TULSA, Okla. — A local filmmaker continues to make waves in Hollywood and overseas.
A year ago, fresh off the release of his fourth film, “Ida Red”, FOX23 morning anchor Ron Terrell sat down with Tulsa native John Swab, the film’s writer and director.
Swab recently stopped by the FOX23 studio to chat about what he’s been up to. Three films from Swab are set to be released in 2023.
“One’s going to come out in January, that’s “Candy Land”, a horror film that did the [festival] circuit in Europe,” said Swab. “And “Little Dixie”, which we shot here a year ago today, that’s going to be premiering in Rotterdam and will end up being released not too long after that.”
“Candy Land” stars Swab’s wife, Sam Quartin, and William Baldwin, as well as “Yellowstone” actor Eden Brolin.
“It’s been probably my best-received film, ever. It’s done a lot of really, really high profile festivals in Europe, and kind of unanimously been hailed as a success. So hopefully that translates to the states as well,” said Swab.
“Little Dixie” features Frank Grillo in his third collaboration with Swab, along with Eric Dane, Annabeth Gish and Peter Greene, and was shot in and around Tulsa.
“[It’s] kind of a throwback action movie that ... we love, so I’m excited for people to see that and hopefully be reminded of movies they used to love in the past,” Swab said. “It’s kind of an ode to that kind of cinema.”
Swab said his third movie is titled “One Day as a Lion” and will be released after “Little Dixie”. Written by Scott Caan and starring Grillo, J.K. Simmons, Taryn Manning and Virginia Madsen, “One Day as a Lion” was also filmed in Tulsa.
“So [we’re] looking forward to 2023. I enjoy shooting the movies more than I do releasing them, but it’s nice to let everybody see their work and share it with everybody else. So I’m excited for people to see the films.”
Life is good for Swab, who’s shot six of his seven films in Oklahoma, and recently moved back to Tulsa.
A self-taught director who’s collaborated with executive producer Jeremy Rosen since 2019, Swab said he’s still learning every day and draws from personal experiences for inspiration.
“I guess my brain has always been a little off. But I also have a history with drugs and alcohol that was pretty extensive. I like to say I did a lot of research in that department,” said Swab. “I’ve since celebrated seven years of sobriety so I’m on the other side of that hill. But there’s a lot there to work with, and I think I’ve got a lifetime to mine that material.”
Swab’s biggest supporter is his wife, Sam, who he met on his very first project. She’s since appeared in several of his films and is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band The Bobby Lees.
“I met my wife on my first short film. She came in to audition, and she left, and I turned to someone I was working with and said I’m going to marry that girl, and they laughed at me and for good reason. I was a mess,” said Swab.
He said his platonic friendship with Sam eventually turned romantic.
“We ended up falling in love and getting married and all that stuff, so our relationship was birthed out of working together.”
Swab said without her, he wouldn’t be where he is now.
“It’s a really special thing, and I kind of can’t believe that I found her in this life, and I’m extremely grateful I did because she got me sober, and without her and that support, I don’t know what would have happened,” Swab said. “I’d probably be dead, honestly. But I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s pretty amazing to get to share that with her.”
Swab revealed he has another project set to begin filming this spring.
“It’s been an interesting ride, and I’d like to think the films we’re making keep getting better, and better and more refined.”
“Candy Land” will screen at Circle Cinema on its opening night Jan. 6. Swab, his wife and Jeremy Rosen will take part in a Q&A that evening.
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