The movie is based on the short story "Why Don't You Dance?" by Raymond Carver, an American author and poet. Director Dan Rush asked permission of Mr. Carver's widow, Tess Gallagher, before extending the story and adding additional characters.
The screenplay for this film was featured in the 2008 Blacklist; a list of the "most liked" unmade scripts of the year.
Laura Dern and Will Ferrell are only five months apart in age so it's very possible they could've both graduated in the same year.
Filming took place in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona.