Arlington Heights native 'Craigslist Joe' talks about his life-changing movie

What would happen if you woke up tomorrow, and didn't have anything? No job, no money, no family or friends to help you out - just your cellphone and laptop computer. How would you survive?

You could use Craigslist.com, like Arlington Heights native Joe Garner did.

Garner, 36, director and star of the 2012 documentary "Craigslist Joe," spent 31 days relying on strangers he met through the online classifieds for shelter, food, rides and activities.

With no money and just a cameraman he found on - where else? - Craigslist, he traveled across the U.S., lost 20 pounds, met people from all walks of life (some of whom he's still in touch with) and experienced genuine kindness from strangers.

For a college-educated kid from Arlington Heights who now works in the movie industry (he's executive producer of the soon-to-be-released "Arms and the Dudes," starring Jonah Hill), doing this was way outside his comfort zone. But Garner said it changed his life.

"I consider myself a people person, but you don't realize how hard it is to go out there and literally ask people you don't know ... essentially for help. It's putting yourself out there in a very vulnerable way," he said. "If you're willing to put yourself out there a little bit, you'll find a completely different world."

He came up with the idea while living in the upscale Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas while filming "The Hangover Part II." Garner was an associate producer on the film and became friends with the movie's star, Zach Galifianakis.

The two of them would sit around talking. The recession was hitting the U.S., and they watched news reports of people losing their homes to foreclosure.

"I just wanted to see how people were getting by. Despite these tough times, would people be willing to lend a hand? I mentioned the Craigslist idea ... and Zach was like, 'Cool, go do it!'" Garner said.

With Galifianakis as executive producer, Garner said goodbye to his family and headed out with no money and no credit cards - just his laptop, phone and the clothes on his back. He started by emailing every single person in the "ride share" category.

"I'd say, 'Hey, I don't have any cash, but I could drive part of the way, or do errands with you.' Once they said yes, then I'd call back and say, 'Hey, one thing I want to tell you, we're doing a little project and I have a camera guy. Would it be OK if he comes with and is shooting?'" Not everyone said yes, but some did. And he traveled cross-country.

"I was able to experience a crazy adventure that connected me with all of these people. I spent time with people I might not have met in my regular life," he said.

His regular life began in Arlington Heights. He went to Juliette Low Elementary and Holmes Junior High schools before moving to California for his freshman year of high school. He loved moviemaking as a kid.

"One year my parents brought home a video camera, and it was like, wow. You could record and watch something back. And you could edit things. My brothers and friends and I became obsessed," he said, recalling the fake news programs or mystery shows they filmed in his garage or basement.

"You hear about kids who are 8 years old making Spielberg-esque films. This was not them. But it was great because there were no boundaries, no pressure. I love this collaborative process," he said.

After college, Garner got his first paying job working for the producer of "Scary Movie 3," where he said his job was to move items from one storage unit to another in California while the movie was being filmed in Canada. But he parlayed that into other jobs.

"I was slowly stepping forward," he said.

He now works for Todd Phillips' and Bradley Cooper's production company, developing scripts and movies for TV shows. A few people have approached Garner about doing a "Craigslist Joe" sequel but Garner said he's not interested. "I don't necessarily want to be 'Craigslist Joe' again ... but I'm opening it up for everyone," he said. "Everyone should have a little 'Craigslist Joe' experience in their life."

- Jamie Sotonoff

• Dann Gire and Jamie Sotonoff are always looking for people from the suburbs who are now working in showbiz. If you know of someone who'd make an interesting feature, email them at dgire@dailyherald.com and jsotonoff@dailyherald.com

5 tips from 'Craigslist Joe'

Arlington Heights native Joe Garner, who got everything he needed to live for a month from Craigslist.com for the film "Craigslist Joe," shares some of what he's learned about the classified advertising website:

1. Provide as much info as you feel comfortable giving. "Let's say I'm looking to sell a (refrigerator). The one who says, 'I'm interested in picking it up today, and here's my number,' is the one they're gonna call," he said.

2. People will back out. So have a backup plan. For example, if you really want to go to a concert, avoid buying tickets off Craigslist the day of the show. "That way, if they flake out, it's not too late," he said.

3. Explore a different section of Craigslist once in a while. People have their Craigslist go-to. But Garner says looking around the website will help you find interesting things.

4. Before going into a stranger's house or car, exchange emails, talk on the phone and meet in a public place. Establish a rapport with that person and trust your gut if something doesn't seem right, Garner said.

5. If you're looking for something, post something. Say you're looking to volunteer and don't see an opportunity. Put it out to the world in a very positive way. "Sometimes I'd wait four hours and no one would respond ... but all you need is one person to say yes," he said.