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Ashland Independent FF, ‘The Long Long Night,’and Panel with Bruce Campbell on Indie Films
Revisiting The Long Long Night at Ashland Independent FF
I reviewed The Long Long Night when it premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, which you can read at this link, Tribeca Film Festival Review: ‘The Long Long Night’ With Mark Duplass and Barret O’Brien. I thought the indie series slated for TV, was superbly acted by New Orleans’ natives, the inimitable, Emmy award-winning Mark Duplass, and writer/director Barret O’Brien, who wrote and directed the clever, humorous episodic.
The six episodes of The Long Long Night coalesce around issues of our time in a send up of “white bros” attempting to negotiate a fine balance between screaming into the void of “political correctness,” living an “intentioned” life, and hammering macho male toxicity that uplifts Joe Rogan’s “all that” ethos. In a brilliant and sardonic twist to the “shining white maleness,” Emmy-nominated actor, Karen Pittman, guest stars in a hilarious episode. Her contribution is a counterpoint of “female, Black intention” that is not to be missed.
“Future of Indie Filmmaking” (Rory O’Neill Schmitt)
After the 2023 Tribeca premiere, the Duplass Brothers Productions series screened in 2024 at Ashland Independent Film Festival October 2024. Before the screening a panel discussion on the
“Future of Indie Filmmaking” was held. Present at the discussion were actor and writer Barret O’Brien and Rory O’Neill Schmitt, producer of The Long Long Night. Joining her were director, Gary Lundgren, as well as Oregon-based producer Annie Lundgren (Above the Trees).
Bruce Campbell
Adding his knowledge, experience and expertise was special guest actor, producer, screenwriter and director Bruce Campbell. Bruce is most widely recognized for originating the role of protagonist Ash Williams in the cult classic, supernatural horror film The Evil Dead (1981). The film has been cited as among the greatest horror films of all time, and Ash Williams has become a cultural icon. From its success, subsequent films blossomed into a media franchise including a TV series, video games and comic books. Campbell, appeared in the films and is also noted for other work including USA Network series, Burn Notice (2007–2013). For the gift that keeps on giving, Campbell reprised his role as Ash for the Starz series Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015-2018). Campbell is currently finalizing his latest film, Ernie and Emma, which was filmed in Oregon.
During the panel filmmakers discussed how to create a successful indie film project, making vital creative choices despite limited resources. Panelists also discussed the importance of using maverick approaches to independent film production and distribution.
Follow-up interview between Rory Schmitt and Bruce Campbell
In a follow-up discussion Rory O’Neill Schmitt honed in on specific questions for Bruce Campbell about the future of independent film. His advice for up-and-coming filmmakers was based on his experiences, including those working with Evil Dead writer/director Sam Rami. Campbell was with Rami at the outset in 1978 working on Within the Woods, the short film which became the Evil Dead. Campbell contributed his creativity and efforts in subsequent films and the TV series in the franchise.
Rory Schmitt (RS): What do you think is the future of indie film?
Bruce Campbell (BC): The future is bright, as long as filmmakers are willing to work outside the studio box and often finance their own work. Independent movies have never been easier because of technology and the amount of platforms to exhibit the finished product.
Rory Schmitt (RS): What continues to draw you to making independent films? What do you feel audiences like about independent films?
Bruce Campbell (BC): I am drawn to independent films because they are the closest to being a single view, a single vision, whereas studio flicks are often driven by popularity. Stories can be more daring and original with indies because studio films feel the need to appeal to a wider audience, so the stories have to be more bland and “appealing.” Indie films can be way more daring.
Rory Schmitt (RS): Can you tell us about your upcoming feature film, Ernie and Emma (shot in Oregon)?
Bruce Campbell (BC): Ernie and Emma is a bittersweet tale of pear salesman Ernie Tyler who is entrusted with his wife’s ashes after she passes. As an executive secretary of a sawmill for 25 years, she has very specific ideas of what to do with her remains – not all of it warm and fuzzy nostalgia. I describe it as “Hallmark with swearing,” a sunrise story where ultimately Ernie learns to move on – with a little help from his wife.
Rory Schmitt (RS): Do you have any advice for emerging filmmakers?
Bruce Campbell (BC): If you avoid the following three systems, you will come out ahead in life: the legal system, the medical system, and the studio system. As a filmmaker, the only freedom you’ll have is owning/controlling your negative. Also, don’t be ignorant about business – learn the ins and outs of contracts, partnerships and financing, domestic and international. Educate yourself!
Look for The Long Long Night, Ernie and Emma and Hysteria (another project with Bruce Campbell on Peacock).
WINNER! 2021 London International Filmmaker Festival ‘Garden District’
UPDATE: GARDEN DISTRICT WON IN THREE CATEGORIES:
BEST FILM/ OLEY SASSONE
BEST ACTOR/ BRYAN BATT
BEST ACTOR/ BARRET O’BRIEN
The charm and loveliness of old world New Orleans upended by new world vitality and determination characterizes the the short film Garden District, screening in competition at the 2021 London International Filmmaker Festival. Money isn’t funny and the Dubonnet family who has recently buried filthy rich patriarch, Peter Dubonnet is thrown into a crises of relative inheritance. Which heir becomes the executor of the estate? Will he or she be generous or grasping with the siblings in dispensing it?
Oh, and there is a catch. Peter changed the will, scribbling it in long hand with a recognizable signature. However, since nothing is irrevocable except death, this DIY will, written on a yellow sheaf of paper from a legal pad, is history. The long suffering matriarch Irene Dubonnet (Janet Shea) and her lover Clovis (Carl Palmer) will challenge the will and alter its main stipulation after one year.
It is then Peter conditioned that Irene must choose one heir from the list of family members. And it is clear Irene favors her failed artistic son Rooster Dubonnet (Bryan Batt). Perhaps after a year, Rooster will be sober enough to stand without swaying, while he expresses his talents, finishing his seascapes of poisonous and predatory sea creatures. Ah, yes. What does one do with the family members when dividing the estate, especially when the in-laws like Quint Legere (Barret O’Brien) have gambling debts with creditors who crush knuckles and smash kneecaps?
The Garden District is a deliciously wicked, tongue-in-cheek, good vs. evil romp in one of the most beautiful settings in the United States. It is conceived and written as a TV series by Rosary O’Neill based on her experiences as a 7th generation New Orleanian. Directed by Oley Sassone with a keen eye toward pacing, substance and rich production values, Sassone shepherds the actors to elicit nuance and irony with spot-on authenticity. Particularly strong is the scene between Shea and Batt as the mother attempts to force her son to understand the power she holds to dispense what is most precious to her upon him. Money! Because it’s easily gotten and his goals lie elsewhere, Rooster is not interested.
On another geographical parallel is her son-in-law Quint, whose desperation for funds to pay off his debts to gangsters and keep his body whole, riles and disgusts her. As Quint, O’Brien’s destructiveness and panic emanates from his soul. Addiction, whether it be alcohol or gambling snuffs out purpose, love and direction in these two foundering males. Interestingly, daughters, Kitten Dubonnet (Kelly Lind) and Jasmine may be overshadowed by their mother who dominates, now that Peter is dead. Most probably, it is the men, with the assistance of one of the daughters, who will attempt to exert their will, either through failure or connivance, upon an equally manipulative Irene Dubonnet, who must save herself or become their prey.
The Garden District’s mansion setting is spectacular; the production values are gorgeous; the music is sonorously effective and derivative. There is the relaxed charm and atmosphere of New Orleans that pervades the film. It’s a delicious feeling to become involved in the foibles of others who readily admit they are backed into a corner, or on the brink of the abyss, curious to take a leap, never to return. As a TV series, this looks to be a light and juicy winner that we ache for after the tribulations of COVID.
To get a taste of this up and coming TV series Garden District, go to the 2021 London International Filmmaker Festival online digital platform by CLICKING HERE. Become reacquainted with an insider’s look at the New Orleans’ upper crust to understand that money guarantees little and the love of money roots well in a garden of evil.
Garden District has been deservedly nominated for the following awards in the Shorts Category at the 2021 London International Filmmaker Festival.
- Best Short Film
- Best Director: Oley Sassone
- Best Lead Actor in a Short Film: Bryan Batt & Barrett O’Brien
- Best Lead Actress in a Short Film: Janet Shea
- Best Editing: Arvid Cristina
‘Garden District’ A TV Pilot About New Orleans, Starring Bryan Batt, Interviews with Oley Sassone, Rosary O’Neill
Bryan Batt (‘Mad Men’) in ‘Garden District,’ TV Pilot of a series about New Orleans, directed by Oley Sassone, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope)
Garden District, directed by Oley Sassone, is a featured Pilot of a TV Series about wealth and desperation in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana. The series is a veritable two-headed Janus of dramatic diabolism and sparkling entertainment. In a novel twist the series is set and shot in New Orleans with a New Orleanean cast and creatives. Garden District is about how a New Orleans patriarch tries to control his beautiful and flawed heirs from the grave.
The series written by New Orleans native Rosary O’Neill, revolves around the world of the wealthy and eccentric Dubonnet family. Of her series, O’Neill writes, “High society and old money camouflage greed, lust and years of backstabbing. Secrets and deceit are gracefully hidden behind the lavish mansion walls of the Garden District.” The series presents an intriguing world veiled by illusion where masks of every kind are worn not only by carnival Kings and Queens but by family scions in conflict.
Janet Shea in ‘Garden District,’ TV Pilot of a series about New Orleans, directed by Oley Sassone, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope)
The series tantalizes with reminders of New Orleans atmosphere and flavors, i.e. cuisine, like Crawfish Étouffée, Red Beans and Rice and Jambalaya and specialty drinks like Sazerac and Vieux Carré cocktails. While you’re celebrating the show’s New Orleans’ scenes of familial undercurrents, mix yourself a Café Brûlot Diabolique and listen to some hot jazz. There’s only one New Orleans; on with your seduction! Let the series begin!
When I first heard about the pilot from writer Rosary O’Neill, I became interested in learning more. I had the opportunity to pose interview questions via email to Rory O’Neill Schmitt, financial producer, lead organizer and visual artist from Arizona. Rory O’Neill Schmitt (http://www.roryoneillschmitt.com/bio.html) was the perfect liaison. She related the interview questions to the creative team. The following interviews are with director Oley Sassone and Rosary O’Neill.
For director Oley Sassone (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766020/) I asked, how he became involved with the project
I have known Rosary O’Neill for a number of years and was a big fan of her writing, particularly the unique voices she gives to her characters. Rosary knew I had a career in Hollywood and directed a number of episodic TV shows and feature films.
Over coffee one day in the French Quarter, she started talking about the idea of a series about an Uptown, dysfunctional family living in a historical mansion in the Garden District. It sounded like a perfect idea for an ensemble type series. Rosary already had the pilot script written. After reading it, I was hooked.
(L to R): Janet Shea, Bryan Batt, Barret O’Brien in ‘Garden District,’ a TV Pilot shot in New Orleans, directed by Oley Sasson, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope)
What is it in the Garden District TV series that viewers might be most interested in?
Garden District is a character-driven family drama. This is a genre that has proven to be successful, regardless of whether the viewers come from wealthy families or not. The family conflicts in this series involve lies, greed, lust, and backstabbing in a world of mansions, expensive cars, fine food and high society.
The character motivations come from the patriarch changing his will on his death bed. This immediately throws the family into total chaos. It sets up the question: Who is going to get the inheritance? A state of wrangling for the estate erupts, beginning in the first scene of the pilot and ensues to the end of the first season.
The characters experience intrigue, distrust, false hopes and deception. These are traits and issues that persuade the audience to get emotionally involved in each character, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the final resolution.
Where do you plan to take the pilot from here?
We’ll shop it to a number of streaming networks, most likely through producers who have deals with them. I believe Garden District will find a home due to the opportunities of so many networks looking for content that has broad appeal.
Bryan Batt, Janet Shea in ‘Garden District,’ TV Pilot of a series about New Orleans, directed by Oley Sassone, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope)
My questions for the author Rosary O’Neill http://www.rosaryoneill.com/rosary_resume-novel_07_2016.pdf involved her source material and previous works with which I am familiar.
Rosary, you’ve written a few plays about New Orleans. Is Garden District an adaptation of an earlier work? If so, what? How?
Garden District is an evolution of my Card Series about a Garden District family: Wishing Aces, Solitaire, Blackjack, and Hearts. My first play, Wishing Aces, won me my first Fulbright. Solitaire was written in Paris in a little magical basement bedroom, where I was trying to set a play that somehow staged Louisiana for Parisians.
Everyone in Paris was totally curious about the Garden District, and the slippery slope of inheritance among the banana-treed, black-laced balconied south. That being said, the family is, of course, based on mine (cleverly disguised and exaggerated, I hope).
Garden District isn’t an adaptation but an evolution of the family, as seen from my wiser (if still questioning and confused) self.
Barret O’Brien, Kelly Lind, ‘Garden District’ TV Pilot, directed by Oley Sassone, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope
What is Garden District the TV series about?
Garden District is about the search for love, as validated by money. Who is the most loved and most cherished child? Which child deserves money and which child is the most desperate?
Living at home again in New Orleans, I see people closer up. I love them and despise them, just as I love and hate myself. It’s weird. It’s New Orleans. It’s the brandied, beautiful people of the Garden District that most of us rarely see.
What particularly intrigues you about using New Orleans as a backdrop for a family, who on the surface appears to have everything, but scratching deeper is in trouble emotionally and soulfully?
New Orleans is unique with its fun-loving people who celebrate life, death, and decadence. Tonight, my neighbors went to a funeral party. Last week, the Southern Decadence festival took place in the French Quarter. In October, people are talking about Halloween and Voodoo Fest.
Tomorrow, I hope to go to St. Louis Cathedral for 5pm Mass. People love to party, preach, and pray.
Where was the teaser pilot filmed?
The pilot was filmed in a gorgeous mansion on Felicity Street and Coliseum in the Garden District. This part of the Garden District is called Coliseum Square, and used to be a grand place where people, strolled and preened and showed off themselves and their children.
The house is lush and lazy with 2 swimming pools, a jacuzzi, majestic portraits, blue parlor walls and massive pictures of Marilyn Monroe. A back hallway, lined with bunny rabbit wallpaper, leads you to a glass-filled 20-foot ceiling high side porch, where we filmed an art studio scene with Bryan Batt (as Rooster Dubonnet) and Janet Shea (as Irene Dubonnet).
Barret O’Brien, Kelly Lind, ‘Garden District’ TV Pilot, a series about New Orleans, directed by Oley Sassone, written by Rosary O’Neill (John Pope
What have you enjoyed particularly in working on this project?
The people! We have a fantastic team of producers: Jennifer Zoe Taylor, producer and set master director who first agreed to produce; Rory O’Neill Schmitt, financial producer, lead organizer and visual artist from Arizona; Kelly Lind, super actress who handled casting from New Orleans; brilliant Allison Musso, who was my student at Loyola University and took the theatre company I founded (Southern Rep) to Tbilisi, Georgia; Michelle Dumont, who led the exquisite wardrobe design, and who bought an antique dresser that we used in the shoot because she had to get it just right, and would later generously gift it to her daughter; Rachelle O’Brien, musician and marketing expert doing our Facebook. Next is the fantastic, exprienced director, Oley Sassone, who is expertly guiding us.
Most importantly there are the wonderful, superb actors who are infusing Garden District with the brilliant flavors of their craft. These include Bryan Batt, Barret O’Brien, Janet Shea, Kelly Lind, Sherri Eakin, Carl Palmer, Dari Lynn Griffin– just the best of the best. It’s fantastical to see the chemistry.
Finally, there are the top-notch technicians that Oley has brought to the scene, including John Pope.
Seeing all of these scintillating film talents working so hard in that marvelous house lifted me into heaven. This is the closest thing an artist could want, absolute pure joy. It is just amazing to see my work translated and celebrated in a magnificent house in this marvelous town where I was born and grew up. What more could I want? What is even more celestial is that three of the people who are deeply involved in the team are my children. Now, you can guess which ones. And, see why the TV series sizzle shoot was a thrill for me.
Rosary O’Neill and Rory O’Neill Schmitt will keep me apprised of the continued adventures of Garden District the TV series. I’ll pass all that they share with me on to you, their latest photos and updates. You can also check the Garden District Facebook page.
CAROLE DI TOSTI 