Private Project

THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition

An aging private eye is drawn into a web of kidnappings, murder and Nazi absconded artwork in 1961 Cleveland.

  • Robert Swanson
    Director
    Hitchcock
  • Donn R Nottage
    Director
    In Guns We Trust (Co-Director)
  • Robert Swanson
    Writer
    The Black Valise, Hitchcock
  • Robert Swanson
    Producer
    The Black Valise, Hitchcock
  • Eddy Mars
    Key Cast
    "Harry Nyte"
    The Black Valise, Hitchcock
  • Mark Mayo
    Key Cast
    "Hans Kesserling"
    The Black Valise, The Kingsbury Run
  • Danny Bass
    Key Cast
    "Siedrich Kohlmann"
    Dog Eat Dog
  • Tina Goldfarb
    Key Cast
    "Amy Diehl"
    The Kingsbury Run
  • Robert Shumay
    Key Cast
    "Bobby Darrow"
    The Black Valise, Hitchcock
  • James Kovach
    Key Cast
    "Nacky Gant"
    Banger
  • Hanisha Hall Pursley
    Key Cast
    "Ella Kishman"
    Hush, Now What?
  • Lenny Harris
    Key Cast
    "Ezzard KIshman"
  • Suzy Milano
    Key Cast
    "Susan Stromberg"
    Hitchcock, Lady Justice
  • James R Smith
    Key Cast
    "Anton Stromberg"
  • Donn R Nottage
    Key Cast
    "Dave Dugan"
    The Kingsbury Run, The Demon's Odyssey, Hitchcock
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 56 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 19, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    150,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:2.35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Robert Swanson, Donn R Nottage

DIRECTOR: Robert Swanson

Robert Swanson (MilRoy Pictures) and Donn R. Nottage (Velvet Buck Productions) plus editor and special effects wizard James Neyman (WLFK Productions) have teamed up to create a nostalgic look at our city that is long gone. With painstaking detail, the Cleveland, Ohio streets of yesteryear are brought back to life with antique cars, wardrobe, props and a haunting musical score by local composer Adam Joseph. "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" is a "must see" thriller for film-noir enthusiasts.

Writer, Producer, Co-Director Robert Swanson (MilRoy Pictures) is delighted to see his dream become a reality. Although a stand-alone movie, it's actually a sequel to Swanson's earlier film for COX Cable Television "The Black Valise" which occurs in 1944 and ends there. "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" picks up many years later to continue the saga for a theatrical release. Seven actors from the original picture reprise their roles, having aged naturally.

Swanson (a pioneer in early indie filmmaking) has released six independent features (shot in the 80's & 90's) through the COX Cable Television Network. All of which were produced on a shoe-string budget. Working with Donn R. Nottage and James Neyman, Swanson has finally realized his first "major" motion picture, completed with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and cinema technology to make "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" an outstanding entry into the world of film-noir.

DIRECTOR: Donn R. Nottage

When Donn retired after more than thirty years as Chief Photographer of the City of Cleveland, he immediately delved into acting and filmmaking, a lifelong passion. After acting in several indie films and TV series (including films by co-director Rob Swanson) and producing, directing, shooting and co-writing a series of award-winning shorts for the 48 Hour Film Project, he co-directed and shot the award-winning crime comedy/drama "In Guns We Trust" with Mikail Tot. He also worked on and appeared in editor (for "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition") James Neyman's feature film, "The Kingsbury Run". Donn and his wife Renee head up VELVET BUCK PRODUCTIONS, producing many well-received short films. Currently, they have a weekly show on Cox Cable called "VBP Indie Film Showcase" where they introduce and present works of other independent filmmakers and artists.

Donn R. Nottage: Award-Winning Features and Short Films

"Tales Afire" (2019)
"Hating Tom Planks" (2017)
"In Guns We Trust" (2017)
"Swan Song" (2016)
"Sympathy" (2015)
"Grounds For Elimination" (2014)
"Uncivilized Servant" (2013)

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Director's Statement: Robert Swanson

"Writing and producing "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" was sheer pleasure. After completing "The Black Valise" many years ago (for television audiences courtesy of COX Cable Network) I always envisioned creating a sequel for theaters . Little did I realize that I would sit down for coffee with an old friend, Donn R. Nottage (noted Photographer & Cinematographer) and plan a BIG screen "Hollywood Style" production from a story I had recently completed. After digesting just two pages of the screenplay, Donn seamed to beam with joy as he said "I want to shoot this film!" Shortly after, he introduced me to James Neyman, an Editor and Visual Effects Specialist. Soon, Donn, James and Donn's lovely wife, Renee (also an exceptional talent) joined forces with me to bring "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" to the silver screen. We were gifted with an extraordinary line-up of actors to make this taut thriller literally come to life.

Realizing that Cleveland is now a hub for major and independent films, it's refreshing to know that "our" production is the FIRST "period piece" indie film to be produced here. "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" will take you on a thrill ride to the past. Yes, you'll visit our fair City of Cleveland, Ohio as it was in 1961 and experience a dramatic "film-noir" tale complete with mobsters, kidnappers, stool pigeons, femme fatales and Nazi fugitives. Donn and I are co-directors for this project and it was a joy working with someone of his caliber and technical skills. Donn served as Director of Photography and Colorist as well. Renee Nottage came aboard as Script Supervisor and Production Assistant (among other tasks) and James Neyman as Editor/FX Specialist was the icing on the cake. I am blessed to have this professional ensemble bring "THE FINAL GOODBYE Director's Edition" to the theatrical screen. In closing, as Producer of this motion picture, I wish to thank those who aided me as Executive Producers - Donn R. Nottage, Renee Nottage, James Neyman, Mark Bakalar and Linda Bakalar. Their technical and financial support made this project possible. My thanks also to the CIFF for considering our film for the 2022 festivities."

Director's Statement: Donn R. Nottage

"When Rob came to me with the idea of a sequel to his 90's film "The Black Valise", I saw it as a formidable challenge, but one well worth embarking upon. We were fortunate to have a cast and (quite minimal) crew of diverse talents who worked together with amazing synergy and efficiency to produce something that's highly entertaining, capturing a stylized essence of bygone, yet accessible eras. I greatly appreciate the patience and perseverance of all involved in bringing Rob's vision of his continuing saga to fruition."