Inside the 18-Day Indie Shoot of Jack Quaid & Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Neighborhood Watch

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The director of the film “Neighborhood Watch,” Duncan Skiles, shares the most astonishing twists and hurdles encountered during the production of this independent movie. “Neighborhood Watch” is a suspenseful mystery unfolding in a grim urban landscape, primarily revolving around Jack Quaid’s character, Simon. An emotionally troubled and fatigued young man, no one will take Simon seriously when he insists that he witnessed a woman being abducted. Desperate for support, Simon enlists the help of his difficult neighbor, Ed, to delve into the truth behind the incident, creating an intriguing partnership in the pursuit of a mystery.

In the movie, the somber aspects are interspersed with impactful character scenes that transition seamlessly from humorous to intense. This was precisely what the creators aimed for, yet they were taken aback by the exceptional camaraderie Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan developed on set. During an interview with Ebaster, director Duncan Skiles discussed the hurdles faced in making the independent film, the most unexpected discoveries made by Jack and Jeffrey during production, and whether he believes Ed and Simon could spearhead future narratives.

Finding The Tonal Balancing Act To Neighborhood Watch With Jack Quaid And Jeffrey Dean Morgan

“Both Of Them Were So Open To Being Vulnerable…”

The main relationship between Simon and Ed is what makes the movie Neighborhood Watch compelling, as they forge an unforeseen connection throughout their shared experiences. According to Skiles, this dynamic served as the foundation for the film, ensuring that the characters’ motivations and desires kept the narrative cohesive. Despite the sudden shifts between surreal hallucinations and the humorous incident of getting sprayed with hand sanitizer, he hopes it all comes together in the end because the story is strong. Much of this can be attributed to the script written by Sean Farley, as the portrayal of an external voice for Simon’s inner thoughts was always intended.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of a movie scene. It provided us with a chance to make something visually captivating and left an indelible impression. However, given the limited resources of Neighborhood Watch, the team had to be quick in adjusting, particularly due to the film’s compressed shooting schedule. As Skiles’ second feature film, Neighborhood Watch gains authenticity and humor from its relatable elements, as seen in the interactions between Jack Quaid’s Simon and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Ed.

Skiles praised both actors, expressing gratitude that they were flexible and cooperative under the tight time constraints – just 18 shooting days. He admired their openness to vulnerability, and noted how refreshing it was not to encounter any “big Hollywood” arrogance. Moreover, he commended Quaid for his inventive approach in portraying Simon’s character.

Simon remains complex despite his recent discharge from a mental institution due to schizophrenia; Jack Quaid skillfully portrayed him with a blend of empathy, humor, and surprising depth. As Skiles reminisced, “Jack was very open to trying new things,” he explained. “He’s the kind of actor who will shoot multiple takes and experiment with various approaches for each take. This gives us plenty of options in the editing room, but he continues refining his performance until we find that perfect balance that feels authentic.

Skiles remembered experiencing more friction with Jeffrey compared to Jack during filming, primarily because Jeff’s authenticity contributes significantly to his captivating performances on screen. He’s a straight-shooter, which I admire and value. Occasionally, this led to disagreements, but these differences ultimately fueled the movie’s creative development. I believe that if everything went smoothly without any conflicts, the outcome might be less engaging. I think a bit of conflict sparks creativity.

The Surprises Of Neighborhood Watch And The Possibility Of Future Stories

“I Absolutely Would Love To See A Continuation”

The unusual facets of the movie “Neighborhood Watch” lie in its progression from a more serious narrative to one that is not only emotional but unexpectedly humorous. Notably, Jeffrey Dean Morgan skillfully brings out the quirks in his character Ed, whether it’s playfully squirting hand sanitizer into people’s eyes or disregarding medical advice while engaging in online poker. There are certain traits of Ed that gradually seep out from beneath his exterior, a technique that often caught Skiles off guard, adding depth to the performance.

I was taken aback by the quality of Jeff’s performance. Despite my close observation and belief that I was fully focused, I underestimated his abilities. When we assembled the rough cut, I showed it to an unbiased audience for feedback. It was then I realized the depth of what he was doing. Both performers were so subtle in their actions that their true talents didn’t stand out until I had some distance from the production. Seeing it on a large screen with fresh eyes who hadn’t seen it before, that moment was truly extraordinary.

When inquired about the possibility of Simon and Ed joining forces again for additional mysteries, Skiles expressed his enthusiasm towards such a prospect. “I’d be thrilled if there was a sequel or follow-up series. Perhaps an ongoing narrative with each installment featuring a new mystery, or a single mystery that unfolds over several episodes or movies within a season of TV. I can’t say for certain, but I would relish the opportunity to delve deeper into these characters’ dynamics. The portions of the film where they interacted together were particularly engaging.

Initially, I decided to omit the scene where Jeffrey instructed Simon on eye contact as I felt it was slowing the pace. However, Sean and Chris Valnet, our writer and producer, suggested a reconsideration. Reluctantly, I included it again during testing, and boy, did it pay off! It turned out to be one of the most impactful moments in the film. This experience made me understand that what initially attracted me to this project was simply spending time with these two characters. And I must say, it works beautifully.

Reflecting on the film’s development, Skiles expressed his satisfaction with the character-centric approach it took. Martin Scorsese once said he values story over plot, and Skiles agrees. He enjoys films where characters converse and grow subtly, and he initially lacked confidence in achieving that. However, he realized that the necessary elements were already present, making it rewarding to be validated in his approach.

Neighborhood Watch is now playing in theaters and available through Video on Demand.

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2025-04-26 19:00