David & Goliath Studios Take on Bullies for National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and all kinds or companies and celebrities are coming out in support of it. ABC Disney's campaign #choosekindness is in full force using Disney network show stars and affiliates spreading the message and hashtags on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Disney ABC is a huge company so their series stars and television shows are well known.

However, a much smaller Hollywood company, Dream Factory Entertainment, wants to show they are supporting the anti-bullying movement as well. They just launched their family film, 'How to Beat a Bully' on Google Play.

It's a 'Home Alone' kind of comedy with an anti-bullying theme. What makes 'How to Beat a Bully' different is that it tackles the serious issue, but does it in a way to provide laughs and smiles to kids and families.

So many stories of bullying are sad and distressing, the filmmakers wanted to create a movie that would be fun and entertaining, yet still be a way to open up a conversation on the subject of bullying.

Another difference from a company like Disney is that 'How to Beat a Bully' is a small independent film with no stars. Here, it's the story and theme that are the stars... with a cast that is unknown, but exceptionally talented and funny.

The story revolves around a 12-yr-old boy who moves to a new town and protects himself from school bullies by fibbing that his father is a hit man for the mob! When the rumor spreads to real mobsters, they capture the dad… and the kid and his new BFFs have to save the day and his dad.

The movie also deals with other family values, like the father losing his job and having to take care of his family, including his arachnophobic wife and a frail Uncle Don who needs a gallstone removed fast... because it's in the shape of Lady Gaga... so it can bring money in from eBay!

In the past, movies like 'Home Alone' that dealt with families became monster hits in theatres, but lately the studios just make extravagant action adventures or expensive animated films. 'How to Beat a Bully' is a little Indie movie that won't make it to big theatres – but it presents a sweet family and young kids that are relatable to people everywhere, as well as issues that kids and parents face today... although the writers take it a bit farther to maximize the comedy.

The film works perfectly as a vehicle in support of National Bullying Prevention Month. Instead of hammering out the message to stop bullying, it uses laughs and a gentle positive reminder at the end that "It's better to be friends than bullies."

'How to Beat a Bully' received the Dove Foundation's recommendation as family-friendly, for ages 12 and up.  However, it will also appeal to younger children and adults.

The producers are hoping to make the film available during the year for special screenings to benefit charities, schools and anti-bullying organizations.

This little comedy may not solve the bullying problem, but it can give kids and families an opportunity to have some fun and laughs and perhaps open up a discussion about how bullying is negative behavior for anyone, anywhere.

National Bullying Prevention Month has a message we hope continues all year.  Whether it's #choosekindness, #stopbullying, or #howtobeatabully, the theme is the same. Let's all stop the bullying and embrace each others individualities, differences and special traits.

Additional information, photos, and interviews available from 'How to Beat a Bully' actors, writers and producers.

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