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.

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).