'Ernie & Emma' Tells Touching Tale of Newly Widowed Salesman

"Ernie & Emma" is a poignant tale about Ernie Tyler, a small-town pear salesman, and the journey he embarks on following the death of his beloved wife, Emma.

After 25 years as an executive secretary, Emma leaves behind a detailed list of instructions regarding her ashes, which leads Ernie on a journey of challenging and reflective escapades across Pear Valley, Oregon.

As Ernie navigates the road trip of his life, Emma helps him confront his grief and encourages him to move forward, transforming his life in the process.

"Ernie & Emma" marks a change from the action-adventure and horror films that its writer, director, co-producer and main actor Bruce Campbell is known for.

He co-produced "Evil Dead Rise," and starred in genre films such as the Maniac Cop series, John Carpenter's "Escape from L.A.," and MGM's cult favorite "Bubba Ho-Tep." He also had memorable roles in the Coen Brothers' "The Hudsucker Proxy," Disney's "Sky High," and all three of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films.

"'Ernie & Emma' represents a return to truly independent filmmaking," said Campbell. "What independent movies lack in budget, they gain in a singular vision, with creative decisions slaving to the story, not the marketing department.

"I think audiences can feel the difference between a film made by committee and one made by a handful of like-minded individuals," he said. "Quirky stories with odd-ball characters appeal to me, and independent films are more likely to embrace these characteristics.

"I love working with people that I know, plain and simple," he continued. "This familiarity allows for a shorthand in communication and makes a challenging process way more enjoyable. To that end, 'Ernie & Emma' is my version of 'getting the band back together,' collaborating with creative pals."

Over the years, Campbell has made films in such far-flung locations as Costa Rica, Colombia, Bulgaria and New Zealand

"While those experiences. were enriching, they weren't entirely necessary," Campbell said. "Movies are often shot in distant locations simply because the host country offers a better tax rebate, or exchange rate, or cheaper crews, which tends to serve the budget more than the project itself.

"By producing 'Ernie & Emma' independent of studio obligations, we were able to film in actual Oregon locations, at the ideal time of year – Oregon is beautiful in June! – with local acting talent," he said. "On top of that, I got to sleep in my own bed making a movie – something I hadn't done in decades."