Inspired by a prototype trailer created for a school project.
The role of "Brandon" was originally planned to be played by the actor who portrayed him in the prototype trailer. When approached to reprise his role for the movie, the actor declined but agreed to be an executive producer. The role went to Chris Bargis instead.
The film was shot completely out of sequence.
In the classroom scene, the failed report that Brandon wrote is entitled "Why My Life Isn't Worth Living".