Chris Gardner’s son was still a baby when the events that inspired the film took place. In the movie, Will’s 5-year-old son replaced the baby boy. Producers did this to add drama to the story because it made it easier for the audience to see the feelings and reflections of the child throughout the film. Another adjustment made by the director was that, in the movie, Chris’s internship at the prestigious brokerage is unpaid when, in reality, he did actually get paid.