A little backstory on the inspiration behind the book… and one of those “you can’t make this up” moments.

Back in 2016, I wrote a screenplay called Coming Attractions about a kid who speaks in movie quotes. Because… who hasn’t lined up a putt and said, “It’s in the hole!” (Caddyshack), or gone fishing without dropping, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat” (Jaws)?

Then I saw Life, Animated—a documentary about Owen Suskind, a young man who connected to the world through Disney movies. That grounded everything for me. It gave the idea heart. It made it real.

The character of Ben was inspired by Owen and his family and the remarkable way they found connection through story.

Fast forward 10 years…

We move to Cape Cod.

I take a part-time job as a bellman at Margaritaville (I'm a HUGE Parrot Head).

Week one, I meet a coworker…

Owen Suskind.

Yep. That Owen Suskind.

Sometimes life doesn’t follow a script…but every once in a while, it absolutely nails the ending. 🎬

🎥 The Reel Life of Andrew Wilden available now — a story about growing up on movies… and figuring out real life when none of the lines work.

P.S. If you’re ever at Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod, stop in and say hello—

and ask Owen his favorite Disney character. He’ll let you know. 😉

Available on Amazon