While Zach Braff reignited the Kickstarter debate with his own campaign that launched yesterday, if anything the discussion is a reminder that filmmakers of all stripes are simply looking for ways to tell their stories. And filmmaker Matthew Perkins has benefited from the generosity of supporters to help get his directorial debut off the ground.
Financed by a passionate fan base through Kickstarter, “The Little Tin Man” is a small, indie effort that tells the heartfelt story of Herman, a struggling dwarf actor who is tired of being “overlooked” for bigger roles. Determined to be seen as a leading man, Herman sets out to be cast as the Tin Man in Martin Scorsese’s remake of “The Wizard of Oz.” And in this exclusive trailer for the film, we see the frustration Herman faces in addition to the absurd and surreal world of moviemaking as well, in what looks to be an intimate and funny portrait of one actor’s journey.
Newcomer Aaron Beelner leads the picture alongside Kay Cannon — the writer/producer of “Pitch Perfect” — making her lead acting debut as Herman’s average-sized best friend, Miller. The cast also features Jeff Hiller (“30 Rock,” “Ghost Town“), Chris Henry Coffey (“Trust,” “The Good Wife“), Michael McGlone (“The Brothers McMullen,” “Person of Interest“), members of the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and more.
“The Little Tin Man” will premiere at the 39th Annual Seattle International Film Festival on Saturday, June 1st, 2013 at 6:30PM (SIFF Cinema Uptown Theater) with a repeat matinee on Sunday, June 2nd at 12:30PM (SIFF Cinema Uptown Theater). Watch below.