Award, and received rapturous applause following its Renton premier.

About 500 people attended the second annual Renton-SIFF premier and gala, according to city officials.

Where to watch: 

• Saturday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. At the Egyptian Theatre, 805 E. Pine Street, Seattle. Call (206) 781-5755.
• Monday, May 21 at 6 p.m. At the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Westmore Ave. Call (425) 257-8600.

More info:

• Twitter: @MatthewLillard and @FatKidMovie 
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fatkidrules
• Kickstart: tinyurl.com/FatKidRules