Updated 6/19/23
In the summer of 2021, all of Whidbey Island became the set of a new feature film. Midday Black Midnight Blue was originally set in the Great Lakes, but when a key location fell through, the filmmakers set their sights on a bigger coast. After scouting some local locations, it became clear that Whidbey had all they were looking for and more. Eventually, the script changed to accommodate an integral new character in the story: the island itself.
The story of Midday Black Midnight Blue follows Ian, isolated in an empty house and haunted by grief over the woman he loved. Two decades after her death, the memories remain, clamoring to be released. With his daily existence turning ever darker, Ian must find a way to let her go. Writer and director team Samantha Soule and Daniel Talbott say the story was born of the pandemic. The two met during their student days at Julliard and have been like siblings ever since. During those lockdown days, when everyone was so isolated and uncertain, these creative souls wouldn’t let their art rest. As soon as covid-safety protocols were put in place for film sets, the team couldn’t wait to reunite and get their script to the screen.
Producers Lovell Holder and Addie Johnson Talbott also both take starring turns on the screen, and the whole thing felt much like a family production. Except the family involved are all talented film professionals with tons of experience and connections. This lovely cast and crew were so down-to-earth and authentic that they felt like islanders themselves. Then they cast Emmy-winning actress Merritt Wever in their film, and we remembered they’re Big Time.
Even so, the filmmakers never tried to change the island to suit the needs of their movie. In fact, they allowed their script to bend to the place and honored the uniqueness of this beautiful community. Many islanders were involved in bringing this story to life, and it will be a thrill to see familiar island locations like The Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s, the Coupeville Wharf, Clinton Food Mart, local schooner SUVA, and many others. In the end, only one interior set does not take place on the island. It is truly a Whidbey Island production.
“To say that Whidbey Island is largely populated by guardian angels would be an understatement. At every turn, we encountered warm and generous partners for our film who trusted us with their properties, who provided us with beautiful meals, and who rode in on white horses at a moment’s notice to save the day. We could not have had a more positive experience shooting our film on Whidbey Island, and we remain so grateful to the community there for welcoming us with open arms.”
-Lovell Holder, producer and actor
After premiering at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2022, the film made its way around the festival circuit, picking up a few awards along the way and finding a distribution deal. In an age where it’s increasingly difficult to do so, the film received a theatrical release June 16. The following week it will be time for island debuts. On the South End, you can see Midday Black Midnight Blue at WICA on Friday, June 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. On the North End, catch a screening at the Blue Fox Drive-In on Wednesday, June 28th at 9:30 p.m. Watch out for the part where characters attend a movie at the very same Blue Fox Drive-In!
Both of these island screenings will include a recorded Q&A session with the cast and crew and feature the car driven by the main character in the movie. This car belongs to a resident on Camano Island, and many props for the film were sourced locally. Being as close as we are to Seattle and surrounded by such beauty and creative talent, Whidbey and Camano Islands are natural choices for filmmakers. If you are an island resident and interested in how to be involved with film on the islands, chat to local film liaison Laura Hilton to find out how. Maybe your home or business would make an excellent location, or your antique collection could provide just the right prop. Perhaps you are interested in being an extra in the future or a production assistant. Maybe you’re not even sure how you could help, but just know that you want to be involved. Visit with Laura at one of the island screenings or contact her at: [email protected]
Enjoy the beautiful cinematography, incredible performances, and familiar island locations of this new feature film at an island screening, or catch it at a Seattle-area theater from tomorrow! Thank you to the filmmakers of Midday Black Midnight Blue for choosing the island as their production’s home, and thank you to the many people of Whidbey and Camano Islands for welcoming and contributing to this special film.
Run time: 88 minutes
Suggested rating: R (nudity, vulgar humor, bad language)