The script was partly based on Burke 's own experience of giving up alcohol at a young age , since she felt that her narrative had not yet been told on film . She and Ponsoldt wrote the script over six months , and the main roles were cast in September 2011 . The film 's US$ 500,000 budget was financed by independent investors including Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf . It was shot in Los Angeles in October 2011 . It premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival on January 22 , 2012 and was released by Sony Pictures Classics on October 12 , 2012 . The film received positive reviews , with Winstead 's performance receiving unanimous praise , and was nominated for several awards for her acting
2012 Sundance Film Festival
2012 Sundance Film Festival
Smashed (film)