JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Actor and creator Woody McClain is turning to his hometown community to launch his first feature film — a romantic comedy he said is powered entirely by fans.
In just two weeks, McClain has raised more than $79,000 toward a $1 million goal. The project, he said, is more than a film.
“I decided to create my own romantic comedy. I’m a big fan of the genre,” McClain said in an interview. “I just put it out there to the universe. I want to shoot my own movie for a million dollars and I’ve received all this love.”
McClain said he chose the rom-com format because of the need for uplifting stories.
“Right now we need it, because it’s just very dark,” he said. “I want people to leave the movie closer to their significant other. That’s the kind of energy I’m trying to bring.”
The Jacksonville native said he hopes to prove that independent creators can compete on a global stage without relying on traditional Hollywood systems.
He’s using livestreams, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive fan drops to bring audiences into the filmmaking process from the start.
“Not only are we entertaining, but we’re allowing creators and fans to come in and be a part of the process from ground zero,” McClain said. “They get connected on a deeper level and they appreciate it more.”
The film follows a disgraced podcaster who discovers anonymous love letters at his new apartment. He reads them aloud on his podcast not knowing the writer will become his love interest, or that she doesn’t realize her private pain is being broadcast.
McClain said the project is also a tribute to his late friends Edgar and Adrian, two Jacksonville creatives who didn’t get the chance to share their talents widely.
“I feel like me doing this campaign will show everybody at home in Jacksonville that they can do it as well,” he said.
The film will be directed by Lil Rel Howery, best known for roles in Get Out and Uncle Drew. McClain said his goal is to premiere at Sundance, Tribeca or SXSW before pursuing streaming and theatrical distribution.
“When people see it, I want the first reaction to be: he did it,” McClain said. “If I can do it being from Jacksonville, that means you can do it as well.”
Click here to donate to the Kickstarter campaign and find out how you can get involved in the creative process.