Written by Laura Hilton
We didn’t get as many new movies released last year, while various industry guilds fought hard for their union members. Grassroots creativity is often the most exciting kind though, and residents of Whidbey Island still got to enjoy a world premiere! The locally filmed “A Momentary Diversion (On the Road to the Grave)” made its debut at the Clyde Theatre. A fitting choice, since the Clyde and many other Langley locations appear in the film.
Directed by Michael Frye, this fun and quirky comedy follows three best friends as they navigate a zany path to more meaningful lives. Andy (Andrew Fersch) is searching for a higher purpose, Frank (Justin Silva) wants to teach a lesson to the bullies of the world, and Sara (Gretchen Hahn) is on the lookout for a genuine relationship. The three support each other in their quests and all the mishaps along the way, as they learn it’s a bumpy road to self-discovery.
Andrew Fersch is the writer and producer of the film, as well as playing the lead of the trio. Fersch is a prolific writer and long-time educator, but this was his first screenplay and foray into filmmaking. The story had been percolating for awhile, and like so many creatives in lockdown, the pandemic fueled his desire to make things. Despite having a new child and working hard at the dreaded online teaching of the era, Fersch wrote for four hours every day to bring the script to fruition.
The tale of how the movie came to be is almost as full of twists and turns as the journey Fersch’s characters undergo in the plot. Taking to Craigslist, Maine-based Fersch posted ads for collaborating directors in a few cities he might like to try out. He could have ended up in Portland or Minneapolis, but ultimately Fersch connected best with a Washington-based director and never looked back. In true pandemic style, the whole cast was formed online, and filming began while Fersch was still on the East Coast.
Then disaster struck, as one of the lead actors dropped out and most of the footage became unusable. Fersch and his wife were in the process of moving to Washington, where she had a job opportunity on Whidbey Island. Fersch ultimately stepped into the role of Andy himself, and with his arrival on the island came the discovery of what a creative community it is. Movie making magic ignited, as locals stepped up to offer help with locations and casting, accommodation and inspiration.
Like so many independent and particularly first-time films, Michael Frye and Andrew Fersch filled a great many roles from pre-production all the way through post. Watching this film, it’s obvious how much fun was had making it and the amount of passion poured into its creation. Filmed almost entirely on Whidbey Island and completely by Washington-based cast and crew, audiences will enjoy familiar places and faces. Support the film by renting it on Vimeo and read more about Andrew Fersch’s storied career as educator, children’s book author, adventurer and now film producer!
Andrew Fersch is always interested to meet future collaborators. Feel free to reach out to him at [email protected]