The role of Vinny the Face was originally written as Vinny Phats. A few days before production, actor Rodger Sorensen underwent chemo-therapy for a tumor on his head. His face was visibly altered as a result, so the name of his character was changed. Fortunately, Mr. Sorensen recovered, but his face healed before production was complete. He wore make-up prosthetics for the second half of the shoot.
The city of Funky Town is actually an amalgamation of Salt Lake City, Utah, Provo, Utah, and Portland, Oregon.