Bullying Prevention Month and Family Film 'How to Beat a Bully'

Los Angeles, CA.  October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It's a time when communities unite nationwide to raise awareness of bullying prevention through events, activities, outreach, and education. Aligned with this – a new family film, 'How to Beat a Bully," has just been released on Google Play.

It's a "Home Alone" type comedy with an anti-bullying theme. So many stories of bullying are distressing, upsetting or sad, the filmmakers wanted to create a story that is fun and entertaining and, in a positive way, share the message to help stop bullying.  The movie has lots of laughs, yet it highlights a subject that is a serious one for many children, tweens and teens today. 

The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy who moves to a new town and gets picked on by school bullies. In order to protect himself he uses his brain instead of his fist, and comes up with an idea that not only stops the bullies, but gets them to be his new BFFs. Along the way, there are humorous adventures, in which he gets his dad in trouble with some bad guys, who want to do more than bully him. 

The film was awarded the Dove Seal of Approval for families, ages 12 and up, although younger children and adults will enjoy it, too. Educators and Psychologists agree that humor can be a positive and effective way to connect with both children and adults on this serious subject.

The filmmakers are excited about the movie's release. "We know watching the film will be fun for all but more than that, it can be a shared experience that opens up a discussion on the subject.  What better way to begin a conversation than with something that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike – and get them in a mood to feel good and embrace each other's individuality and differences"

In addition to traditional distribution, the producers plan to make the film available to anti-bullying organizations, schools, and churches for special screenings in order to promote a dialog that increases awareness and positive steps to put an end to bullying. 

The movie was produced by Dream Factory Entertainment and stars a talented cast of tweens and teens including Grant McLellan, Bryan Yoshi Brown, Kade Pait, Ian Tucker, Pearce Joza and Griffen Beebe. Eric Lauritzen and Elise Angell are the mom and dad, with Vince Donvito and Micah Lyons co-starring as comic bad guys.

"How to Beat a Bully" was directed by Doug Bilitch and produced by Sofia Monroe and Paul Rocha.  The movie was written by Marilyn Anderson & Richard Rossner. Executive Producers are Robert Dudelson, Stephen Langford, Marilyn Anderson, Jackeline Olivier and Wes Underwood, with a musical score by Emmy-Award winning composer, Misha Segal. The U.S. distributor is Indie Rights with foreign rights being handled by Blairwood Entertainment.

The popular band, REVERSE ORDER, that was a semi-finalist on America's Got Talent,  contributed songs to the film. The band is doing a national tour of 150 schools with an anti-bullying concert and assembly.  

"How to Beat a Bully" Screenwriters Anderson & Rossner say they love making people laugh.  But they are happy that this film is also an opportunity to get the word out on the topic of bullying.

Photos, interviews and other info available.

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