They’ve got the Lowe’s. They’ve got the fancy off-ramps and an overpass—construction of which slowed traffic on I-5 for what seemed like eons last year. For Rogue Valley residents, we don’t often give Phoenix too much thought as we whiz past on our way to Ashland or Medford. But, the world premiere of Phoenix, Oregon on April 13 at the Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) should put the little town of Phoenix on the map for many. Stuck in a rut, two friends take a risk and embark on a new business adventure to ward off (or jump in with both feet) a mid-life crisis. We caught up with a couple of the locals that worked on this film—set in Phoenix, of course—who will be sharing the glory of AIFF with filmmakers from around the globe.

Dave Marshall (Production Designer)

Rogue Valley Messenger: How did you get involved with the Phoenix, Oregon film?

Dave Marshall: I’ve worked on previous films written, directed, and produced by the Lundgrens such as Redwood Highway and Black Road.

RVM: What other films have you worked on, and how did Phoenix compare?

DM: I’ve worked on commercials, spots, and music videos. To name a couple of the larger films are Brother Nature and Wild but most of my work has been within the Indy and small budget films.

RVM: What was the most challenging part of working on the film?

DM: Each film has its own identity in ease or difficulty, crew and locations. There’s always something that you’ll be unprepared for but that is part of the joy and adventure in this industry—especially having a collective team helping one another. One of the greatest challenges with Phoenix, Oregon was creating and building a full scale set interior of a 30-foot airstream along with trying to production design the rest of the locations, props and sets in a very limited time. It’s one of the larger stage sound stage sets I’ve done to date. I’m very proud of all the crew, cast and the generous help from those that donated their time or services, to create Phoenix, Oregon.

Gary Lundgren (Director)

RVM: What was the most challenging part of working on the film?

GL: We had so much to shoot in 20 days, that I’d have to say the pace. There’s really an art to executing each shot the best you can before moving on. Filmmaking is exciting, fun and collaborative—but it can be very unpredictable and stressful when you’re moving so fast.

RVM: What is the most impactful part of the film for you? (Without any spoilers, of course.)

GL: I love our cast and the characters they play. Just watching their external and internal struggles play out on screen. Seeing them take risks and pursue more fulfilling lives is still very satisfying to me. 

RVM: What in the film do you think specifically speaks to Rogue Valley residents?

GL: It will be interesting to residents who love Southern Oregon and even to those who call the northwest their home. It will definitely speak to those who have opened their own businesses and understand those challenges. Mostly though, this film is for people who love real characters and independent, narrative films. It’s not a documentary. It’s a work of fiction that was shot all over Southern Oregon.

RVM: What do you hope the audience will take away from the film?

GL: I hope film lovers find it cinematic, funny and emotional. I hope they enjoy their time with these characters and can relate to them. And I hope they find the film life-affirming and meaningful.  

World Premiere of Phoenix, Oregon
6 pm, Saturday, April 13
Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak Street, Ashland