Not surprisingly, Deadline Hollywood’s “Contenders 2021” series went live online this year highlighting their contender picks for productions in this upcoming award season. You can still see the interesting session with Todd McCarthy and the “First Cow” filmmakers that took place over the weekend. The team gets into some of the foodie history behind the film, what Oregon was like in 1820 before it ever became a state, and how Jonathan Raymond’s novel, “The Half-Light” inspired Kelly Reichardt to bring this story to life. Reichardt and Raymond discuss how the rhythm of cooking back then became a central part of this film. Watch the Q and A and read more here.
The New York Film Critics Circle honored First Cow as their “Best Film” choice for 2020. “First Cow” shot entirely on location in Oregon last year at; Oxbow Regional Park, Sauvie Island, Portland, Milo McIver State Park, San Salvador State Beach, and Elkton among other locations. Just recently the film and filmmakers were also recognized by The Gothams for Best Feature, Screenplay, Actor, and Breakthrough Actor in its 30th annual event.
Writer-director, Kelly Reichardt, has used Oregon for the backdrop of many of her features and indeed many of the production team (such as producers, Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani, and Vincent Savino) have worked together on other #OregonMade projects such as; “Wendy and Lucy,” “Night Moves,” “Meek’s Cutoff” and “Certain Women” among others. Johnathan Raymond (“Mildred Pierce”, “Meek’s Cutoff”, “Wendy and Lucy”) authored the novel on which “First Cow” was inspired. Raymond and Reichardt co-wrote the “First Cow” screenplay and indie studio, A24, produced this feature.
“A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds a true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow.”
#OregonMade
