On May 1, Belle: The Short completed filming. This period piece is a dramatic thriller based on real-life events that took place in La Porte, IN in the mid-1800s. Directed by Stephen Ruminksi, this 25-minute film will focus on the infamous Belle Gunness and her relationship with her foster daughter, Jennie Olsen.
Gunness, known for luring men through newspaper ads to her farmhouse and taking their money, has left one of the biggest mysteries on La Porte soil. Ruminski had grown up learning about Belle Gunness, but first envisioned the production of this short film once he met co-producer, Bruce Johnson, at one of his slide show viewings a few years ago.
Ann Hagemann and Amanda Raudabaugh were the two leading ladies, depicting Belle and Jennie.
The short film is based primarily on facts, although it allows room for artistic liberty.
The cast and crew captured scenes in downtown La Porte, the Trager Farmhouse in Portage and a third location in Three Oaks, MI.
“All of the locations we visited were so positive and giving, and the people at each of the locations were so excited about the project. Everyone was phenomenal, very down to earth and passionate about the story,” Raudabaugh said.
Jennie’s persona was very sweet and innocent. Belle took Jennie into her home when she was very young. In the 1800s, it was not uncommon for a child to live with someone other than their biological parents.
“Since Jennie was Belle's adopted daughter, I feel like Jennie needed her because Jennie did not have parents of her own. Typically when children do not have parents, they latch on to new parental figures in their lives. Belle took her in and cared for her,” Raudabaugh said.
Belle was stern and had a tight grip around other aspects of her life, but she always made sure she treated Jennie well. The two had a very functional relationship.
"She fed [Jennie], clothed her, took her to church and made sure she kept up with her studies. That was the way Amanda and I acted on set. However, the minute we were off set, it was still a mother-daughter type relationship, but warm and fuzzy,” Hagemann said.
This dynamic duo clicked instantly. They collaborated together, laughed together and respected each other. They built a strong relationship that is seen on camera.
“Amanda and I meshed together very well, and I had to apologize for being mean to her on set, although it was my character. Honestly, when I was done at the end of the week, I cried. I was sad to see it end because the crew and the cast had become a family. I would love nothing more than to be kept on for the feature,” Hagemann said.
The editing process has begun, and will continue throughout the entire summer season. In early fall, the short film will be submitted to film festivals for review. It will then be used as a pitch to create a full-length feature film. If perspective investors are interested, the project will move forward.
“I want to thank the community [thus far] for their generosity. They’ve helped donate through the fundraiser, through cooking [for the cast and crew] and supporting us by being excited about this project and trusting that we will do it justice,” co-producer Rob Roediger said. “I have been attached to this project since Christmastime, and the last three to four months have been crunch time. We’ve put remarkable work and effort into it and it is great being able to take this idea off of paper and finally see it on the big screen.”
If interested in helping this period piece move along, go to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/belle-gunness-short-film. Any future money donated will go towards the production of the feature film.