Jordan Firstman says he made Club Kid in 26 days on a production budget below $5 million. In a Variety interview, the writer-director-star described giving up his own fees to retain a London location shoot and photography on 35mm film.
Comedy develops into a story of growth
His feature debut follows fictional New York nightlife promoter Peter, whose routines are interrupted when ten-year-old Arlo, played by Reggie Absolom, arrives claiming to be his son.
Firstman said the screenplay began with a wish-fulfilment comedy idea and developed a stronger family dimension. He wanted warmth accessible to different audiences while retaining observations rooted in contemporary queer life.
Filming took place in 2025 before the Cannes premiere in May 2026. Variety reported that A24 acquired global rights for $17 million after competition from other buyers.
Television and online work preceded the feature
Firstman's earlier career included writers' rooms on The Other Two, Search Party and Big Mouth, alongside online comedy. A television project based on his short Call Your Father went through development but did not reach production.
He said those years helped clarify his creative voice. Mentor Richard LaGravenese praised his willingness to create opportunities while remaining himself.
Firstman is also involved in marketing, including connecting DJs with premiere events in several cities. The interview describes a limited opening during the weekend following November 4.
That release becomes the next stage after Cannes and the A24 deal, with Firstman continuing to shape how his story reaches cinema audiences.