Manning presented Cuomo with a wheelchair a month before shooting began. Cuomo spent the next month in the chair riding around New York City as part of his research.
Lead actor Michael Cuomo originated the role of "Cole Lewis" in the Off-Broadway play. He then revised the role in the award-winning short film, and then the feature.
Cuomo won a Best Actor Award at the 2008 Rhode Island International Film Festival for his performance as "Lewis" in the HAPPY NEW YEAR short film. He won the exact same award three years later (2011) for his performance as "Lewis" in the HAPPY NEW YEAR feature.