I am so excited to share this with all of you.
About a year ago (or ten years ago, what even is time amirite) I worked on a FANTASTIC movie called Rent-A-Pal. It’s a retro thriller, and I am intensely proud of the project as a whole, and my work in it.
The thing about movies is, making the thing is just a small part of the whole process. The real barrier is distribution, so people can actually see the thing you worked so hard to make. It’s not uncommon for a film to be made and finished, yet never get a chance to find its audience, because it can’t find a distributor.
So it’s extra exciting for me to learn that Rent-A-Pal has been picked up by IFC Midnight! You can see this fantastic little movie I’m in, from the safety and convenience of your own home!
Here’s a little bit from the press release:
“Inspired by the real-life VHS tape, Rent-A-Friend: The Original Companion, Rent-A-Pal is set in 1990 and follows a lonely bachelor named David (Brian Landis Folkins). In a pre-Tinder media era, David is looking to find an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother (Kathleen Brady). While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal bosted by a charismatic gentleman named Andy (Wil Wheaton). The tape offers him much-needed company, compassion, and friendship but Andy’s friendship comes at a cost — and David is desperate to pay that price. Amy Rutledge also stars.”
You can read the whole release at Deadline.
Dude! That’s so great!!!
Congrats
That’s very cool! I always wished I could see more shows with you in them. How does one view this movie? I assume some streaming service will handle this?
AwesomeSauce! Congrats!
That’s awesome! How can we watch it? Is it streaming online?
Color me intrigued. Congratulations, dude.
YAY!!!
Oh man, this is so exciting! Can’t wait to see it!
Wil-that is so cool! And it sounds like a goodie (although I never heard of the original “Rent a Friend”), that will be a must see! IFC does show great stuff and I look forward to seeing it! Congrats!
Cool! I hope it gets some distribution in Europe too!
Looking forward to it!
I see it listed under IFC midnight – but there doesn’t see a to watch it. I live in Canada – is it available here? (It’s probably the case I’m just doing something wrong.) Any help to figure out how to watch it be much appreciated.
It probably hasn’t been added to the schedule, yet.
Great!! I’ll look for it this weekend.
I was offering to help Wil. Not self promote. I am too busy running 🏃🏻♀️ for US President, working for NAMI, NAMIWALKS, Gerald L Ignace Indian Health Center. My business phone ☎️ & email are public.
Checked your website and saw what you had to say about Wil (among other things). If you are “at war” with Wil why are you still here? It may be time for you to seek professional help.
I can’t wait to add this to my horror collection. (At least I’m hoping it’s a little horror-esque)
Mazel tov!! Looking forward to seeing it!!
Yippee ki oh ki-yay!!! So happy this is happening for you, and us!!
Yea! Looking forward to it! Congrats on distribution!
Wouldn’t mind adding this to my watchlist, but any idea if it’s available in Canada in some form? I don’t think I get IFC / IFC Midnight up here.
This sounds doooooope
I am really looking forward to watching this. I checked, and I have IFC on DIsh Network, so I have to set a schedule to keep check for this movie.
Wow…yesterday this sounded interesting (especially when “retro” refers to VHS days) and today I found out it’s my nephew and girlfriend’s movie (Jimmie and Annie). I am so happy for everyone involved👍🏻
Dear Wil: If possible, could you let us know when this movie gets added to the IFC schedule? I’m going to keep checking, but two sets of eyes would be even better!
a charismatic gentleman named…
Well what more could be said! I shall keep a lookout. Very much enjoy your work ( and your blog thoughts ).
The story sounds a lot like the manga Video Girl Ai…