According to Reverge Anselmo, Dori Lawrence was based on a real actress in the 1970's who did four movies---two successful early 1980s comedies and big hits---before leaving the film industry and struggling with mental health. On the DVD commentary, Anselmo reveals that the actress' brother plays the character of Silvio. The actor is David Holcomb leading many to believe that the actress is Sarah Holcomb of National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and Caddyshack (1980). Someone listed as "S.H." is thanked in the end credits.
The movie Dori is shown in is called "Figure 8." Later her agent says that there is interest in a sequel "Figure 9." This is believed to be a reference to Caddyshack (1980) and Caddyshack II (1988).
Val Kilmer originally only had a cameo, but his part as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor was extended significantly by Reverge Anselmo after filming had began.
Reverge Anselmo, himself a former Marine, made members of the cast pass boot camp in order to participate in the production.
Stateside (released as "Sinners" in Germany) is a 2004 American biographical-drama film. Based on a true story, the film depicts a wealthy high school student serving in the Marine Corps to avoid jail, who eventually falls in love with an actress with schizophrenia. Those around them ask them to keep their distance from each other, but both refuse.
