Private Project

Wilson's Market - A Mom and Pop Story

In the small town of Bandon, Oregon, the owner of a beloved lunch deli tries to protect his business, family, and community during the COVID pandemic.

  • Trenton Fraser
    Director
  • Archie Garrett
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Southern Oregon University
Director Biography - Trenton Fraser

My name is Trenton Fraser, and I'm from Bandon, Oregon. I am currently finishing up my senior year at Southern Oregon University. I'm a communications major with an emphasis on digital cinema. I'm 33 years old and just finished my capstone project. I directed a short documentary film titled "Wilson's Market - A Mom and Pop Story." After I finish my degree, I plan to pursue a career in film.

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Director Statement

In 2019, I had an idea for a fiction film to satisfy my capstone project at Southern Oregon University. Out of nowhere, the coronavirus changed the world, and I found myself on unemployment. Once the threat of Covid-19 began affecting small businesses and restaurants, I became concerned for Wilson's Market. Wilson's, In my opinion, is the heartbeat of Bandon, Oregon. Owner Archie Garrett has created an experience that blends terrific food with a fun social environment. To me, It's much deeper than that. Wilson's is a place of inclusion that makes everyone feel like family. Archie builds people up and brings people together.

I've seen transients come into town with nothing and eventually found odd jobs at Wilson's Market. It doesn't matter if your homeless or wealthy; Archie will help you if he can. Now, Those transients that seemed lost and forgotten now proudly wear a Wilson's Market shirt. Wilson's is a genuinely positive place. Once it became apparent that every small business could shut down, I decided to attempt a documentary about Archie and his fight to keep his business alive. Bandon would never be the same if Wilson's Market shut down. I started going into Wilson's every day with a mask and a camera. It was scary and intense, but Archie encouraged positive attitudes. Covid 19 was relatively new during filming, so there was tension in the air at all times. I was scared of losing a place that I had been going to since I was five years old. Like most Bandon residents, I love Wilson's Market and often go in there to hang out and chat with the employees. I am passionate about sharing this story, and I think it represents the adversity that small businesses worldwide face. Making this film has changed my entire view of filmmaking. I want to continue to make short documentaries to improve my craft.