The star of the film, John Ramaine, ate real trash from a real garbage can during the filming of the trash-eating scene. The on-lookers' reactions in the film are genuine.
During the filming of the ingrown toenail scene, actor John Ramaine tore off his real toenail. This was so unexpected by the crew that no first aid kit was available on set, and the actor chose to use a Lysol wipe to clean his open wound.
The scene in which Phillip receives a hot meal was shot inside of a real homeless shelter, courtesy of the Bowery Mission.
In one of the begging scenes, John Ramaine stood on the street in Williamsburg for over and hour and received no donations.
The social worker that comes to Phillip's aid in the film is portrayed by Julie Ramaine, the wife of the star of the film. Julie actually works as a social worker at the Bowery Mission in real life.