Many of the characters (Andy, Barney, Helen, Otis, Floyd, Peggy, Mrs. Morelli, Howard, Ellie, Wally, Emmett, Thelma, Clara, Charlene, Ernest G. Pike, and "Aunt V") are named after characters from The Andy Griffith Show (1960), most likely as a small town homage of Butterface Fields to Mayberry.
The cast includes one acting Oscar winner (Jeff Bridges), and three acting Oscar nominees (John Hawkes, Valerie Perrine and Eileen Brennan).
Universal Pictures was originally set to distribute the film, as seen in the movie's trailer. First Look Studios later took over the distribution of the film.