Rhode-Island based filmmaker Owen Long initially pitched his latest film as “Lolita meets The Shining” – and we get to see the anticipated hybrid this Friday when Seeds opens in theaters.
How long of a journey has this – as in, filmmaking, Owen?
OWEN LONG: Far longer than anticipated, though I find this to be true with most things in life that are rewarding.
When did you know brandishing a Nikon, and calling the shots on a film set, was what you wanted to do with your life?
OL: What one wants to do with their life is not always clear – but as far back as I can recall I was drawn to the art of storytelling – particularly stories that unfold in unconventional ways. James and the Giant Peach definitely made a lasting impression on me. Believe the film bug made its way under my skin when I was a young boy and had the unique experience of stepping onto the set of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and going to the makeup department to get made up to play a child zombie. That was something.
Had you cut your teeth on shorts or commercials before SEEDS? How did they prepare you for your first feature?
OL: No – dove in naked and blind.
SEEDS would seem to be the work of a very proficient, skilled filmmaker. Where did you learn your craft?
OL: Went to Rhode Island School of Design, many moons ago and there I learned a bit about filmmaking, photography, painting, etc.. but more importantly, there I was introduced to the developing of how to think creatively and to discover what I am attracted to.
Did you have anyone – maybe a mentor? -you could run the script by, or show rushes to, along the way that helped massage the film into the wonderful product it is now?
OL: There are few core individuals whom I trusted and relied on throughout the process – they know who they are and this film would not be what it is without them. The one constant, from concept to completion was my creative partner, and wife Younny, who was a producer and so much more on the film – my barometer and compass to stay on course. We also had the unique opportunity to participate in the ifp Narrative Completion Labs. It was such a fabulous experience that provided unique access to many talented veterans in the industry who helped to guide me through the post postproduction process.
How did you sell your investors on SEEDS? Do you remember the pitch?”
OL: Lolita meets the Shining” – this was my pitch hook.
Where did you shoot? There’s some beautiful terrain in the movie!
OL: We shot on our family property in Rhode Island. Writing the screenplay, it inspired the physical space of the story. Throughout the process, it was an integral element that continued to shape the making of the film. We were especially cognizant of its live nature as the property, and the house was like a secondary character from the script phase, during principle photography and definitely became more defined during the sound design.
The film features raw and powerful performances from a superb up-and-comer – tell us how you managed to convince Trevor – haha – to do the film?
OL: The part was written for him. He had reservations about taking on such a dark challenging role – but I knew Trevor could pull it off. He is very skilled technically and as an actor Trevor draws from this deep well that he has. He gave a genuine and honest portrayal of a very difficult character.