Heartfelt Indie Film 'The Paper Bag Plan' Features Authentic Disability Representation

A still from The Paper Bag Plan, a new film from Anthony Lucero starring Lance Kinsey and Cole Massie. Join the creative team for a discussion in this episode of the Major Pain podcast.

In The Paper Bag Plan, the new film from writer/director Anthony Lucero, a father named Oscar (Lance Kinsey) who discovers he has cancer, decides to teach his disabled son Billy (Cole Massie) to become a grocery bagger in the hopes of landing his first job and beginning a life of independence. This is a deeply personal story, inspired by Anthony’s experience growing up with a disabled brother who required full-time care from their mother. This film is notable for the authenticity of its depiction of disability, providing a dream role for Cole Massie, who has been acting since the age of 7.

In this episode of the Major Pain podcast we are joined by writer/director of The Paper Bag Plan Anthony Lucero, star of the film Cole Massie and his mother Michelle, to discuss the creation of this impactful independent film. We hear stories about the writing, casting and filming, along with the real-life inspiration for the story. We also hear from Cole what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy, and how Michelle had to fight the public school system for accommodations.

If you live in the Seattle area, don’t miss a special screening of The Paper Bag Plan at the Majestic Bay Theatres in Ballard on October 5th at noon, where host of Major Pain Jesse is the General Manager! There will be a live Q&A from Anthony, Cole and Michelle after the film. Proceeds will be donated to United Cerebral Palsy. Find tickets here: https://www.majesticbay.com/movies/1000029073-the-paper-bag-plan/

Learn more about The Paper Bag Plan (and Anthony’s first film East Side Sushi) on the Blue Sun Pictures website: https://bluesunpictures.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube, listen on your favorite podcast platform or here on our website.