MY DATE WITH DREW
A film by Brian Herzlinger
Published Jul 29, 2005
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Brian Herzlinger, who lives in Hollywood, is a film school grad, working P.A. jobs, and working basic Hollywood production gigs. This company, that company, nothing really notable. Now just imagine, you win 1,100 bucks on a game show, you buy a camera, shoot a documentary in a month, and now you have movie posters with Drew Barrymore and you in the subway tunnels of Manhattan. Sweet.
I met Brian on Wednesday night in New York. He said, “You know, I took a month off from my life, but it’s not like I had anything else going on really. For most people to take a month off means they have to quit their job. I wasn’t working at the time. And I had just won some money on a game show. My friend Brett Winn and I just started shooting our movie about Drew.”
Here are my thoughts on the film. It’s not really a film about Drew Barrymore at all. It’s a film about following your dreams. Brian’s PR guys asked me not to “Spoil” the ending so, Surprise to you when you see it. The idea of the film is that Brian had a childhood crush on Drew Barrymore and now wants to see if he can get a date with her.
When asked if Drew Barrymore had any participation in the marketing of the film or it’s creation, Brian’s response was that Drew Barrymore’s company Flower Films felt it would be a little “heavy handed” and “disingenuous” if they had anything to do with the film. However, Drew Barrymore apparently loves the film, and is helping to spread the word and has donated the use of her images for the project. Brian swears that everything you see in his documentary is true and it all really happened that way. Since that’s the case Brian, my hats off to you, the scenes just flow right into each other and form a perfect story arc.
The film won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the HBO Comedy Arts Festival. Since that time, Brian was approached by television executives who offered a six-figure deal to chop up the film into 6 episodes as a reality TV show. “They wanted to make me a household name.” But Brian remembered how the audience reacted to it as a film and fought hard to have it released as a film. Just knowing in his heart that it was the right thing to do. After all, his film beat out Napoleon Dynamite at the same HBO comedy festival.
There are a lot of coincidences in his film that are kind of scary. He wins this game show contest and the answer to his winning question was "Drew Barrymore". He uses his $1,100 prize money to by a mini-DV camera. I really don’t want to spoil the movie for you so I won’t give away too much, but I’ll just say this. Every time he wants to give up on finishing his documentary, Drew Barrymore’s name keeps popping up.
“My Date With Drew” was shot with a Circuit City mini-DV camera, believe me, the camera was nothing special. I asked Brian how he handled sound. He said he really did only use the on board camera microphone. And he admitted that post production was very difficult to work around that. They edited the film in Final Cut Pro on a Powerbook.
Initial offers from the major studios came in but they all pulled out at the last minute because no film has ever been created like this. This film is the first in a new class of documentaries and none of the studios knew how to release it. Do you market it as a comedy? Or a Documentary? But Brian kept pushing and it is being released. He said, “Every frame of my film is as I intended with out anyone else telling me how it had to be. I will never in the rest of my career have that much flexibility again.”
“My Date With Drew” is a really original, heartfelt and funny journey of Brian following his dream of getting a date with Drew Barrymore. You should go see “My Date With Drew”. Support Brian and his friends who made it. It is a true independent film in every sense of the word.
Drew Barrymore told Brian that all she wants in return is that he “Pay it forward”. Seems like he’s the kind of guy that would too. Brian will be hosting a TV show about helping people follow their dreams, and will also be guest hosting street interviews about dating on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”.
Again, congratulations Brian and friends on your awesome film.
“My Date With Drew” opens August 5th.
[In Technology]
Additional Events at ProFusion 2011, DV Expo East, and Columbia College Chicago May 26, 2011
[In Resources]
Fest to fete special guests Vera Farmiga, Paul Haggis; Mike O’Malley joins Anne Meara as hosts of Late Night Storytelling May 26, 2011
Comments
24 comment(s) on this page. Add your own comment below.
hi Brian
how are you ??
my name is sara i,m from k.s.a
good for you
you make your dream come true
and im big fan in you cuz you are dreamer
for you know i have the same dream you have but in my love daniel radcliffe
and i whant to make it to
oh we dont know what happen next i mean between you and drew
see ya ??
Hi Sara,
I'm sure Brian appreciates your comments!
-Corey Boutilier IndependentFilm.com
hi my name is lee and i live in the uk, i saw your film my date with drew,fantastic,and what an inspiration you are to me as i had to leave my job so i could attend training cources to go self employed and start new business, but as with everything things dont quite work out the way you would hope, and was considering giving up and going back to work for someone, then i saw your film, and it has made me realise that i need to keep chasing my dreams, so thank you for the inspiration and wish you and all your friends the best in the world kind regards lee
Hi, my name is Roseanna and i just watched your film My Date With Drew. I think it is so amazing what you have achieved. It was so moving to watch. I just wanted to say Well done and congratulations for living your dream! x
Dude!
You so totally rock! I really believed this movie. Proof that truley anything can happen. You give hope that good guys don't always finish last.
Hi Brian, Thank you for following your dreams and pursuing a passion that became crystal clear to you and only you.... From that point, your passion to meet Drew Barrymore became "infectious"... so much that your close friends "caught" on to your passion and then made your passion a "scheduled, systematic goal.... ultimately, to help you achieve your passion/goal.... to meet "Drew Barrymore".... I also have IMMENSELY enjoyed watching any movie where Drew was a part of it... She is a fantastic actress... but it is the way she presents herself... on and off the screen... that makes her a "class act"... I also am a person who has followed and achieved many passions/dreams... I thank God for the favor I have received in my life... I would enjoy the opportunity to meet you and just discuss areas where I am also focused on bringing out the best in people... feel free to email me... "hopefully within 30 days..." pardon the pun.. MOST IMPORTANT... Thank you Brian and team for sharing your passion and journey with the world. - Andre Peters, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada..
Hi Brian,
All I can say is, WOW! Your journey depicted on video and film simply blew me away, and confirmed my belief in the amazing power of the Universe to bring you what you want; when you feel good and remain aligned with your dreams! To me, your quest perfectly illustrates everything comes to us in the BEST possible way, and the timing of when your desires manifest requires NO deadline; just pure focus on what you want (despite what others believe), why you want it, knowing you can achieve it, feeling great along your path, and then letting go. When you looked up and noticed the Drew Barrymore sign just prior to your E! interview, I completely broke down as I appreciatively witnessed the Universe help guide you. Emotions got the best of me too when you were told of the impending call from Drew's manager, and when you and Drew lovingly greeted each other at the 'Miracle Grille'. Drew Barrymore was supremely fantastic, and seemed to fully understand the purpose of life: To have fun, appreciate, and keep the faith as you pursue your dreams. (On a side note - Drew and I actually share the same birthday - Feb. 22nd.) Somewhat similar to your endeavor, through various personal connections, I've been attempting to reach a well-known singer for the creation of a syndicated radio program featuring this legendary performer and recording artist. Like you (during the Charlie's Angels premiere), my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting this celebrity, yet the timing wasn't right to present the idea. (I believe Drew may even be a fan of this musical artist.) Your film has inspired me to joyfully continue my journey to reaching this person, in hopes of making the sure-to-be-popular radio program idea a reality. I'm open to any suggestions, and with your permission, will keep you posted on my eventual success... :) Thank you again for sharing your inspired story! It's breathtaking to see the way the Universe delivers dreams, and to know we all have that power to live them! Best wishes, Shawn
i watched your documentary...it was amazing..sorry my english is bad..but i just wanna tell you that...i´m writing you from argentina....congratulations brian!!!
You failed, Brian (Sort of) the original quest was thirty days, but I lol'd at the 87 days. What was with the snoopy icecreamy thing. Oh, the video camera was sort of an lol gift..
OMG
Dreams really do come true! wow your amazing dude! im so proud of people like you! I have a dream man, i may go for it!
Its 10 minutes to 4 in the morning here in England & I just watched "my date with drew" for the 1st time! Its brilliant hehe, I loved it and I honestly got really giddy and excited for Brian while he was waiting for Drew in the restaurant. Im suprised at how inspirational I found the documentry because its the ultimate proof that dreams really can come true =D and it gives you hope that your own dreams are possible. I am just wondering though, did Brian and Drew ever have any contact after the date? Well done Brian honey!!!!!!! xx
Hi guys, Just watched a recording of the film on Living2 in the UK 15.03.09 ( Hubby knew I would love it, and did!).
I was really sad for Brian when he didn't meet his 30 day goal, then suddenly from nowhere... Wow a call, I started getting all excited for Brian when you he was told he was going to get to meet Drew.
At the Miracle Bar, I though bless him, she won't turn up, or they would call off at the last minute but no... Drew arrived and I was totally omg she actually arrived. How lovely was Drew, she bought Brian a camcorder. Se was so genuine, caring and down to earth. Brian, you were so funny, and Drew was just so sweet. This was fantastic film, hubby and I loved it, we are keen to ask though did they ever get to meet-up again? Did they stay in touch? and has Brian made any additional movies like this? my sort of watching - Does he need an assistant lol!
Thank you all so much for a fantastic nights entertainment Jax in the UK x
I Too Had A Dream.... Back in the early "70's" all I ever wanted was to see my "Name" on the "Big" screen just one time,To be in a major film...The short version of this story is:
Here it is in the 2009's and I'm still collecting my movie "Residuals".."from "3" of the "Major" studios all these years later... So I personally "Congratulate" you on making your Dream come to pass as well... All the best,to you and your devoted "Crew" and Fellow Dreamers....
Ok so I have NEVER EVER been a fan of documentaries and to be honest, always skipped My Date With Drew as my movie night option until today. There was nothing on at all and so I said why not. Turns out I loved it!!!! I laughed and enjoyed every minute of it. Even I fell in love with Drew!!! Great work! I wonder if Brian and his friends will be making any other documentaries? They have an extremely great talent for it.
Hola hermano, que felicidad haber visto tu video yo soy de venezuela y lo vi anoche eran como las tres de la madrugada y me quede para ver como era el desenlace, tu simpatia y carisma lo hicieron posible te felicito. en un momento que estava viendo tu video dijiste que no tenias contactos o palanca como decimos a qui pero tus amigos son tu mejor fuerte de corazon te felicito y te recomiendo que si hiciste eso para conocer a una artista podrias hacer algo por cambiar algo en el mundo con el vinculo de 6 o mas cuenta conmigo sal y difunde tu idea de que querer es poder .
Felicidad
Desde Venezuela se te aprecia mucho....
Well said Tulio.
hey Brian,
I just watched your movie and man, I gotta say: that was GREAT! seriously I realy enjoyed how an ordinary guy could set up a date with Drew.Man, right in the middle of the movie I though: this guy is nuts, i can't believe I wasted my time watching this movie and he won't even talk to her , but then BAM!
realy man, this movie was realy makes you go after your dreams and try to the best for then to come true.
PS: I'm brazilian so if there is any gramatical erros, blame my english teacher
Best o luck!
Hi brian, im faith me and my three friends saw your movie and we thought it was really odd because for years we have been saving our money, i am only fourteen and so are my friends but they are all helping me out to help me meet hugh laurie i dont want to ask him out i just want to meet him. Me and all my friends are thinking of video tapeing it ronald and jackson both are my technical guys they are setting up a site. And are very good at making stuff we maybe young but we have been planning for years. We all thank you for going after your dream now im going to go after mine and i will complete it.
Brian, Your movie “My Date With Drew” is an amazing journey! The song "With a Little Help from my Friends" kept ringing in my head as I watched - you my friend are a wealthy man with family & pals that cherish & embrace you! The rest of us could only be so lucky...
Congratulations!
Hi Brian,
Just saw your movie "My Date With Drew" and enjoyed it so much. How fun! BTW, you looked totally hot on your date!
Best of luck on all your future endeavors!
Well, I have just finished watching the film tonight and have come straight online to find out more about it. I am living in Turkey and was enthralled the whole way through the film - I loved it- Brilliant!! I am living my dream after giving up my teaching job in the UK. Took me a long time to do it, but if you want something enough the universe does give it to you- eventually! Inspiring, uplifting, entertaining, funny, poignant; a totally unique and original film - thank you Brian and co for showing what we dreamers in the world can do. Best of luck for the future, you're a lovely guy. Tx
HII Brian me and my girlfrind just saw your movie all the way here in sweden...omg in the ending we jumped up and down in the sofa waiting for an anwser about the date=) and when you finally got the YES we shouted out loud of happiness for you!!!!!! it was fuckiiiin amazing that you got a date with her.! have a nice life Lucas & Jennifer
Brian. I just happen to come across your documentary on hula.com. You are so heart felt and real. I've never commented on anything on the internet before but here I am now, imagine that. I truely believe that if it were any other celebrity this date would not have taken place. I think Drew Barrymore is a truely genuine kind hearted person with a spirit that eliminates through her work and persona. To do this for you knowing how much this meant to you, I think you both benefitted from this date. Congratulations to both of you.
Hey Brian! Your movie totally inspired me to pursue my dreams. I LOVE how you didn't give into the voices of the naysayers even though some of the negativity came from people in your life that you had hope to support you in all of it. I would say for me in my life, I am at a place as you were, where the odds are against me. I know God did put in me the attitude to never give up, despite the present circumstances in my life. What are you doing now in your life? Maggie
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