Rewind to 1981: “Casey Makes a Mixtape” Spins a Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Gem

A heartfelt ode to adolescence and the music that saves us, Casey Makes a Mixtape rewinds audiences to the summer of 1981—when love, loss, and a perfect playlist could define a lifetime.

“That summer in 1981 my step-brother and I were trying to record The Police song ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me’ off the radio and could never catch it,” recalls writer-director Blake Calhoun. “That memory always stood out—and years later I thought it would be a fun premise for a movie.”

Set in small-town Texas, the film follows 13-year-old Casey, left with her grandparents while her mother travels to Europe with a new boyfriend. Caught between the analog chaos of the early ‘80s and the ache of family dysfunction, Casey finds solace in the soundtrack of her life.

Memory meets creation

“If you’re Gen X or an older Millennial, it reminds you of the good ole’ days before the Internet or smartphones,” Calhoun says. “If you’re younger, the idea of having something tangible that you created has value.”

Filmed largely in Calhoun’s own mother’s home—“a free location that looked the part”—the production leaned heavily on authenticity, down to the furniture, props, and invisible VFX used to erase traces of modern life.

“My mom’s house plays as the grandparents’ house in the film,” he explains. “Casey’s guest room was full of antiques in real life, so I wrote that into the story.”

Discover hidden stories

The cast bridges generations: Julian Hilliard (WandaVision), Presley Richardson (Pretty Freekin Scary), and Kennedy Celeste in her breakout debut, alongside veteran Brad Leland (Friday Night Lights).

“Kennedy is a natural,” Calhoun says. “Her performance grounded the relationship between Carrie and Casey—it felt very real.”

Working with music supervisor Annette Conlon, Calhoun built a rich sonic world on a tight indie budget.

Unlock cinematic magic

“We couldn’t afford everything we wanted—music licensing is expensive—but we landed several well-known songs and filled the gaps with ‘80s-inspired stock music,” he says. “Today, stock music can sound amazing.”

The film’s tone evokes John Hughes, yet keeps one foot in realism.

“I wanted this movie to feel like it was made in the ‘80s, not just set there,” Calhoun notes. “It’s a blend of teen-movie nostalgia with a dash of High Fidelity and Dazed & Confused.”

That balance of humor and heart defines Calhoun’s approach.

“Humor is a defense mechanism for me,” he admits. “Adding levity to dramatic moments just makes it feel more human and real.”

Rated appropriate for ages 8+, Casey Makes a Mixtape steers clear of cynicism or shock value.

Beyond the familiar realms

“I didn’t want a teen comedy about bad language or sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll,” he says. “It’s about that innocent window when your world was your backyard—and the farthest you could go was your skateboard.”

After award-winning digital series like Pink and Continuum, Calhoun brought those guerrilla instincts to this feature.

“You learn how to make something look big on a small budget,” he says. “That’s the same challenge indie filmmakers face now.”

Unveil your next story

Shot across Dallas and Arlington, the film doubles as a love letter to Texas creativity.

“We have excellent crews, great actors—and it’s home,” Calhoun says simply.

Ultimately, Casey Makes a Mixtape is a story about the rhythm of growing up and the songs that carry us through.

Create your next beat

“Good editing, good storytelling—it’s all rhythm,” Calhoun reflects. “Like music, it’s about finding the right beat.”

Casey Makes a Mixtape premieres October 14 on Fandango at Home, Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.

Dir. Blake Calhoun | 96 min | 2025 | Not Rated | Ages 8 +